Tai-Chi for Residential Patients with Schizophrenia on Movement Coordination, Negative Symptoms, and Functioning: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract EN

Objective.

Patients with schizophrenia residing at institutions often suffer from negative symptoms, motor, and functional impairments more severe than their noninstitutionalized counterparts.

Tai-chi emphasizes body relaxation, alertness, and movement coordination with benefits to balance, focus, and stress relief.

This pilot study explored the efficacy of Tai-chi on movement coordination, negative symptoms, and functioning disabilities towards schizophrenia.

Methods.

A randomized waitlist control design was adopted, where participants were randomized to receive either the 6-week Tai-chi program and standard residential care or only the latter.

30 Chinese patients with schizophrenia were recruited from a rehabilitation residency.

All were assessed on movement coordination, negative symptoms, and functional disabilities at baseline, following intervention and 6 weeks after intervention.

Results.

Tai-chi buffered from deteriorations in movement coordination and interpersonal functioning, the latter with sustained effectiveness 6 weeks after the class was ended.

Controls showed marked deteriorations in those areas.

The Tai-chi group also experienced fewer disruptions to life activities at the 6-week maintenance.

There was no significant improvement in negative symptoms after Tai-chi.

Conclusions.

This study demonstrated encouraging benefits of Tai-chi in preventing deteriorations in movement coordination and interpersonal functioning for residential patients with schizophrenia.

The ease of implementation facilitates promotion at institutional psychiatric services.