Mind how you go
A team of researchers at London South Bank University and the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital has been exploring how the Chinese exercise tai chi can help people living with cystic fibrosis improve their emotional and physical wellbeing.
Tai chi uses slow choreographed movements, breathing exercises and mindfulness, and the team hopes to demonstrate how it can empower people with cystic fibrosis to maintain their health.
Forty adults and children with cystic fibrosis received tai chi lessons over Skype, video and in person during the nine-month study, which followed a literature review and a pilot study.
While the results are still being analysed by Professor Nicola Robinson, Dr Patricia Ronan and colleagues from the Royal Brompton Hospital, to be published later this year, initial findings reveal that almost 60% said the trial had helped their breathing, including enabling them to get more mucus out during physio. The majority of participants reported improvements in managing stress and anxiety, with some reporting improved sleep and better awareness of posture.
The project was a collaboration with the Tracie Lawlor Trust for Cystic Fibrosis. It was commissioned by its lead, Joseph Lawlor, who practices tai chi himself and lives with cystic fibrosis.
Find out more about tai chi.