Tai chi for stress reduction and glycemic control among hispanic older adults

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality among Hispanic older adults in the US. Stress negatively impacts glycemic control through behavioral and patho-physiologic mechanisms. Physical activity (PA) has stress reduction effects for persons with diabetes. Hispanic older adults show low adherence to PA recommendations and prefer low impact over aerobic or resistance exercise. Limited research examines stress management in minorities with T2D. Tai Chi (TC) is a meditative and low-impact PA that reduces stress, insulin resistance and blood glucose levels, and may be beneficial in secondary prevention of diabetes-related complications. Purpose: To evaluate effects of TC on biomedical, behavioral and psychosocial factors of Hispanic older adults with T2D. Methods: A randomized pilot study comparing TC against health/exercise information among Hispanic older adults seeking to enroll 40 participants is under way. Eligible are Hispanics >50 years diagnosed with T2D, with no cognitive or physical complications, who can exercise. Participants will receive bi-weekly TC classes for 12 weeks or monthly health/exercise information. After 12 weeks, the control group will also receive the intervention. Main outcomes (A1C, blood pressure and psychosocial stress), and covariates (self-care activities, physical activity, quality of life, social support) are measured at baseline and post-test; receptivity to TC and intention to practice are measured at mid-course and posttest. Discussion: Lessons learned in the adaptation of TC to Hispanic older adults with T2D as well as receptivity to and effects of PA and stress reduction on biomedical, behavioral and psychosocial factors will be discussed.