This study is all women who have had chemotherapy with any
cancer treatment. There are about 15 in this first class from ages 50 to 75. My
commitment is 6 months of Tai Chi classes twice a week and 6 months follow-up.
The objective is looking at falls and balance and the impact the various
exercises have on influencing the outcome for better balance, greater stability
and less falls.
Tai Chi is very different than dance, weight, strength, or
stretch classes. It is slow. I am trying to embrace the slowness. For hand
placement we are told to imagine holding a ball. I have never been into ball
sports but I am embracing the Tai Chi imaginary ball.
My experiences in the past studies fostered a sense of
community and I have made some close friends. I am looking forward to get to
know the members of this class. Widening
the scope to all cancers is a great learning experience. I am humbled by the
strength and endurance of some of my classmates in their quest for thriving in survivorship.
One of the most important outcomes for the study for all
women is in the future. It will give proven data on the effects of exercise be
it Tai Chi or stretch or weight training on improving balance and reduce falls
in women over age 50 who had chemotherapy in their cancer treatments. Once data is published and proven which may
be in 4 years from now, doctors will be able to prescribe an exercise program
to help their patients in their survivorship. I am honored to participate in
this study.
Have you made friends from an exercise class? Do you love
Tai Chi? Have you participated in a study?
If you live in the Portland, Oregon area and qualify call
Jessica at 503-494-4427
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