Children and Adults Tai Chi Study (CF-CATS2): a randomised controlled feasibility study comparing internet-delivered with face-to-face Tai Chi lessons in cystic fibrosis

What is it about?

Exercise is a fundamental part of cystic fibrosis (CF) treatment but it can be difficult to access exercise classes because of the risk of cross infection. It can be hard to continue with exercise when an infection or exacerbation occurs. This study of 40 adults and children with CF compares teaching and learning of Tai Chi over the internet with face to face lessons and is significant in that it opens up possibilities for people with CF and other long term health problems to use the internet to learn complex exercise effectively. Our findings corroborate previous data that Tai Chi can improve breathing, posture and stress, and show that internet learning is comparable to individual face to face classes. This feasibility study shows that Tai Chi is a safe and usable exercise for people with CF, even when they are unwell and it opens the door for future research into this area.

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