The Feasibility of an Integrative Online Tai Chi Easy Intervention Plus a Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Program

Abstract

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to examine the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of adding a Tai Chi Easy (TCE) intervention to an asynchronously delivered online diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) program for working adults ages 40 to 64 years old diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods:

Participants attended the online intervention after providing informed consent. Recorded videos (45-minutes DSMES and 45-minutes TCE) were sent to participants via Research Electronic Data Capture twice weekly for 6 weeks. DSMES+TCE intervention acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility was assessed postintervention using a validated tool. Using validated self-report measures and finger-worn sensors, physical health was assessed preintervention, and psychological health and health behaviors were assessed preintervention and postintervention.

Results:

Twenty-eight participants (mean age = 51, 68% females) completed the study. Participants mainly used diet and exercise (71%) and oral medication (75%) to treat their T2DM but had elevated A1C levels (6.74 ± 1.16) preintervention. Participants reported 89% acceptability, 85% appropriateness, and 100% feasibility of the online DSMES+TCE intervention. Compared to preintervention, there was a reduction in diabetes-related distress, depression, stressful life events, and perceived stress and greater diabetes quality of life postintervention. In addition, they increased their daily total fruit and vegetable intake, reduced added sugar intake, and increased daily sleep duration postintervention compared to preintervention.

Conclusion:

The addition of TCE to the standardized DSMES curriculum was found to be acceptable, appropriate, and feasible as a remotely delivered asynchronous online intervention for working adults ages 40 to 64 years with T2DM.