Perceived Benefits of an Adaptive Tai Chi Program Among Veterans with Ambulatory Limitations

Zack Simoni (), Darrell Walsh, Lori Waite, Beth Herring, Karen Wilson, Chang Phuong and Zibin Guo
Additional contact information
Zack Simoni: Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Geography, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA
Darrell Walsh: Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Geography, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA
Lori Waite: Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Geography, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA
Beth Herring: Independent Researcher, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA
Karen Wilson: Independent Researcher, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA
Chang Phuong: College of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA
Zibin Guo: Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Geography, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 9, 1-15

Abstract: Background: The growing population of aging veterans in the United States often experiences disabilities that restrict physical activity and limit overall well-being and self-reported health. Accessible, practical, and inclusive interventions are crucial to improve their well-being. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the perceived benefits of an adaptive Tai Chi program among veterans with ambulatory limitations. Methods: The researchers conducted a qualitative thematic analysis to thoroughly investigate veterans’ experiences and perceptions regarding an adaptive Tai Chi intervention. Results: Four primary benefits of adaptive Tai Chi emerged from the perspectives of the veteran participants. These included psychological improvements such as heightened mindfulness, enhanced emotional regulation, and a greater sense of control over thoughts and emotions, proving especially valuable for those managing PTSD. Additionally, the program fostered strong social connections and was perceived as highly inclusive, accommodating diverse physical abilities. We also find that the accommodating and adaptive nature of the program empowered veterans to reframe their disability and expand their perception of their physical capabilities. Conclusions: These detailed qualitative findings suggest that adaptive Tai Chi may be a valuable therapeutic intervention for improving the overall well-being of aging veterans with ambulatory challenges while also addressing their psychological, social, and physiological needs.

Keywords: disability; adaptive Tai-Chi; veterans; ambulatory limitations; seniors; physical activity; social connection (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/9/1326/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/9/1326/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:9:p:1326-:d:1733147

Access Statistics for this article

IJERPH is currently edited by Ms. Jenna Liu

More articles in IJERPH from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().