Promoting Quality Healthcare for Older Adults: Tai Chi and Balance Orthotic Techniques

Running head: ESSENTIALS OF NURSING RESEARCH
ESSENTIALS OF NURSING RESEARCH
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1ESSENTIALS OF NURSING RESEARCH
Introduction
The improvement of quality of life of the older adults should be recognized as one of the
prime priorities of the health care services. Studies have shown that in the recent years the nature
of the medical services that is provided to the older adults have changed, increasing their life
expectancy to about 80 years . Most of the clinicians tend to focus on the ways of diagnosing the
disease as well as treatment of the disease, however it has been that the older people are mostly
concerned about the quality of their lives. Although they may be troubled by the concept of
ageing, as a result of which they are not eager to seek treatment for the serious health conditions,
in spite of suffering from disability or distress. This paper therefore aims to highlight two
different ways to promote quality of health with respect to that of the older adults. The paper
discusses the techniques of Tai chi which is a form of martial art that helps to elevate the health
conditions of the older people in terms of strength, improving balance that will prevent falls and
promote functional mobility. Additionally the paper illustrates the impact of use of balance
Orthotic that helps in elevating the measures of balance and movement in case of older adults. A
critical analysis is carried out in order to better understand how these techniques help to enhance
the betterment of lives of the older adults.
Description of topic of interest
The topic of interest here focuses on the promotion of health care in the older adults populations.
Individuals of this population generally fails to understand the importance of quality of care and
simple concentrate on the result of the treatment procedures. Hence promotion of good quality of
health care maintenance is required. Examples of such health care strategies can be implemented
of Tai Chi along with use of balance orthotic in such groups of people (Wayne et al., 2014).

2ESSENTIALS OF NURSING RESEARCH
Using these strategies the health of the patients can be increases to a great extend thus promoting
quality care of and health service.
Review of article 1
The research article used a deductive approach of research strategy since a
quasiexperimental study was conducted using 1-group pre-/posttest method. This helped to
understand the impact of daily wear during a term of 4 months. The study aimed primarily the
effect it had on the mobility. Additionally it investigated the balance and the rate of falls in case
of older adults.
The study reflected balance orthotic and its functionality as being the independent
variables whereas the older adults on whom the effect is being studied as the dependent
variables. In order to recruit participants, methods were adapted such as distribution of flyers
along with a letter addressed by a retirement center. In order to screen participants a study was
conducted along with obtaining of written consent from the participants. Criteria of inclusion
involved age of 65 and above, study assessment completion ability, and the capacity of the walk
a distance of 30 ft with or without an assistive device. The confirmation of mobility limitation
which was indicated by a score between 4 and 9 out of 12 points on the Short Physical
Performance Battery (SPPB). The exclusion criteria were impairment of the cognitive features
that was indicated by a score of less than 24 out of 30 points in the Mini-Mental State
Examination. Other factors were uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled cardiovascular issues or
pain, and a progressive neurological disorder (Parkinson’s disease or MS) accompanied by
severe visual impairment (Paiehdar et al., 2014).