Stroke

OBJECTIVE: Examine the safety and feasibility of a 12-week Tai Chi intervention among stroke survivors.

DESIGN: Two-group, prospective pilot study with random allocation.

SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation facility.

SUBJECTS: Stroke survivors ≥50 years and at ≥three months post-stroke.

Purpose: This article provides an update on cardiovascular genomics using three clinically relevant exemplars, including myocardial infarction (MI) and coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, and sudden cardiac death (SCD).

Organizational Construct: Recent advances in cardiovascular genomic research,testing, and clinical implications are presented.

Methods: Genomic nurse experts reviewed and summarized recent salient literature to provide updates on three selected cardiovascular genomic conditions.

According to reported global estimates, 15 million people suffer from a stroke each year, resulting in 5.5 million deaths, with 5 million left permanently disabled. Typical disabilities following stroke include poor neuromuscular control, hemodynamic imbalance, and negative mood state. Tai Chi (TC) is associated with better balance, lower blood pressure, and improved mood, which are important for stroke survivors. An overview of the philosophy and principles of TC exercise is provided, followed by a literature review of reported TC studies examining balance, blood pressure, and mood.