Tai Chi Training for Persons With Multiple Sclerosis.

The randomized controlled trial compares 12 weeks of Tai Chi. The intervention comprises two 75-minute sessions each week. Clinical outcomes are measured before and after training to examine the maintenance of benefits and self-management behaviours.

Inclusion criteria are age over 18 years, definite MS diagnosis, ability to walk more than 100 m, no relapse or pharmacological treatment adjustment in the preceding eight weeks, no Tai Chi practice in the preceding six months, and ability to understand and communicate in Swedish or English. Exclusion criteria are dementia, alcoholism and serious medical comorbidity preventing participation.

Participants are recruited through MS and rehabilitation clinics in Region Stockholm, Neuro Sweden and social media advertisements. Screening confirms eligibility and provides a baseline assessment. Oral and written information is given and informed consent obtained before enrollment. Baseline data include age, sex, civil and employment status, and disease characteristics, including MS severity. Participants may withdraw without consequences for their care.

Tai Chi programme Training comprises three components: warm-up exercises to improve mobility and flexibility, reduce tension and introduce relaxed breathing; simple Tai Chi movements and a short sequence to develop coordinated, gentle weight shifts; and Standing like a Tree Qigong to develop upright posture, relaxation and breathing awareness. The programme teaches foundational skills and supports regular practice that can be integrated into daily living.

Participants are encouraged to maintain their usual activities but avoid starting additional exercise programmes during the intervention. Home Tai Chi practice is encouraged and recorded. Four make-up classes per month are available, and participants receive an instructional video to support continued practice after the supervised programme.

Clinical outcome measures MSIS-29 assesses the physical and psychological impact of MS [15]. Secondary outcomes are fatigue (FSMC), anxiety and depression (HADS), pain (BPI-SF), and lower-limb strength (30-second chair-stand). Gait is assessed with the 10-metre walk test and 6MWT, and balance with the Mini-BESTest. Quality of life is assessed with the Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life Scale (BBQ), and self-efficacy with the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease scale (SEMCD) [16-24]. Self-efficacy is of particular interest because confidence in managing symptoms may support continued use of rehabilitation skills.