Effects of home-based digital-assisted dyadic Tai Chi training in Chinese chronic heart failure patients and family caregivers: a randomised controlled trial protocol

INTRODUCTION: Lack of exercise or sustained low engagement in exercise represents a significant risk factor for adverse health outcomes among chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. Concurrently, family caregivers of patients with CHF often endure considerable caring burdens, leading to low quality of life (QoL) and diminished health status. Substantial evidence supports that Tai Chi has beneficial effects on cardiac function and heart failure prognosis. However, conventional Tai Chi interventions are often constrained by limitations such as site dependency and overlook the roles and needs of caregivers. Therefore, we developed a home-based, digital-assisted dyadic Tai Chi training programme aimed at improving health outcomes for both patients with CHF and their family caregivers. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: test. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HSEARS20240904005) and the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. The results will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal and disseminated through conference presentation to provide a novel paradigm for optimising dyadic well-being in patients with CHF and their caregivers. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT06876441.