Effects of modified Tai Chi Chuan on balance in older adults
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2009.0018Keywords:
Tai Chi, older adults, recreational therapyAbstract
The purpose of this study was to test the overall balance of older adults who participated in a modified 10-step Tai Chi Chuan program. The 19 participants who were chosen for this study all resided in rural southern Illinois at either an assisted living facility or an independent living facility. All of the participants were over the age of 65, and had experienced a reduction in the ability to maintain balance. The Balance Scale served as the instrument to measure balance in participants.18 Measures were taken at the baseline and at the endof- program to test for improvement. The test group included 10 participants who practiced Tai Chi. The comparison group included nine participants who practiced non-Tai Chi exercise. The program lasted eight weeks and both groups met for 30-minute sessions three times a week. Results indicate both the test group and the comparison group received health benefits. Data analysis indicated a moderate to strong relationship between the practice of Tai Chi and balance improvement in the test group. Interestingly, the balance measures of the comparison group who participated in the non-Tai Chi exercise also improved. Thus, the data indicate a moderate improvement in balance among an aged population for both non-Tai Chi exercise and Tai Chi exercise.References
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