Optimal aging and well-being is a goal of every adult. Mobility, walking speed and balance are key to maintaining functional independence, community engagement and quality of life. Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, is a mind-body exercise that influences physical, mental and social wellness. The slow, deliberate and integrated movements of Tai Chi foster effective and efficient functional movement patterns. The breadth and scope of Tai Chi research has advanced steadily since the turn of the century. Now, there is ample scientific evidence that Tai Chi fights back on the chronic diseases of aging. Its many health benefits overlap well with the leading causes of mortality and morbidity seen in older adults. Persons of all ages and abilities can perform Tai Chi. Tai Chi promotes optimal aging and well-being by providing mild-to-moderate cardiorespiratory exercise, muscular strengthening, balance and postural control along with many mental and social benefits. This paper offers the reader an outline of the who-what-where-when-why and how of Tai Chi practice to promote optimal aging and well-being for the older adult.
| http://medcraveonline.com was first described in the scientific literature in 1981. 2 TC emphasized an alert, yet relaxed mind, and a strong, yet supple body. Traditional Chinese Medicine distinguished TC as a holistic exercise with strong preventative elements. It was considered ideal for balancing one's mind and body, creating an overall sense of peace and harmony and naturally inspiring longevity. 3 The Chinese proclaimed TC as a spiritual exercise beneficial for mental health (psychological wellbeing) and physical health by decreasing blood pressure, providing mild aerobic exercise, improving flexibility (particularly spinal mobility) and promoting the conservation of energy (Qi) through efficient and effective (i.e. functional) movements. 2,3 Modern medicine describes TC is a meditative movement therapy 4 that fosters functional movement patterns addressing the strength, endurance, mobility and balance impairments frequently seen in the aging population. 1-5 Today, the health benefits of TC are renowned and address many of the mortality and morbidity factors associated with lifestyle-related noncommunicable diseases and conditions (e.g. osteoarthritis, heart disease, cognitive impairment and dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke) seen it the 21 st century. 6-9 The rising burden of chronic disease poses a challenge for the health system and requires innovative approaches to optimize aging and wellness. 6-9 Community-based and individual practice of TC holds promise as a health promotion and wellness exercise as well as an intervention for a variety of chronic health conditions afflicting older adults. 1-9
Introduction: Chronic low back pain (cLBP) among older adults is a complex, biopsychosocial condition that despite research efforts and innovative interventions remains a prevalent, disabling and costly condition. This case highlights the use of tai chi (TC) for persistent geriatric LBP.Case Presentation: A 68-year-old Caucasian female with cLBP, neuromuscular imbalances, leg weakness and fall risk was treated with a walking program (aerobic), manual therapy (mobility), lumbar stabilization (strength) and group TC class (neuromuscular function).Discussion: Research validates TC for a variety of older adult health conditions, but few studies demonstrated effectiveness for cLBP. This case outlines the use of a simplified Yang-style TC for management of persistent geriatric LBP.Conclusion: The addition of group TC to standard treatment for cLBP resulted in improved functional outcomes, decreased pain ratings and improved leg strength, flexibility and balance as compared to standard treatment for cLBP. Following the group TC class the client reported significant self-perception of recovery, and these functional and confidence gains eliminated the need for physiotherapy services for cLBP for three subsequent years.
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