Tai Chi Exercise can Improve the Obstacle Negotiating Ability of People with Parkinson’s Disease: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Tai Chi (TC)-based exercise on dynamic postural control during obstacle negotiation by subjects with mild or moderate Parkinson’s disease (PD). [Subjects] Twelve subjects (mean age, 65.3±6.1 years) diagnosed with idiopathic PD were enrolled for this study. [Methods] All the subjects were tested a week before and 12 weeks after the initiation of the TC exercise. In the test, they were instructed to negotiate an obstacle from the position of quiet stance at a normal speed. They were trained with TC exercise that emphasized multidirectional shift in weight bearing from bilateral to unilateral support, challenging the postural stability, three times per week for 12 weeks. Center of pressure (COP) trajectory variables before and after TC exercise were measured using two force plates. [Results] A comparison of the results between pre- and post-intervention showed a statistically significant improvement in anteroposterior and mediolateral displacement of COP. [Conclusion] Twelve weeks of TC exercise may be an effective and safe form of stand-alone behavioral intervention for improving the dynamic postural stability of patients with PD.

The impact of Tai Chi and Qigong mind-body exercises on motor and non-motor function and quality of life in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Balance was reported in 10 studies [40, 41, 45, 46, 49, 50, 55, 58–60], including 7 RCTs. Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale, posturography, or single leg standing time.…”

“…Lack of heterogeneity persisted in subgroup analysis. Three additional non-controlled studies [58–60] also reported within-group improvements in balance.…”

Psychological Benefits of Nonpharmacological Methods Aimed for Improving Balance in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review

“…In a RCT study, TC training also improved multiple motor control abilities, such as direction control, maximum excursion, functional reach, knee extension, and flexion peak torque, when compared to the control (stretching) group [ 33 , 34 ]. TC training also leads to better dynamic postural control during obstacle negotiation, meaning that PD patients could more effectively negotiate an obstacle from the position of quiet stance at a normal speed, which results from a better balance control [ 35 ]. TC has also shown the potential to significantly improve balance, but also a significantly decrease in experience of falls, when compared to the control group.…”

Effects of a Biomechanical-based Tai Chi Program on Gait and Posture in People With Parkinson’s Disease: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Participants in the TC group will be asked to partake in minimum of two 1-hour TC class per week for twelve weeks. This duration and frequency of practice has previously been used in past TC studies for this population to achieve the desired bene cial effects on postural stability and movement capacity [67][68][69][70]. The selected intensity, duration, and frequency of the training is appropriate to meet the demands of a low-to-moderate level of exercise classi cation [71].…”