The effect of tai chi exercise on gait speed and the rate of fall in elderly women

Abstract

Background and aims: Decreased physical functioning and increased risk of fall are among the most common age-related problems among elderly people. This study aimed at assessing the effects of tai chi exercise on gait speed (GS) and fall rate among a group of elderly women in Iran. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2018. Participants were sixty elderly women purposefully selected from comprehensive healthcare centers in Lahijan, Iran, and randomly assigned to an intervention and a control group. Study intervention was Yang-style tai chi exercise implemented in two group sessions per week for twelve consecutive weeks. GS was assessed before and after the intervention using the short physical performance battery and fall rate was assessed using a researcher-made self-report fall assessment checklist. The SPSS program for Windows (v. 18.0) was employed for data analysis at a significance level of less than 0.05. Results: Between-group differences respecting the pretest and the posttest GS were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Moreover, posttest fall rate in the intervention group was less than the control group. Conclusion: Tai chi exercise is effective in increasing GS and reducing fall rate among elderly women and is recommended for elderly people.

Implementing Tai Chi Exercise in Long-Term Care to Reduce Falls

“…Falls are one of the most widespread problems experienced by aged adults, affecting their health, finances, and quality of life. 4 One strategy to reduce falls is implementing an evidence-based solution to include tai chi exercises. These coordinated exercise programs prevent falls and positively impact fall prevention behaviors in LTCF residents.…”

“…2 Older adults who fall are at risk of severe injuries, decreased functional ability, loss of self-sufficiency, seclusion, increased fear of falling, immobility, and increased health care utilization. [3][4][5] In 2019, emergency departments reported 3 million visits due to older adults falling, costing approximately $50 billion in medical expenses, of which 75% are paid by Medicare and Medicaid. 6 Preventing falls in older adults is multifaceted and requires early intervention to maintain or improve physical functioning and minimize the frailty level and fall risk.…”

“…12 Physical exercise programs that target balance, strength, and mobility can help minimize the fear of falling and lead to fewer fall incidents in older adults. 4,5 Studies show that exercise programs that use tai chi decrease fall risk in the older adult population by targeting strength and balance, resulting in effective fall prevention. 13,14 Tai chi originates from traditional Chinese martial arts and is an organized exercise method commonly practiced in Chinese and Asian cultures.…”

“…The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 out of 4 older adults (aged 65 years and older) will fall each year in the United States 2. Older adults who fall are at risk of severe injuries, decreased functional ability, loss of self-sufficiency, seclusion, increased fear of falling, immobility, and increased health care utilization 3-5. In 2019, emergency departments reported 3 million visits due to older adults falling, costing approximately $50 billion in medical expenses, of which 75% are paid by Medicare and Medicaid 6…”

“…Planned and organized exercises can help improve or maintain physical, mental, emotional, psychological, and cognitive functions in older adults 12. Physical exercise programs that target balance, strength, and mobility can help minimize the fear of falling and lead to fewer fall incidents in older adults 4,5…”