The Effectiveness of Community-Based Tai Chi Training on Balance Control during Stair Descent by Older Adults

Abstract

Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of community-based Tai Chi (TC) training on balance control during stair descent by older adults.[Subjects] Participants were randomly assigned to either the TC group or the wellness education (WE) group. The participants in the TC group received TC training three times a week for 12 weeks. The participants in the WE group participated in a health education program for one hour weekly.[Methods] Subjects stood in a predetermined position at the top of a custom-built 3-step staircase and then negotiated the stairs at a selfpaced speed. Participants were asked to place only one foot on each step (foot-over-foot). The changes in the translation of the center of pressure (COP) before and after TC training were measured. [Results] Subjects in the TC group showed a significant increase in the displacement of COP in the anteroposterior (A-P) and mediolateral (M-L) directions as well as average velocity of the COP displacement after Tai Chi training (p<0.01). There was little change in the COP displacement for subjects in the WE group.[Conclusion] These findings support the use of TC training as an effective fall prevention program to reduce the incidence of falls among the elderly.

Effects of Tai Chi Training on Obstacle Avoidance and Gait Initiation by Older People

“…In the present study, TC training resulted in a 21% increase in the average COP velocity of both limbs during GI and obstacle crossing. This finding agrees with Kim et al 60) who reported a greater COP velocity in older adults during stair negotiation after TC training, as compared to before TC training. The increased COP velocity is likely the result of exercise-induced adaptation of the postural control system during GI or obstacle crossing, and this may be indicative of an improvement in dynamic stability.…”

Tai Chi and Its Effects on Dynamic Postural Control in the Initiation of Gait by Older People

“…A previous study reported that healthy older adults have a greater COP displacement toward the swing limb while performing level walking than those with disability 35) . The findings of our current study agree with the results of the previous studies 50,51) that demonstrated increased displacement of COP in the M-L direction in the performance of obstacle crossing and stair descent after TC training for healthy and fall-prone older adults.…”

“…These findings are similar to those reported for level walking, stepping over an obstacle on the ground and descending stairs after TC training 20,50,51) . In those previous studies, Chris et al 20) and Kim 50,51) reported increased posterior displacement of COP after TC training in both healthy and frail older adults when they initiated gait or descended stairs.…”

“…These findings are similar to those reported for level walking, stepping over an obstacle on the ground and descending stairs after TC training 20,50,51) . In those previous studies, Chris et al 20) and Kim 50,51) reported increased posterior displacement of COP after TC training in both healthy and frail older adults when they initiated gait or descended stairs. Frail older adults, in particular, increased the magnitude of their A-P displacement of COP bringing it to closer to that reported for more healthy elderly subjects 20,50,51) .…”

Traditional Chinese Mind and Body Exercises for Promoting Balance Ability of Old Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

“…TCMBE as an effective, low-cost, and safety exercise approach is widely accepted in elderly people in China and other Asian countries [12–14]. During recent years, many studies reported that motor movements of elderly people were improved by participating in Tai Chi, Qigong, and Baduanjin [10, 15, 16].…”