The Temporospatial and Kinematic Characteristics of Typical Tai Chi Movements: Repulse Monkey and Wave-hand in Cloud

Abstract

Tai Chi movements share many similar biomechanical features with normal walking. The purpose of the study was to examine and to compare the temporospatial and kinematic features of two typical Tai Chi movements with forward walking. Experienced male Tai Chi practitioners (n = 15) between the ages of 65 to 75, performed 'Repulse Monkey (RM)', 'Wave-hand in Cloud (WHIC)', and forward walking. The results showed that stride width was larger for WHIC compared with walking; double-support time was longer for RM while both Tai Chi movements spent less time in single-support. The Tai Chi movements elicit larger vertical and mediolateral displacement of the centre of mass compared with walking. During RM and WHIC, the knees remained flexed while RM had notably larger abduction and adduction of the knee joint. The gentle and fluid Tai Chi movements have unique biomechanical features that may result in special training to postural control capacity.

Effects of 24 weeks of Tai Chi Exercise on Postural Control among Elderly Women

“…These movements are similar to the test conditions in the present study, which require visual feedback and coordination of multiple body segments. Law and Li (2014) studied the 'repulse monkey' and 'wave hand in cloud' movements. In the repulse monkey stance, vision is focused on the fingers of the arm that is moved backward in a curved line, while the leg of the same side takes a backward step, accompanied by trunk rotation to the same side.…”

Effect of Tai Chi Training on Plantar Loads during Walking in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis

“…Although Tai Chi exercise demands low posture [33], the ground contact loads of Tai Chi movements, such as Tai Chi gait [34] and push hand [35], are equal to the body weight of participants because these movements are gentle and fluid [33]. The present study investigated the effectiveness of Tai Chi in plantar loading for KOA individuals during walking after a 6-month intervention period.…”

The Effect of Tai Chi Chuan on Obstacle Crossing Strategy in Older Adults

“…Diversified stepping patterns could improve the balance control ability, even for instantaneous changes in the stepping pattern (Mao et al, 2006). Therefore, Tai Chi Chuan training could improve balance, postural control (Law & Li, 2014;Lelard, Doutrellot, David, & Ahmaidi, 2010;Li et al, 2012), muscular strength, and flexibility for older adults (Hong, Li, & Robinson, 2000, Law & Li, 2014. According to past studies, Tai Chi training improved some abilities, such as single foot support, postural control, and the range of joint motion.…”