Functional balance can be improved by tai chi
Tai chi training can lead to subsequent reductions in falls in older adults. In a 6-month controlled trial, 256 inactive adults (179 female; age range 70-92), who, at baseline, reported having an average of 2.4 out of a total of 9 common medical conditions were randomized to tai chi or exercise stretching with a 6-month postintervention follow-up. Both groups participated in a 60-minute exercise session conducted 3 times per week for 6 months. Patients were assessed for balance using the Berg balance scale (BBS), dynamic gait index (DGI), and functional reach (FR). Falls were measured using fall counts as recorded by participants.
During the 26-week intervention period, tai chi participants showed improvements in functional balance (p<0.001 for BBS; p<0.001 for DGI; p< 0.001 for FR) compared to the control group. No changes were observed from baseline for the control group on BBS scores (p=0.06), DGI scores (p=0.09), or FR scores (p=0.17) over the intervention period. Functional balance measured between intervention termination and 6-month follow-up showed significantly slower deterioration in functional balance measures compared with the control group in BBS (p=0.04), DGI (p=0.05) and FR (p=0.02). During the 6-month postintervention follow-up, the tai chi group reported significantly fewer falls than the control group (p<0.001).
Study authors suggested the development of training programs to target specific physiologic systems involved in balance control, specifically the visual, vestibular, somatosensory, and musculoskeletal systems.
Source: Med Sci Sports Exerc