Effects of Tai Chi Exercise-Induced Improved Balance on the Enhancement of Gait Performance in Female Elderly

Abstract

PURPOSE: Elderly individuals with sarcopenia often experience reduced muscle strength and impaired motor, leading to deficits in balance and abnormal gait performance. While Tai Chi is known to enhance balance and gait performance in healsthy older adults, its impact on the elderly with sarcopenia remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Tai Chi intervention on balance and gait performance in elderly adults with sarcopenia. METHODS: Based on the diagnostic criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia, participants were categorized into three groups: normal (T, n=10), sarcopenia (T·S, n=10), and severe sarcopenia (T·SS, n=10). All participants completed a 12-week Tai Chi exercise program. Outcomes assessed pre-and post-intervention included bone mineral density, lower limb muscle strength, balance ability, and gait performance. RESULTS: Following the Tai Chi intervention, significant improvements in bone health and knee extensor strength were observed in the T and T·S groups. Additionally, static and dynamic balance abilities, as well as gait performance, improved across all three groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that a 12-week Tai Chi program significantly improved balance ability and gait performance in elderly women, regardless of degree of sarcopenia, even in the absence of substantial gains in lower limb strength.