Simplified Tai Chi 6-Form Apparatus for Balance in Elderly People with Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Background: People with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can have deteriorated walking and impaired postural-balance control, which increases the risk of falls. Tai chi (TC) can improve fitness and balance in elderly people. To facilitate TC learning, we developed the Simplified Tai Chi 6-Form Apparatus (STC6FA). Methods: This case-controlled study enrolled 26 elderly people with mild-to-moderate AD. Over 8 weeks, the TC group (TCGr) of 11 elderly people with AD completed a training course for the STC6FA. Another 10 older adults with matched age, height, and severity of dementia were assigned to the control group (CGr). Balance function was measured using a SMART Balance Master (NeuroCom International Inc., OR, USA). The parameters were evaluated three times during the training course, at weeks 0, 4, and 8. Results: The balance of both the TCGr and CGr improved significantly. A rhythmic forward–backward shift test revealed more improvement in the TCGr than in the CGr. Conclusion: STC6FA training can improve balance and may reduce backward falls in elderly people with mild-to-moderate AD.