The Effectiveness of Tai Chi Exercise in Improving Balance and Preventing Falls Among Older Adults

Abstract

© 2019 Kittichittipanich and Kusoom. Background: Accidental falls in older adults cause serious health problems, therefore, Tai Chi exercise (TC) is important to help older adults regain body balance and prevent falls. Objective: This study aimed to assess: 1) the effect of a 12-week TC intervention on lower extremity strength and body balance in older adults, 2) recent falls within 12 weeks, and 3) participants’ satisfaction toward TC exercise. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted, and the participants were older adults, aged 60 and above. One hundred participants were selected by a purposive sampling technique and were divided into 2 groups: the experimental group (n=50) performing the TC exercise, and the control group (n=50) not performing TC. The lower-extremity strength was measured by using a dynamometer, and the body balance was measured by using a timed single leg stance procedure. Results: The findings revealed that lower-extremity strength was not significantly different in three time periods: pre-TC, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks within the experimental group and also after 12 weeks between the experimental group and control group. The body balance within the experimental group in the three time periods was significantly different (p