Traditional Tai Chi is too complex for most elderly individuals. There have been few reports regarding the development of simplified Tai Chi programs to suit the physical needs of elderly adults. However, these programs were not individualized according to the participants' balance control abilities.The investigators already developed an individualized Tai Chi program. This objective of the study was to investigate the effect of individualized Tai Chi training.
Background: Balance control is an important skill for human to maintain a myriad of postures and activities. The elderly suffering from balance impairment by aging have high rate to increase fall-related injuries, restricted activities, declined physical functions, and decrease quality of life. Tai Chi (TC) has been demonstrated as an innovative way to promote balance function, which is a suitable exercise for older people because of its slow movement, changeable base of supports, multi-directions weight shifting and less impact on lower extremities. Recent systematic reviews have shown that TC exercises have significant benefits in improving balance control, but most of them are only connected with healthy elderlies. Actually, the long standing time and training duration, challenged recollection by its sequence forms, and complex coordination for upper and lower extremities of TC usually make it difficult to practice for some elderlies with poor physical functions. Therefore, the method of individualized TC exercise program, integrated with biomechanical analyses, is developed in this research. It can afford an easier and more applicable training for elderly to improve the balance abilities. Purposes:To evaluate the effects of individualized Tai Chi training on balance control in elderly. Methods: This research is a quasi-experimental design and prospective study. Participants were recruited and assigned into individualized TC, entire TC group and home-based education group
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
70
individualized Tai Chi training exercise
the classical Yang style Tai Chi program
Home-based exercise
Time Up and Go
is a simple test used to assess a person's mobility and requires both static and dynamic balance
Time frame: 8 weeks
Berg balance scale
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was developed to measure balance among older people with impairment in balance function by assessing the performance of functional tasks. 1 The scale consists of 14 items, scored from 0 to 4, which are added to make a total score between 0 and 56; a higher score indicates better balance.
Time frame: 8 weeks
functional reach
The Functional Reach Test is a quick and simple, single-task dynamic test that defines functional reach as. "the maximal distance one can reach forward beyond arm's length, while maintaining a fixed base of support in the standing position"
Time frame: 8 weeks
muscle strength of hip flexor and extensor
muscle strength of hip flexor and extensor by dynamometer
Time frame: 8 weeks
muscle strength of hip abductor and adductor
muscle strength of hip abductor and adductor by dynamometer
Time frame: 8 weeks
muscle strength of knee flexor and extensor
muscle strength of knee flexor and extensor by dynamometer
Time frame: 8 weeks
muscle strength of ankle dorsiflexor and plantarflexor
muscle strength of ankle dorsiflexor and plantarflexor by dynamometer
Time frame: 8 weeks
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