title: Tai Chi Chih: an exercise option for older adults.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Tai Chi Chih on balance, flexibility, mood, health status, and blood pressure in a sample of community-dwelling elders. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used in the study. Participants were recruited from a senior center located in the suburbs of a large metropolitan area. The experimental group consisted of 24 volunteers over the age of 55 who performed 60 minutes of Tai Chi Chih once a week for 10 weeks and practiced at home. The control group consisted of 22 volunteers who continued with their current level of activity. Analysis of covariance revealed a significant difference between the two groups on balance (F = 4.3, p < .05). This study suggests that Tai Chi Chih is a safe and enjoyable form of exercise that might improve balance in community-dwelling elders.
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Schaller
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016139:Martial Arts; D015397:Program Evaluation