Effects of T'ai Chi on balance.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if the practice of T'ai Chi significantly improves balance.


METHODS
Twenty-two persons with mild balance disorders were studied. Five measures of balance were obtained, including 3 objective measures (moving platform posturography, Romberg testing, and reach testing) and 2 disability questionnaires (Dizziness Handicap Inventory and a modified Medical Outcomes Study general health survey). To be included, patients were required to be able to stand in the eyes-closed regular Romberg position for 30 seconds. The subjects underwent 8 weeks of T'ai Chi training and practice and then were retested.


RESULTS
Highly significant improvements were found on both the posturography test and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory questionnaire scores (P<.001 and P=.004, respectively). Trends toward improvement were also noted in Romberg test results and the Medical Outcomes Study survey (P=.03 for both). Reach was not improved.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that T'ai Chi training improves balance.
Hain
T C
TC
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Ill 60611, USA. t-hain@.nwu.edu
Fuller
L
L
Weil
L
L
Kotsias
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001945:Breathing Exercises; D004244:Dizziness / Q000145:classification; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016139:Martial Arts / Q000193:education / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D012063:Relaxation / Q000502:physiology; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*