Mediolateral sway in single-leg stance is the best discriminator of balance performance for Tai-Chi practitioners.
OBJECTIVE
To identify a balance measure that can best distinguish Tai-Chi from non-Tai-Chi practitioners and to examine whether longer Tai-Chi practice results in better balance control.


METHODS
Cross-sectional comparative study.


METHODS
Community.


METHODS
Nineteen Tai-Chi practitioners (who practiced Tai Chi for 30-45min at least 3/wk for >1y) and 19 healthy subjects with regular exercise habits (who practiced Tai Chi for 30-45min at least 3/wk for >1y).


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Scores on 2 clinical tests (functional reach, gait) and 1 laboratory test (postural sway).


RESULTS
Tai-Chi practitioners had better clinical test scores for functional reach, gait speed, stride length, and sway parameters during single-leg stance (P<.05). Sway in mediolateral direction during single-leg stance was the balance performance variable that best discriminated the Tai-Chi group from non-Tai-Chi group. More experience practicing Tai Chi was associated with better balance performance.


CONCLUSIONS
Tai-Chi practitioners performed better both in clinical and laboratory tests when compared with subjects who did not practice Tai Chi. More Tai-Chi experience was associated with better postural control.
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong. rsmmak@polyu.edu.hk
Margaret K
MK
Mak
Pui Ling
PL
Ng
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016002:Discriminant Analysis; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D004856:Postural Balance; D011187:Posture; D026302:Tai Ji / Q000592:standards*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome