The effects of Tai Chi Chuan on physiological function and fear of falling in the less robust elderly: an intervention study for preventing falls.
The aim of this report is to investigate the effects of 8 weeks of intensive Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) training on physiological function and fear of falling (FOF) in the less-robust elderly. Forty-nine community-dwelling elderly, aged 60 or older, were classified randomly into a TCC training or control group. Physical performance measures (including one-leg stance, trunk flexion, and walking speed) and interviews were conducted before and after the intervention. The TCC group showed significant improvements in balance and flexibility, and a reduced FOF, when compared with the control group after the intervention. However, walking speed did not change significantly. The results suggest that a high-frequency, short-term TCC training program can improve balance, flexibility, and increase the confidence of less-robust elderly. These suggest the effectiveness of TCC for intervention as a means to prevent falling among high-risk elderly populations.
Zhang
Jian-Guo
JG
College of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Nanjing Normal University, China.
Ishikawa-Takata
Kazuko
K
Yamazaki
Hideo
H
Morita
Takae
T
Ohta
Toshiki
T
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D026302:Tai Ji