title: Comparison of functional fitness outcomes in experienced and inexperienced older adults after 16-week tai chi program.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The positive effects of physical activity on the well-being of older adults have been well documented. Tai chi is a suitable form of physical activity, with known physical and psychological benefits for older adults.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the current study was to compare the effects of participation in a 16-wk tai chi program on the functional fitness of older adults with and without previous tai chi experience.
  
  
  METHODS
  The research team designed a prospective cohort study. Participants who had practiced tai chi previously for ≥1 y at baseline were classified as experienced; all others were considered inexperienced.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study took place at 2 community centers in 2 locations in the Greater Toronto area of Ontario, Canada.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were residents of the 2 communities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were instructed to attend two 1-h sessions of Yang-style tai chi per wk.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data on functional fitness- strength, endurance, speed, and flexibility-were collected at baseline and after completion of the tai chi program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 143 participants who completed the study, 20.5% were classified as experienced. Experienced participants had significantly higher ratings on functional fitness tests at baseline compared with the inexperienced group. At the end of the study, inexperienced participants had experienced significant improvements in all measures of functional fitness, although experienced participants had shown significant improvements only in measures of endurance and speed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tai chi appears to be an optimal mode of physical activity for older adults regardless of previous experience with tai chi.
authors.forename: Theresa H M
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Shilpa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Eke Dogra
authors.forename: Ban
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Al-Sahab
authors.forename: Hala
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tamim
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010809:Physical Fitness; D004856:Postural Balance; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D026302:Tai Ji / Q000379:methods*