title: The effects of Tai-Chi in conjunction with thera-band resistance exercise on functional fitness and muscle strength among community-based older people.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Tai-Chi in conjunction with thera-band resistance exercise on functional fitness and muscle strength in community-based older people.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Tai-Chi is known to improve functional fitness in older people. Tai-Chi is usually performed with free hands without resistance training and usually focuses on training lower limbs. To date, no study has examined the use of Tai-Chi in conjunction with thera-band resistance exercise in this population.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cluster randomised trial design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Older people at six senior day care centres in Taiwan were assigned to thera-band resistance exercise or control group using a cluster randomisation. The thera-band resistance exercise group (n = 48) received sixty minute thera-band resistance exercise twice weekly for a period of 16 weeks. The control group (n = 47) underwent routine activities in the day care centre, receiving no Tai-Chi or resistance exercise.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After receiving the thera-band resistance exercise, intervention participants displayed a significant increase in muscle strength of upper and lower extremities. Significant improvements were recorded on most measures of the Senior Fitness Test, with the exception of the chair-stand and back-scratch test.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Thera-band resistance exercise has the potential to improve functional fitness and muscle strength in community-based older people.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Thera-band resistance exercise potentially offers a safe and appropriate form of physical activity that nursing staff can easily incorporate into the daily routine of older people in day care centres, potentially improving functional performance and muscle strength.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi College of Technology, Hualien, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Shu-Fen
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Huei-Chuan
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Sung
authors.forename: Tzai-Li
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Tsung-Cheng
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Hsieh
authors.forename: Hsiao-Chin
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Lan
authors.forename: Shoa-Jen
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Perng
authors.forename: Graeme D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000069537:Adult Day Care Centers; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D055070:Resistance Training; D026302:Tai Ji; D013624:Taiwan
keywords: Tai-Chi; functional fitness; muscle strength; older adult; resistance exercise; thera-band