Effect of combined Taiji and Qigong training on balance mechanisms: a randomized controlled trial of older adults - PubMed (original) (raw)

Randomized Controlled Trial

. 2007 Aug;13(8):CR339-48.

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• PMID: 17660722

Randomized Controlled Trial

Effect of combined Taiji and Qigong training on balance mechanisms: a randomized controlled trial of older adults

Yang Yang et al. Med Sci Monit. 2007 Aug.

Abstract

Background: Taiji (T'ai Chi) has been shown to have generally positive effects on functional balance. However, few studies have investigated the mechanisms by which Taiji may improve balance. The goal of this study was to evaluate changes in sensory and biomechanical balance mechanisms as a consequence of a traditional Taiji exercise program for healthy older adults that intentionally emphasized both Taiji forms and Qigong meditation.

Material/methods: This was a randomized controlled trial with blind testers. Forty-nine healthy older adults (mean age 80.4, SD. 8.6) were randomized to participate in Taiji-Qigong (TQ) training (N=33) or a wait-list control group (WC, N=16). TQ instruction was provided 1 hour/session, 3 sessions a week for six months. Somatosensory, visual, and vestibular ratios of the Sensory Organization Test, and quiet stance Base of Support (BoS) and feet opening angle measures were collected prior to instruction (T0), at two months (T2), and six months (T6).

Results: TQ group vestibular ratio scores (normalized to T0) were +22% and +47% greater than WC at T2 and T6, respectively. The TQ group exhibited an increase in quiet stance BoS over time but not feet opening angle, indicating that the increase in BoS was due to the adoption of wider stances.

Conclusions: Improved use of vestibular input and wider stances are two mechanisms by which Taiji-Qigong training may improve healthy older adults' balance. Further study is needed to evaluate other balance mechanisms and the individual and combined effects of different aspects of traditional Taiji practice.

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Comment in

• Effects of Yoga and an Ayurveda preparation on gait, balance and mobility in older persons.
  Krishnamurthy M, Telles S. Krishnamurthy M, et al. Med Sci Monit. 2007 Dec;13(12):LE19-20. Med Sci Monit. 2007. PMID: 18049442 Clinical Trial. No abstract available.

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