Tai Chi’s Effects on Health-Related Fitness of Low-Income Older Adults (original) (raw)
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Delineating the impact of Tai Chi training on physical function among the elderly
2002
Background: Through a re-analysis of a Tai Chi intervention data set, the study objective was to determine which, if any, subgroups of the study sample evidenced differential benefits from the intervention. Method: Re-analysis of a Tai Chi intervention study, a randomized controlled trial in Eugene and Springfield, Oregon. Physically inactive participants aged≥ 65 years were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Tai Chi (n= 49) and a wait-list control (n= 45).
Tai Chi is an effective form of exercise to reduce markers of frailty in older age
Experimental Gerontology, 2020
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Evaluating the effects of Tai Chi on physical fitness and mental health of the elderly
2013
The aims of this study are to examine the effects of 24-form Tai Chi exercise in six months on physical fitness, blood pressure and perceived health as well as sleep quality, visual attention, and balance ability of older people living in dwelling community. This study is also aimed to compare differences in physical fitness and subjectively rated health between German and Vietnamese older adults in terms cross-cultural study between Vietnamese and German samples. The subjects were divided randomly into two groups, Training group and Control group. The subjects were expected to consent or volunteer. Participants in Training group (forty eight subjects ranging in age from 60 years to 80 (69.02±5.16) were assigned 6-months Tai Chi training in Vinh city, Vietnam. Participants in the control group (forty eight subjects ranging in age from 60 years to 79 (68.72±4.94) were instructed to maintain their routine daily activities and not to begin any new exercise programs. The SFT were used i...
Effect of Tai Chi and Qigong on Functional Physical Fitness in Elderly
Sports ＆ Exercise Research, 2018
本研究的目的在探討太極拳運動與氣功介入對高齡者功能性體適能之改善效果。招募兩處社區高齡參與者並且分別提供改良版太極拳與氣功課程(modified Tai Chi and Qigong, m-TC/Q)及與其相應之西方多元性運動課程做對照。以高齡者體適能測驗(Senior Fitness Test, SFT)做為介入效果之驗證指標。研究結果發現除了在抓背測驗外，改良版太極拳與氣功組均能有效提升其他五項高齡者體適能指標。進一步比較東西方運動課程之改善分數發現東方課程在下肢柔軟度上優於西方運動課程。研究結論證明改良版太極拳與氣功課程對提升高齡者功能性體適能之改善效用。 The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of modified Tai Chi and Qigong (m-TC/Q) program intervention on functional fitness in elderly. A pretest-posttest quasi-experiment design method was adopted, and two communities of older adults were recruited to accept either the m-TC/Q or another competitive program. The results showed that the m-TC/Q program improved five items of the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) with an exception for the Back Scratch Test. A further analysis of progress scores revealed that the m-TC/Q was better than the Western style exercise program on the lower extremity flexibility. We conclude that the m-TC/Q exercise program is proven to be an effective intervention for elderly to improve their functional fit ness. Keywords: older adults, Western style exercise, lower extremity flexibility
Self-Report Benefits of Tai Chi Practice by Older Adults
The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 1997
Older persons who are willing to begin exercise programs are often not willing to continue them. At the Atlanta FICSIT (Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques) site, individuals aged 70+ were randomized to Tai Chi (TC), individualized balance training (BT), and exercise control education (ED) groups for 15 weeks. In a follow-up assessment 4 months post-intervention, 130 subjects responded to exit interview questions asking about perceived benefits of participation. Both TC and BT subjects reported increased confidence in balance and movement, but only TC subjects reported that their daily activities and their overall life had been affected; many of these subjects had changed their normal physical activity to incorporate ongoing TC practice. The data suggest that when mental as well as physical control is perceived to be enhanced, with a generalized sense of improvement in overall well-being, older persons' motivation to continue exercising also increases.
The influence of a ten week Tai Chi program with seniors
Acta Gymnica, 2015
Regular PA substantially delays the onset of functional limitations and loss of independence (Gunter, White, Hayes, & Snow, 2000). It has been reported that inactive, nonsmoking women at age 65 have 12.7 years of active life expectancy, compared with 18.4 years for highly active, nonsmoking women (Ferucci et al., 2000). Also, The American Academy of Rheumatologists recommends PA for arthritis management. One study reported that regular walking reduced pain and improved function among people with arthritis in the knees (Fransen & McConnell, 2008). Therefore it is important that we continue to support and encourage regular PA throughout one's life. However, PA for older adults must take into consideration the weaker status of the older adult. Many researchers have shown that Tai Chi is an appropriate exercise for older adults. Tai Chi exercises have been shown to improve strength, balance, and muscle function (Huang & Liu, 2015; Wu, 2002; Wu, Zhao,
International journal of nursing studies, 2008
Studies support the positive effects that Tai Chi has on the physical health of older adults. However, many older adults residing in long-term care facilities feel too weak to practice traditional Tai Chi, and a more simplified style is preferred. To test the effects of a newly-developed, Simplified Tai-Chi Exercise Program (STEP) on the physical health of older adults who resided in long-term care facilities. A single group design with multiple time points: three pre-tests, one month apart; four post-tests at one month, two months, three months, and six months after intervention started. Two 300-400 bed veteran homes in Taiwan. The 51 male older adults were recruited through convenience sampling, and 41 of them completed six-month study. Inclusion criteria included: (1) aged 65 and over; (2) no previous training in Tai Chi; (3) cognitively alert and had a score of at least eight on the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire; (4) able to walk without assistance; and (5) had a Ba...
Tai chi: an exercise that promotes optimal aging well-being
International Journal of Family & Community Medicine, 2019
Optimal aging and well-being is a goal of every adult. Mobility, walking speed and balance are key to maintaining functional independence, community engagement and quality of life. Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, is a mind-body exercise that influences physical, mental and social wellness. The slow, deliberate and integrated movements of Tai Chi foster effective and efficient functional movement patterns. The breadth and scope of Tai Chi research has advanced steadily since the turn of the century. Now, there is ample scientific evidence that Tai Chi fights back on the chronic diseases of aging. Its many health benefits overlap well with the leading causes of mortality and morbidity seen in older adults. Persons of all ages and abilities can perform Tai Chi. Tai Chi promotes optimal aging and well-being by providing mild-to-moderate cardiorespiratory exercise, muscular strengthening, balance and postural control along with many mental and social benefits. This paper offers the reader an outline of the who-what-where-when-why and how of Tai Chi practice to promote optimal aging and well-being for the older adult.