Tai Chi Chuan
State of the Art in International Research
Editor(s): Hong, Y. (Hong Kong)
Tai Chi and Falls Prevention in Older PeopleHarmer P.a ยท Li F.baExercise Science, Sports Medicine, Willamette University, Salem, Oreg., and
bOregon Research Institute, Eugene, Oreg., USA
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Article / Publication Details
Published online: May 19, 2008
Cover Date: 2008
Number of Print Pages: 11
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 0
ISBN: 978-3-8055-8489-0 (Print)
eISBN: 978-3-8055-8490-6 (Online)
Abstract
Background: Considerable research evidence has been accumulated since 1990 that practicing Tai Chi can ameliorate multiple characteristics in older adults that place them at increased risk of falling, including poor balance, loss of strength, limited flexibility, and fear of falling. However, relatively few studies have directly examined the influence of Tai Chi practice on falls in this population. Results: Nine randomized controlled trials utilizing Tai Chi (n = 6), or Tai Chi-inspired exercise (n = 3), were published between 1996 and July, 2007. The studies varied considerably on study settings, participant characteristics, sample size, type of Tai Chi intervention, length of intervention and quality of the study design. Of the six studies that used Tai Chi forms, three showed significant improvement in fall-related outcomes. One study using Tai Chi-inspired exercise also had a significant fall-related outcome. Conclusion: Despite the evidence demonstrating the beneficial influence of Tai Chi practice on known risk factors for falling in older adults, evidence indicating an actual impact on falls-related outcomes is equivocal. More large-scale, longitudinal studies with consistent intervention parameters and clinically meaningful outcome variables are needed to a clarify the role of Tai Chi in effective falls prevention programs. The recent development of a standardized, research-to-practice Tai Chi falls prevention program may be an important step in this process.
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Article / Publication Details
Published online: May 19, 2008
Cover Date: 2008
Number of Print Pages: 11
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 0
ISBN: 978-3-8055-8489-0 (Print)
eISBN: 978-3-8055-8490-6 (Online)
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
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