Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kocaeli Derince Training and Research, Hospital, Kocaeli, Turkey | [b] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Başkent University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey | [c] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Aktif Medical Centre, Istanbul, Turkey | [d] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Pelin Yıldırım, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kocaeli Derince Training and Research Hospital, Kocaeli, Turkey. Tel.: +90 262 3178000; Fax: +90 262 2335540; E-mail:drpeliny@gmail.com
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Regular exercise training is one of the
core components of multifactorial fall-prevention programs. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of Tai Chi and
combined exercise prescription that consists of three main components of an
exercise prescription on static balance, dynamic balance, fear of falling
and mood. METHODS: Sixty older adults aged 55-76 were
randomly assigned to Group 1 (Tai Chi exercise) or Group 2 (combined
exercise prescription). Exercise was performed three times a week over a
period of 12 weeks. Single Leg-Stance-Eyes Open (SLS-EO), Single Leg-Stance
Eyes Closed (SLS-EC), computerized balance measurements, the Timed Up and Go
(TUG) test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Survey of Activities and Fear of
Falling in the elderly (SAFFE), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and
the Beck Depression Scale (BDS) were assessed before and after the final
training session. RESULTS: Both exercise groups yielded better
results in dynamic balance assessments (TUG and BBS) at the 12th week
(p< 0.05). Group 1 also showed significant improvements in the measurements
of SLS-EO, SLS-EC, SAFFE, GDS, and BDS during the post-intervention period
(all p< 0.05). When the groups were compared, a significant difference was
found between groups in favor of Group 1 in terms of the SLS-EO and SAFFE
(p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that Tai Chi
may be a more successful exercise intervention for factors-related to falls
in older people.
Keywords: Tai Ji, Tai Chi, balance, frail elderly, falls
