Purpose: Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise, has shown improved physical function in older adults. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the association of physical function and Tai Chi among U.S. Chinese older adults. Hence, the study examined the differences in physical function among older Chinese Americans with or without Tai Chi. Methods: We examined the data from the first wave of Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE) study. Participants were 3,157 Chinese older adults. Physical function was assessed with self-reported and performance-based physical function measurements. Data analyses were using logistic regression. Results: About 12.4% of participants reported practice Tai Chi within the past year. After controlling for potential covariates, participants with higher scores of Katz activities of daily living impairments (odds ratio [OR] = 0.65, p < .01), Lawton instrumental activities of daily living impartments (OR = 0.85, p < .001), Rosow–Breslau index of mobility scale (OR = 0.85, p < .05), and Nagi index of basic physical activities scale (OR = 0.95, p < .01) were less likely to practice Tai Chi. On the other hand, participants with higher scores of chair stand (OR = 1.10, p < .05), tandem stand (OR = 1.39, p < .001), and timed walk (OR = 1.21, p < .001) were more likely to practice Tai Chi. Conclusion: Findings suggest that physical function was significantly associated with Tai Chi. Longitudinal studies are needed to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the pathways between physical function and Tai Chi.
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