The Effect of Tai Chi on Functional Lower Extremity Mobility and Strength, Ankle Proprioception, and Postural Adaptation in Older Adults

摘要

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 10-week Tai Chi program on functional lower extremity mobility and strength, ankle proprioception, and postural adaptation in older adults. Subjects: Thirty-two participants ranging in age from 57 to 79 years (M = 66.5, SD = 4.94) were recruited to participate in the study. Methods: Seventeen of these participants were allocated to a Tai Chi group and 17 participants to a control group. Baseline testing for each dependent measure related to functional lower extremity mobility and strength, ankle proprioception, and postural adaptation was completed. Functional lower extremity mobility was assessed by recording the amount of time participants took to complete the Adapted Timed Up and Go Test (ATUGT). Functional lower extremity strength was assessed by recording the number of repetitions of getting up and sitting down repeatedly during the 30-Second Chair Stand Test. Ankle proprioception was examined with the use of a proprietary footplate to measure angular displacement at the ankle joint. Postural adaptation was assessed by examining postural sway on an Advanced Mechanical Technology Incorporated? force platform. After completion of the baseline measures, participants in the Tai Chi group attended a supervised Tai Chi training program led by a trained Tai Chi trainer twice weekly for 60 minutes over a 10-week period. The 17 participants in the control group, however, continued their daily regular activities and were asked not to practice Tai Chi during the study period. Post-treatment assessment was completed after the 10-week program. Participants in the control were offered the opportunity to attend these classes after the post-treatment data collection was completed. Pre- and post-treatment data for each of the dependent variables were analyzed using 2 (groups) X 2 (time) mixed factorials analysis of variance with repeated measures on time. Results: There was a significant interaction effect between group and time in which the Tai Chi group improved for backward angle ankle joint proprioception (F (1, 30)=16.53, p = .001 , ?~(2)=.36). There was also a significant main effect for functional lower extremity strength (F (1, 30)=12.07, p = .002 , ?~(2)=.29) with both groups increasing in the number of chair stand repetitions. There was also a significant main effect and reduction for the ATUGT turning time (F (1, 30)=8.98, p =.005, ?~(2)=.23) and sitting on a chair and walking 2 meters time (F (1, 30)=15.56, p=.001 , ?~(2)=.34). Conclusion: Tai Chi can be a viable alternative to traditional exercise programs to improve overall health, mobility, strength, and possibly be an adjunct to aid in falls prevention programs.