Tai Chi and Balance Control in Seniors

Over the last 10 years there have been no less than 80 peer-reviewed published studies on tai chi and/or qigong exercise and older adults. The sudy below conducted in Portland reinforces the utility of tai chi to reduce the fear of falling. One option for Tai Chi and Qigong practitioners to objectively measure balance and fear of falling would be to use the Tinetti Falls Efficacy and Balance Scale (see section below at end of study summary and web reference). Study Summary: Falls self-efficacy as a mediator of fear of falling in an exercise intervention for older adults. Li F, et. al. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2005;60:P34-40. Oregon Res. Inst. N = 256 community-dwelling older adults aged 70-92 years (Portland OR) Tai Chi (n = 125) or a stretching control (n = 131) exercise intervention, 3X/wk or 6 mos. Measures of falls self-efficacy and fear of falling were assessed at baseline and at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. Falls self-efficacy as a mediator of change in fear of falling that resulted from the 6-month Tai Chi intervention. RESULTS: Tai Chi participants, who evidenced improvement in falls self-efficacy over the course of the intervention, reported greater reductions in fear of falling, compared with those in the stretching control condition. TINETTI'S FALLS EFFICACY SCALE Contact Mary Tinetti (Quebec Candada) at www.arom.com

Brief description and procedure for scale: The person stands on one leg for as long as possible. scoring: time length of time person can stay in balance position equipment required: flat, non-slip surface, stopwatch, paper and pencil. variations: to increase the degree of difficulty, the test can be conducted with the person having their arms either by their sides, held out horizontally, or on their head. You could also conduct the test with their eyes closed for each of these variations too.