Margaret K Mak1, Pui Ling Ng. 1. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong. rsmmak@polyu.edu.hk
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To identify a balance measure that can best distinguish Tai-Chi from non-Tai-Chi practitioners and to examine whether longer Tai-Chi practice results in better balance control. DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparative study. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Nineteen Tai-Chi practitioners (who practiced Tai Chi for 30-45min at least 3/wk for >1y) and 19 healthy subjects with regular exercise habits (who practiced Tai Chi for 30-45min at least 3/wk for >1y). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Scores on 2 clinical tests (functional reach, gait) and 1 laboratory test (postural sway). RESULTS: Tai-Chi practitioners had better clinical test scores for functional reach, gait speed, stride length, and sway parameters during single-leg stance (P<.05). Sway in mediolateral direction during single-leg stance was the balance performance variable that best discriminated the Tai-Chi group from non-Tai-Chi group. More experience practicing Tai Chi was associated with better balance performance. CONCLUSIONS: Tai-Chi practitioners performed better both in clinical and laboratory tests when compared with subjects who did not practice Tai Chi. More Tai-Chi experience was associated with better postural control.
OBJECTIVES: To identify a balance measure that can best distinguish Tai-Chi from non-Tai-Chi practitioners and to examine whether longer Tai-Chi practice results in better balance control. DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparative study. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Nineteen Tai-Chi practitioners (who practiced Tai Chi for 30-45min at least 3/wk for >1y) and 19 healthy subjects with regular exercise habits (who practiced Tai Chi for 30-45min at least 3/wk for >1y). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Scores on 2 clinical tests (functional reach, gait) and 1 laboratory test (postural sway). RESULTS: Tai-Chi practitioners had better clinical test scores for functional reach, gait speed, stride length, and sway parameters during single-leg stance (P<.05). Sway in mediolateral direction during single-leg stance was the balance performance variable that best discriminated the Tai-Chi group from non-Tai-Chi group. More experience practicing Tai Chi was associated with better balance performance. CONCLUSIONS: Tai-Chi practitioners performed better both in clinical and laboratory tests when compared with subjects who did not practice Tai Chi. More Tai-Chi experience was associated with better postural control.
Authors: Laurie A King; Fay B Horak; Martina Mancini; Donald Pierce; Kelsey C Priest; James Chesnutt; Patrick Sullivan; Julie C Chapman Journal: Arch Phys Med Rehabil Date: 2013-11-05 Impact factor: 3.966
Authors: Laurie A King; Martina Mancini; Peter C Fino; James Chesnutt; Clayton W Swanson; Sheila Markwardt; Julie C Chapman Journal: Ann Biomed Eng Date: 2017-05-24 Impact factor: 3.934
Authors: Matheus A Trindade; Aline Martins de Toledo; Jefferson Rosa Cardoso; Igor Eduardo Souza; Felipe Augusto Dos Santos Mendes; Luisiane A Santana; Rodrigo Luiz Carregaro Journal: Int J Sports Phys Ther Date: 2017-11