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We have created this site to post tai chi news, tai chi medical research and tai chi videos. We aim to help people understand the health and healing benefits of tai chi, assist people in choosing a tai chi style, and guide those in selecting tai chi teachers and courses.

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Jun
09

Randomized controlled trial of tai chi for the prevention of falls shows significant results.

By David Bendall · Comments (0)
Researchers in Sydney Australia designed a study to see if a one hour per week, sixteen week falls prevention program could significantly reduce falls among community-dwelling seniors aged 60 and older. Individuals with degenerative neurological disorders, severely debilitating strokes, cancer, or severe arthritis were excluded from the study. A total of 702 individuals participated were randomly assigned to a tai chi group or a control group. Falls were recorded over a 24 weeks period for both groups. The tai chi group had a significant, 35% reduction in the risk of falls. The tai chi group also had modest, statistically significant, improvements in balance.

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Categories : Tai Chi, Tai Chi for Balance, Tai Chi for Fall Prevention
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Jun
05

Study finds improved balance in the elderly after tai chi intervention.

By David Bendall · Comments (0)
Researchers at the University of Memphis in Tennessee studied the effects of tai chi on balance and selected motor functions in seniors. A total 47 seniors participated in the study, of which 11 in the tai chi group and 9 in the control group completed the study. The tai chi group was offered a one-hour tai chi exercise session each week for 12 months, while the control group did not participate in an exercise program. Participants were measured on static balance, dynamic balance, choice reaction time, heel-rise strength and ankle flexibility. The tai chi group showed significant static balance improvements after 6-months of tai chi. There were no statistically significant differences between the tai chi and control groups in the other tests.

Abstract

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Categories : Tai Chi, Tai Chi for Balance
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Jun
02

Study investigates neural mechanisms underlying balance improvements in tai chi.

By David Bendall · Comments (0)
Researchers at the University of Oregon in Eugene designed a study aimed at examining the underlying neural mechanisms responsible for the balance improvements that have been observed after short-term tai chi training. Twenty-two balance-impaired older adults were randomly divided between a tai chi group and a control group. The control group received axial mobility exercises, balance/awareness education and stress reduction. Both groups trained 1.5 hours per day, 5 days per week for three weeks. The tai chi group, but not the controls, had significantly enhanced neuromuscular responses controlling the ankle joint after a perturbation of the leg test. Clinical balance measures improved in the tai chi group.

Abstract

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Categories : Tai Chi for Balance
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May
30

Intense tai chi training leads to a reduction in fear of falling in frail older adults.

By David Bendall · Comments (0)
Researchers at the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control in Atlanta designed a study in order to determine whether an intense tai chi exercise program could reduce fear of falling better than a wellness education program among older adults transitioning to frailty how had previously fallen. Ten matched pairs of congregate living facilities were randomly assigned to participate in either the tai chi or wellness education program. A total of 311 elderly adults participated. Fear of falling was similar in both groups at the start of the study, but after 8 months fear of falling was significantly lower in the tai chi group, with the difference growing over time. The researchers concluded, “tai chi should be considered in any program designed to reduce falling and fear of falling in transitionally frail older adults”.

Abstract

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Categories : Tai Chi, Tai Chi for Fall Prevention, Tai Chi for Seniors
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May
27

Study finds that tai chi reduces falls among older adults.

By David Bendall · Comments (0)
Researchers at the Oregon Research Institute in Eugene randomly assigned 256 physically inactive older adults aged 70 to 92 to a tai chi group or a stretching control group. Both groups met three times per week for six months. There were significantly fewer falls and falls with injuries among individuals in the tai chi group than among individuals in the control group. The reduction in falls was quite dramatic, with the risk of falls 55% lower among individuals in the tai chi group. Fear of falling, balance and physical performance also improved in the tai chi group compared to the control group.

Abstract

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Categories : Tai Chi, Tai Chi for Fall Prevention
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