Study compares the effects of tai chi and resistance exercises on bone health, muscle strength and balance among seniors.

While the difference in the number of falls reported was not statistically significant, there were half as many falls in the tai chi group as in the control group, (15 out of 60 vs. 31 of 60 for the control group) and about a third less falls (15/60 vs. 24/60) than in the resistance training group. While these results weren’t statistically significant they are consistent with other studies which have observed large reductions in falls among seniors who learn tai chi.

Some of the results of this study differed from the results of other studies. For instance, other studies have shown that resistance training can increase strength in the elderly however no increase in strength in the resistance training group compared to the control group was observed in this study. The authors speculate that in this cohort of individuals the tolerated levels of exercise may not have been great enough to provide observable changes. The authors also note that during the 12 month period the government launched a healthy aging campaign, and it is possible that control subjects may have modified their lifestyles accordingly. It is interesting to note that the control group as well as the tai chi and resistance training groups showed increased balance, strength and bone mineral density in the spine after 12 months.

Abstract