Tai chi improves plantar sensation and balance in diabetics with plantar sensation loss.

Researchers at the Wisconsin School of Engineering designed a study to see whether tai chi would be effective in reducing the risk of falls among individuals with diabetic neuropathy.  In the study 18 elderly adults were tested for plantar sensory abilities and several types of balance metrics before and after 6 months of weekly tai chi classes. Participants were grouped according to their initial level of plantar sensory loss. After 6 months of tai chi all participants had significant improvement in plantar sensory ability.  Balance improved in all groups with the greatest improvement seen in the groups with large sensory losses. Blood sugar, as measured by tests of Hemoglobin A1C also decreased after 6 months of tai chi. The researchers concluded that, “This study demonstrates the effectiveness of Tai Chi training as a method of improving plantar sensation and balance in elderly adults and elderly adults with diabetes with a large plantar sensation loss.” 

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