Effects of Tai Chi on Mobility in Older Adults with Multisite Pain

Abstract

Chronic pain is associated with impaired mobility and risk of falls in older adults. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of Tai Chi on mobility in older adults with multisite pain and risk of falls. METHODS: Fifty-four community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years) with multisite pain who reported falling in the previous year or using an assistive device were randomized to gentle body exercise or mind-body exercise (Tai Chi), each offered twice weekly for 12 weeks. Assessments were performed at baseline and within 2 weeks after completing the intervention. Mobility was measured in 2 conditions: single-task walking and dual-task walking with a cognitive attentional challenge, by using a 16-foot sensorized gait mat. Paired t-tests were used to assess changes within each group, and student t-tests were used to assess differences between groups. RESULTS: Twenty-three participants in the body exercise group and twenty-two participants in the Tai Chi group completed the study. The body exercise intervention did not change any gait measures. However, the Tai Chi intervention significantly improved single-task stride time (from 1.20±0.11 s to 1.16±0.10 s, p<0.05) and swing time (from 31.77±3.20 % to 32.23±2.82 %, p<0.05), and decreased dual-task gait asymmetry (from 5.40±3.92 to 2.87±3.07, p<0.05). Also, comparing the 2 interventions, participants in the Tai Chi group versus the body exercise group significantly decreased dual-task gait asymmetry from baseline to the post-intervention assessment (body exercise: 0.33±3.54 vs. Tai Chi: -2.53±4.41, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tai Chi improved several single-task and dual-task gait measures in older adults with multisite pain and risk for falls. A larger study is required to examine the effectiveness of Tai Chi on mobility and fall risk in older adults with multisite pain. (Supported by NIH Grant R21 AG043883)