EFFECTS OF TAI-CHI CHUAN ON FUNCTIONAL FITNESS IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

Tai Chi Chuan is a suitable mode to improve coordination, postural stability, autonomic neurofunction, mood, and emotional condition in older adults. However, the physiological effect of Tai-Chi Chuan on functional fitness in this population is not well known. PURPOSE To determine the effects of Tai-Chi Chuan on functional fitness in older adults. METHOD Thirty-seven volunteers were randomly divided into an exercise group (EX: 8 men and 13 women, average age 69 □} 4 yr) and control group (5 men and 11 women, average age 68 □} 4 yr). The EX participated in a 12-week supervised exercise program (60 min/day, and 2 days/wk) that consisted of 10-min warm-up and stretching, 40-min Tai-Chi Chuan exercise, and 10-min cool down/relaxation exercises. The control group was asked to not change their physical activity habits. Functional fitness measures including body mass, static balance (single leg balance with eyes closed), dynamic balance (functional reach, up & go), cardio-respiratory fitness (12-min walk test), muscular strength (arm curl, chair stand), and flexibility (back scratch, sit & reach) were taken before and after the intervention. RESULTS At baseline, no significant differences were noted in any of the measured variables between groups. After the 12-wk Tai-chi exercise program, improvements were noted in single leg balance with eyes closed (92%, p < 0.05), up & go (10%, p < 0.05), 12-min walk test (8%, p < 0.05), arm curl (24%, p < 0.01), chair stand (39%, p < 0.01), and back scratch (34%, p < 0.10) for the EX. No change was noted in any of the variables for the control group. CONCLUSION These results indicate that Tai-chi Chuan elicits significant improvements in the functional fitness parameters of balance, cardio-respiratory fitness, and muscular strength in older-adults.