Abstract
[Purpose] This study examined the changes in the translation of the center of pressure (COP) when older adults initiated gait before and after Tai Chi (TC) training. [Subjects] Twenty older adults, ranging in age from 65 to 83 years, participated in a 16-week TC training program. [Methods] Before and after the TC training the subjects were asked to perform gait initiation (GI). The subjects exercised with Sun-style TC, which incorporates elements that emphasize continuous flowing movement, balance control, endurance, strength, concentration and awareness of the environment, three times per week over a 16-week period. The differences in COP excursion in the anteroposterior (A-P) and mediolateral (M-L) directions between preand post-training were analyzed using the data collected from two force plates. [Results] The COP displacement in the A-P and M-L directions after TC training was increased significantly compared to that observed pre-training. [Conclusion] The 16-week practice of TC improved the ability of participants to generate momentum via a greater COP shift in the A-P and M-L directions in the initiation of gait as well as their ability to maintain balance and lateral stability. TC training may be effective for prevention of falls among the healthy elderly.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
