Taiji, also called “T’ai Chi,†has been found to be helpful for improving functional balance. Researchers at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign studied the influence of a traditional Taiji-Qigong exercise program on the sensory and biomechanical balance mechanisms (Yang et al., 2007).
A total of 49 healthy older adults with a mean age of 80.4 participated in the study and the test group received Taiji-Qigong (TQ) training. The training was 1 hour/session, 3 sessions a week for six months.
The study found that vestibular ratio scores were improved in the TQ group, compared with the control group. The TQ group had an increase in quiet stance Base of Support (BoS) over time but not feet opening angle. This meant the increase in BoS was caused by wider stances.
These findings indicate that Taiji-Qigong training can improve the use of vestibular input and lead to wider stances. These may be the mechanisms of the benefits on older adults’ balance. More studies are necessary to find out more mechanisms.
Reference:
Yang, Y., Verkuilen, J. V., et al. (2007) Effect of combined Taiji and Qigong training on balance mechanisms: a randomized controlled trial of older adults. Med Sci Monit 13, CR339-348.
