Tai Chi Reduces Falls
Posted on: Sunday, 14 August 2005, 03:00 CDT
Older people at risk of falls could benefit from regular Tai CM, according to new research published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing.
South Korean researchers studied a group of 'fall-prone' adults, with an average age of 78, who participated in Tai Chi classes three times a week for 12 weeks. The incidence of falls among the exercisers halved, and their walking speed improved 25%.
Study co-author Professor Rhayun Song said the problem of falls among the elderly was a significant one, with 30% of people over 65 living in the community suffering a fall each year, and one in ten falls resulting in a fracture.
Regular exercise was an important way to maintain muscle strength, Professor Song said.
Our study shows that lowintensity exercise such as Tai Chi has great potential for health promotion as it can help older people to avoid falls by developing their balance, muscle strength and confidence,' Professor Song said.
Reference
Choi, J.H. et al. Effect of Sun-style Tai Chi on physical fitness and fall prevention in fall prone older adults, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 5:12, pp.150-157.
Copyright Australian Nursing Federation Aug 2005
Source: Australian Nursing Journal; ANJ
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