EFFECTS OF TAI CHI CHI KUNG EXERCISE ON FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY IN ELDERLY
September 10th, 2007 at 4:58 am (Research, Taijiquan)
Published in Journal of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, vol. 4(2), April-June, 2003, page 12-17. EFFECTS OF
TAI CHI CHI KUNG EXERCISE ON FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY IN ELDERLY
Somporn Onla-or1, Pathomrat Saksri1, and Anothai Wongyai2
1Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
2 Department of Physical Therapy, Dermbangnangbuad Hospital, Supunburi, Thailand
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to compare functional mobility between elderly individuals who regularly practice Tai Chi Chi Kung (at least 3 days/week for at least 3 months) and non-exercise elderly. The participants were 60 healthy elderly, aged between 60-74 years. They were divided into 2 groups: the Tai Chi Chi Kung group (n = 30) and the control group (n = 30). The two groups were similar in sex, age, weight, height, and level of daily activity. Functional mobility was assessed using the Timed Movement Battery (TMB). The TMB incorporated basic movements that are associated with activity of daily living and movements that elderly often have difficulty performing. Results showed that the time to complete each item in the TMB was significantly shorter for the Tai Chi Chi Kung group than for that of the control group (p < 0.01). Average time to complete all movements in the TMB was 29.56 +- 4.30 sec for the Tai Chi Chi Kung group and was 37.7 +- 8.28 sec for the control group. In conclusion, Tai Chi Chi Kung improves functional mobility in the healthy elderly. Previous studies showed that Tai Chi Chi Kung improves muscle strength, flexibility, and balance which are essential for functional mobility.
In addition, Tai Chi Chi Kung is suitable for the elderly because it is a low intensity and low impact exercise. Therefore, Tai Chi Chi Kung exercise should be promoted in the elderly community.
