Tai Chi can reduce risks of falls
Tai Chi can reduce risks of falls
Elderly people who participate in a 15-week program in Tai Chi, a martial arts form that enhances balance and body awareness, reduce their risk of falling by almost half, according to research at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.
The study, funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), included 200 participants, age 70 or older, who were divided into groups for Tai Chi, computerized balance training, and education.
One group attended 15 weekly sessions of Tai Chi, an exercise program based on gentle and precise body movements, then practiced at home for at least 15 minutes twice a day. A second group was trained on a computer assisted balance platform. A third group attended weekly educational sessions.
The study, published in the May 1996 issue of the Journal of American Geriatrics Society, concluded that the most notable result was the reduction of the rate of falling for the Tai Chi group. For more information, contact the NIA at (301) 496-1752.
Subscribe Now for Access
You have reached your article limit for the month. We hope you found our articles both enjoyable and insightful. For information on new subscriptions, product trials, alternative billing arrangements or group and site discounts please call 800-688-2421. We look forward to having you as a long-term member of the Relias Media community.