Effect of Eight Weeks of Tai Chi Training on Balance and Ankle Range of Motion in Elderly Women

The reduction of balance and motion range in elderly people are the main causes of their falling and its consequences like physical injuries. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of eight weeks of Tai Chi training on balance and ankle range of motion in elderly women.

A total of 30 elderly women aged 55-65 years were selected using purposive sampling of female volunteers in Bam. Participants were randomly divided into experimental (n=15, age: 57.4 ± 2.8 (y), weight: 74.4 ± 8.1(kg), height: 154.2 ± 4.6 (cm)) and control (n=15, age: 59.2 ± 3.2 (y), weight: 72.4 ± 10.3 (kg), height: 156.2 ± 5.8 (cm)) groups. The study involved a training program for eight weeks, three times per week in experimental group, while the control group did not participate in any organized regular physical exercise. The ankle range of motion was measured using goniometer and balance was measured using Berg Balance test before and after training protocol in two groups. Data were analyzed running Multivariate covariance and alpha level was set at 0.05.

The results of the study showed that there is a significant difference between the mean scores of balance and plantar flexion range of motion for the right foot, dorsi flexion range of motion for the left foot, and inversion and eversion ranges of motion for the left and right feet of the participants according to group membership (P<0.05)

Tai Chi training can improve the balance and ankle range of motion in elderly women. These findings can help design training programs for older adults. Tai chi training is also effective for improving function and reducing the potential risk of falling and its complications in elder women.