Tai chi is more effective than more conventional physical therapies at helping elderly patients prevent a fall, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
For the study, researchers examined two groups of patients over the age of 60 who had a fall-related emergency in the six months prior to study participation. The first group received individual tai chi lessons weekly for 24 weeks. The second group participated in hour-long lower extremity training sessions conducted by a physical therapist for 24 weeks. Sessions incorporated stretching, strengthening and balance training. The participants were asked to integrate what they learned in these weekly sessions into a daily home routine.
After six months, the patients practicing tai chi were found to be significantly less likely to experience a fall than those participating in more conventional physical therapies.
The study's authors suggest that further research on the potential effects of tai chi and exercise intervention programs on injury reduction and prospective improvements in cognitive function be conducted.
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