≡ Menu

Efficacy of supervised Tai Chi exercises versus conventional physical therapy exercises in fall prevention for frail older adults: a randomized controlled trial

Informa Healthcare Efficacy of supervised Tai Chi exercises versus conventional physical therapy exercises in fall prevention for frail older adults: a randomized controlled trialPurpose: To compare the effectiveness of supervised Tai Chi exercises versus the conventional physical therapy exercises in a personalized rehabilitation program in terms of the incidence and severity of falls in a frail older population. Method: The participants were frail older adults living in the community, admitted to the day hospital program in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada (n = 152). They were randomized to receive a 15-week intervention, either by supervised Tai Chi exercises (n = 76) or conventional physical therapy (n = 76). Fall incidence and severity were assessed using both the calendar technique and phone interviews once a month during 12 months following the end of the intervention. Other variables were collected at baseline to compare the two groups: age, comorbidity, balance, sensory interaction on balance, and self-rated health. Results: Both interventions demonstrated a protective effect on falls but Tai Chi showed a greater one (RR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.56–0.98) as compared to conventional physical therapy exercises. Conclusions: Supervised Tai Chi exercises as part of a rehabilitation program seem to be a more effective alternative to the conventional physical therapy exercises for this specific population.

Implications for Rehabilitation
Seniors who have fallen have a 50% chance of falling again during the following year, leading them to reduce their outings and thus decrease their social activities.

Frail older people could benefit more from an individualized intervention than the regular group program generally used in a Tai Chi intervention.

Tai Chi exercises seems to be a good alternative to regular physiotherapy exercises as a part of a multidisciplinary intervention in preventing a subsequent fall over a 12-month period.

Read More: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09638288.2012.737084

0 comments… add one

AgeUK - Love Later Life National Osteoporosis Society ProFouND Prevention of Falls Network for Dissemination Logo British Geriatrics Society Later Life Training


ProFaNE.co has long term associations with AgeUK, NOS, BGS and LLT and is proud to be part of the NoS and AgeUK Falls and Fractures Alliance.
Skip to toolbar