Effects of Tai Chi Training on Obstacle Avoidance and Gait Initiation by Older People

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of the current study was to investigate whether dynamic balance control, assessed by the center of pressure (COP) trajectory, during level walking and obstacle crossing is affected by Tai Chi (TC) training. [Subjects] Twenty healthy older adults (mean age, 71.9; age range, 65-82 years) who met the inclusion criteria volunteered to participate in this trial. [Methods] Subjects underwent pre- and post-test measurements of initiation of gait and stepping over an obstacle at their normal comfortable pace. Subjects received TC training three times per week over a period of 16 weeks. The pre- and post-intervention values of COP trajectory were measured using two force plates for obstacle crossing and initiation of gait conditions. [Results] There was a significant increase in the anteroposterior COP and the average velocity of COP of both limbs in post-TC measurements as compared to pre-TC measurements. No significant main effect of time was found in the mediolateral COP of limb. Furthermore, no significant main effect of gait was found for COP variable of limb. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that TC can enhance older individuals' balance control significantly while performing volitionally destabilizing activities.