The effect of Tai Chi intervention on balance in older males

摘要： <正>Purpose:The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a 24-week Tai Chi exercise intervention on balance and other physical changes such as flexibility and reaction time(RT) among healthy older males. Methods:Thirty-eight male subjects aged 55—65 years without prior Tai Chi experience were recruited from a local community in Shanghai, China.A 60-min Tai Chi exercise session was performed three times a week for 24 weeks.Changes in RT,sit-and-reach flexibility and balance (static balance with eyes open and closed respectively) were measured before and after the Tai Chi intervention. Results:After the 24-week Tai Chi intervention,the choice RT(p < 0.05) decreased,and sit-and-reach flexibility improved(p < 0.01) over the pre-test(7.8±6.2 vs.7.1±3.0 cm).Sway length,area,X-axis deviation amplitude and K-axis deviation amplitude performance decreased significantly after the intervention with a double-foot stance with eyes open(p < 0.05).Sway length,area and average sway speed showed a statistically significant decrease after the intervention with the double-foot stance with eyes closed.In the single-foot stance with eyes open condition,sway length and average sway speed showed a statistically significant decrease(p < 0.05). Conclusion:The 24-week Tai Chi exercise intervention had a positive influence on balance control in older males. ... （共4頁）