Falls have a major impact on the overall health of seniors and studies have indicated that physical activity can help lower the risk of falls. There's a ton of research on the subject from authorities world-wide. In this post I'll direct your attention to a case-control study of individuals older than 65 years of age, subjects who practiced vigorous physical activity and had no limitations to their activities of daily living. The research illustrates the physical and even cardiovascular benefits of Tai Chi for older adults.

In a group of seniors who were randomized, Tai Chi improved all measures of physical function. Tai Chi improved the ability of participants to perform both walking and more vigorous activities such as running. In a cross-sectional study comparing Tai Chi practitioners with an average of 13.2 years of experience with a control group of sedentary older adults, Tai Chi was associated with a reduced resting heart rate and reduced post-exercise heart rate. In this same study, Tai Chi improved the ability to sit and reach, total body rotation, and standing on one leg with eyes closed.

Physicians in Western countries might question whether older adults will accept Tai Chi as a form of exercise. A study of 130 seniors in the Southern United States found that older adults derived similar balance and movement benefits after randomization to programs of TaiChi or individualized balance training, but only participants performing Tai Chi reported that their average daily life and overall life was improved with the training program.

The authors focused on older adults with problems with balance and no prior experience with Tai Chi. This study helps reinforce other research regarding the value of Tai Chi in older adults. Whether performed alone or in a group environment, it appears that Tai Chi can provide important physical and psychological benefits for older adults. Physicians should keep this in mind when counseling older adults at risk of falling.

This was an summary of the article located at: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/529870 we strongly encourage you to read the article and accompanying research and references.

eCaregiver is not the author of this article; all credit is given to Charles Vega, MD, FAAFP, Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine; Associate Residency Director, University of California - Irvine, Orange, California.

While Personal Help Buttons and Medical Alert Monitoring Services have been proven to speed response in case of emergency and clients report enhanced peace-of-mind with a medical alert monitoring system; eCaregiver offers this information purely for your benefit and without compensation or intent.

References:

1. Stevens JA, Powell KE, Smith SM, Wingo PA, Sattin RW. Physical activity, functional limitations, and the risk of fall-related fractures in community-dwelling elderly. Ann Epidemiol. 1997;7:54-61.
2. Cumming RG, Salkeld G, Thomas M, Szonyi G. Prospective study of the impact of fear of falling on activities of daily living, SF-36 scores, and nursing home admission. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2000;55:M299-M305.
3. Li F, Harmer P, McAuley E, Duncan TE, et al. An evaluation of the effects of Tai Chi exercise on physical function among older persons: a randomized controlled trial. Ann Behav Med. 2001;23:139-146.
4. Hong Y, Li JX, Robinson PD. Balance control, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory fitness among older Tai Chi practitioners. Br J Sports Med. 2000;34:29-34.
5. Kutner NG, Barnhart H, Wolf SL, McNeely E, Xu T. Self-report benefits of Tai Chi practice by older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 1997;52:P242-P246.