Recent research has suggested the effectiveness of Tai Chi in
developing and maintaining balance an older populations, and thereby
decreasing the incidence of falls. It has been noted that in the
absence of a training program, aging will result greater postural sway
and lower walking speeds. However, little has been published
concerning the specific ability of Tai Chi relative to other forms of
balance training in producing these outcomes. That is, while Tai Chi
has proven effective in this area, the question remains whether this
is a characteristic exclusive to Tai Chi, or if other forms of
training can produce equivalent results. This article will examine the
findings of a recent study which attempted to test the merits of Tai
Chi against those of basic balance training in a 12-week training
period.
The study concluded that at the end of the 12-week training period, no
significant differences were present in the two groups’ upright
standing control, walking ability, or walking speed. At first glance
it seems that there exists no tangible difference between balance
training programs and Tai Chi programs in maintaining functionality in
older people.
Many explanations have been offered for why this study failed to
replicate similar experiments’ findings. First, the researchers note
that this 12-week training program required far less extensive
training than the typical 6 times a week for 4-8 weeks commonly
employed in other studies. Also, the sample population was comprised
of individuals who all regarded themselves as physically active, prior
to enrollment in the program. As such, these individuals did not
experience an increase in their baseline ability in either postural
control or walking speed. Taken together, these two factors may
explain why these finding represent such a departure from findings
concerning the merits of Tai Chi compared to inactivity.
While the study failed to demonstrate any significant difference
between the two training programs in predetermined statistical
measures, it did spot a noticeable difference between the two in terms
of a tertiary statistic, the Romberg quotient. It seems that although
Tai Chi did not directly improve statistical outcomes any more than
balance training, it can aid in limiting the eye closure effects on
postural control. Thus, Tai Chi may prove effective in limiting the
negative impact of aging on sway perception. While this did not
manifest itself in the test group’s walking speed or standing control,
it is theorized that under a longer or more intense training program
this benefit might begin to reveal itself.
As yet, it is uncertain whether Tai Chi possesses any unique ability
to limit postural sway and maintain one’s movement and walking
functionality. What is certain is the ability for training programs
like these, aimed at developing and maintaining balance, to make
improvements in older populations’ daily living.