Developing Taijiquan Training Program to Improve Physical Fitness of Elderly in Jiaozuo City

Fei He; Chanchai Siriphan

doi:10.60027/iarj.2026.e293535

Authors

Fei He Faculty of Sports Science and Technology, Bangkokthonburi University, Thailand
Chanchai Siriphan Faculty of Sports Science and Technology, Bangkokthonburi University, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60027/iarj.2026.e293535

Keywords:

Taijiquan Training Program, Physical Fitness, Elderly

Abstract

Background and Aims: Age-related decline in physical fitness, particularly balance, flexibility, and lower-limb strength, significantly affects the health and quality of life of older adults in Jiaozuo City. Although Taijiquan is recognized for its fitness benefits, structured and progression-based programs tailored to local elderly populations are lacking. This study developed and evaluated an 8-week Chen-style Taijiquan program aimed at improving these physical fitness components.

Methodology: A quasi-experimental design was employed with 48 older adults (age 60–70; 75% male) recruited from a Taijiquan activity center in Jiaozuo. Participants were allocated into experimental (n=24) and control (n=24) groups using sex-stratified block randomization. The experimental group underwent a supervised Taijiquan program (5 days/week, 90 min/session) for 8 weeks, while the control group maintained their usual daily activities. The program was developed through expert interviews (n=5), a focus group (n=10), and connoisseurship validation (n=7). Primary outcomes included static/dynamic balance, flexibility (Chair Sit and Reach Test), and lower-limb strength (5-Time and 30-Second Sit-Stand Tests). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, independent t-tests, and ANCOVA, adjusting for baseline, with effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals reported.

Results: 1. The post-tests of the experimental group on balance force, flexibility, and lower limb muscle strength were significantly better than the pretests, while the differences in the control group were not significant. 2. The post-test comparison between the experimental group and the control group showed that the balance force, flexibility, and lower limb muscle strength tests of the experimental group were significantly better than those of the control group. 3. The confirmation of the taijiquan training program was regarded by experts as scientific and practical.

Conclusion: The taijiquan training program for the elderly was tested by experts for quality and considered to be scientific and practical in the experiment. The experimental results showed improvement and had statistically significant differences.

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