Development of an Applied Tai Chi Chuang Exercise Training Program to Improve Balance Ability and Fall Reduction Perception in the Elderly
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60027/iarj.2026.e293872Keywords:
Applied Tai Chi Chuan Exercise, Balance Ability, Fall Prevention, ElderlyAbstract
Background and Aims: Falls among elderly individuals represent a significant public health concern, with balance deterioration being a primary contributing factor. Traditional exercise interventions often lack accessibility and cultural relevance for older Chinese adults. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a structured 12-week "Eight Methods and Five Steps" Tai Chi Chuan exercise program on balance ability and fall prevention perception among elderly participants aged 65-75 years.
Methodology: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 40 elderly participants (aged 65-75) from Wuqi Community Nursing Home in Jinan City. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=20) receiving 12 weeks of Tai Chi training (60 minutes, 3 times weekly) or a control group (n=20) attending health education lectures. Balance assessments included static balance (one-legged standing, center of pressure measurements), dynamic balance (Timed Up and Go test), and fall prevention capability (Berg Balance Scale). Data were collected at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Data analysis employed a computer statistical software package with significance set at p < 0.05. Independent t-tests compared between-group differences, while repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction analyzed within-group changes.
Results: The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements compared to controls across all measures. Open-eyes standing time increased 94.0% from 21.88±3.66 to 42.45±4.10 seconds (p<0.001, Cohen's d=1.85). Dynamic balance improved with TUG times decreasing 17.8% from 11.41±0.29 to 9.38±0.26 seconds (p<0.001). Berg Balance Scale scores increased 7.0% from 51.08±0.80 to 54.63±0.66 points (p<0.001). Center of pressure measurements showed a 57.5% reduction in sway area (p<0.001). Within-group analysis revealed progressive improvements at both assessment intervals.
Conclusions: The structured Tai Chi Chuan program, based on the 'Eight Methods and Five Steps' sequence, effectively enhances balance performance and fall prevention perception in Chinese elderly individuals with large effect sizes, suggesting strong clinical significance for fall prevention interventions.
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