Originally published July 5 2005
Study reinforces benefits of Tai Chi
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The martial arts form known as Tai Chi has been said to enhance balance and body awareness, build strength and even reduce the risk of falls in the elderly, and Senior Journal reports that a recent study conducted by researchers at Chung Nam National University in South Korea reinforces this.
The new study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing reported on a group of fall-prone senior citizens, with an average age of 78, living in residential care.
They found that the physical fitness of the exercise group showed significant improvement, with stronger knee and ankle muscles, improved mobility and flexibility and better balance.
For example, after the exercise program had finished, the time taken by the exercise group to walk six meters had fallen by 25 per cent, while the control group took 14 per cent longer.
"As people get older they are more likely to experience falls and this can lead to some very serious health issues" says co-author Professor Rhayun Song from the Chung Nam National University in South Korea.
"Regular exercise is very important as we get older because when we get to 65 we start losing muscle strength at a rate of up to two per cent per year," Song added.
Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art consisting of a series of slow, gentle, continuous movements, is particularly suitable for older people as it helps them to develop stronger muscles and better balance and concentration.
This measured their muscle strength, balance and confidence in avoiding falls.
Participants were also asked to report any falls they experienced during the test period.
A second study, by Leslie Wolfson, M.D., and colleagues at the University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, found that several interventions to improve balance and strength among older people were effective.
"The FICSIT studies have shown that a range of techniques, from the most sophisticated medical interventions to more 'low tech' methods, can help older people avoid frailty and falling," says Chhanda Dutta, Ph.D., Director of Musculoskeletal Research in the NIA's Geriatrics Program.
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