The effect of Tai Chi intervention on balance in older males

PurposeThe purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a 24-week Tai Chi exercise intervention on balance and other physical changes such as flexibility and reaction time (RT) among healthy older males.MethodsThirty-eight male subjects aged 55–65 years without prior Tai Chi experience were recruited from a local community in Shanghai, China. A 60-min Tai Chi exercise session was performed three times a week for 24 weeks. Changes in RT, sit-and-reach flexibility and balance (static balance with eyes open and closed respectively) were measured before and after the Tai Chi intervention.ResultsAfter the 24-week Tai Chi intervention, the choice RT (p < 0.05) decreased, and sit-and-reach flexibility improved (p < 0.01) over the pre-test (7.8±6.2 vs. 7.1±3.0cm). Sway length, area, X-axis deviation amplitude and Y-axis deviation amplitude performance decreased significantly after the intervention with a double-foot stance with eyes open (p < 0.05). Sway length, area and average sway speed showed a statistically significant decrease after the intervention with the double-foot stance with eyes closed. In the single-foot stance with eyes open condition, sway length and average sway speed showed a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe 24-week Tai Chi exercise intervention had a positive influence on balance control in older males.