Improving Balance & Bone Strength With Tai Chi
Balance is a something we often take for granted in our lives, because it’s not something we are particularly conscious of from moment to moment, unless when it starts to be affected somehow. However, having good balance is directly related to the risk of falls and fractures, an area of particular caution in the elderly. Many physiological processes are happening simultaneously when it comes to maintaining balance – including sensory perception, muscular support, strength and flexibility, neuromuscular coordination and cognitive awareness. Practising Tai Chi intentionally integrates all these processes and this is why it can be so helpful in improving balance and preventing falls.
A randomised-control study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that Tai Chi can improve balance and motor control in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson’s Disease. The trial consisted of 195 patients that were randomly assigned to one of three training groups: Tai Chi, resistence-training exercises, or stretching. The groups attended twice weekly training sessions over a 6-month period. The Tai Chi group performed 4 times better than those in the stretching group and around twice better than the resistance training group (Li, et al., 2012). Tai Chi therefore, can be a great additional therapy for such patients with motor impairment and balance disorders.
A randomised-control study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that Tai Chi can improve balance and motor control in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson’s Disease. The trial consisted of 195 patients that were randomly assigned to one of three training groups: Tai Chi, resistence-training exercises, or stretching. The groups attended twice weekly training sessions over a 6-month period. The Tai Chi group performed 4 times better than those in the stretching group and around twice better than the resistance training group (Li, et al., 2012). Tai Chi therefore, can be a great additional therapy for such patients with motor impairment and balance disorders.