Improving effectiveness of tai chi to prevent falls
Researchers at the University of Vermont, in Burlington, compared 3 different options.
First, the details.
- 64 older adults with a history of falling in the previous year and/or significant fear of falling were assigned to a 24-form, yang-style tai chi for 15 weeks, 3 hours a week.
- They were randomly assigned to use a program designed to maintain adherence to tai chi.
- A live, interactive, telecommunication-based exercise (Tele-ex)
- A similar program through a community center-based exercise (Comm-ex)
- A home video-based exercise (Home-ex)
- The researchers recorded exercise compliance, number of falls, fear of falling (Activities-specific Balance Confidence [ABC] score), self-perceived health (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]), Timed Up & Go (TUG), single leg stance (SLS), and body sway during quiet stance.
And, the results.
- Tele-ex and Comm-ex groups demonstrated significantly higher exercise attendance and in-class practice time vs Home-ex.
- Tele-ex and Comm-ex groups demonstrated significant reductions in the average number of falls and injurious falls vs Home-ex.
- After training there were significant improvements in SLS, ABC, ML-COP, and physical health subscore of the SF-36.
- Both Tele-ex and Comm-ex groups demonstrated larger improvements than Home-ex in TUG, ML-COP, and the social function, mental health, and physical health subscores of the MOS SF-36.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “Compared with the Home-ex, the Tele-ex and Comm-ex groups are better in exercise compliance, fall reduction and balance, and health improvements. Tele-ex is an effective, affordable, and acceptable choice of exercise for elders.”
My take is there are benefits associated with live interaction, which exceed what can be achieved using a mono-directional approach to communication using a video.
10/28/10 21:27 JR