Falls are a leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality among older adults and often cause fractures and loss of independence.

One in four seniors over age 65 falls each year, and one in five of those falls causes serious injuries such as broken bones or head injuries.

Major contributors to fall risk include prior falls, vision and inner ear problems, reduced strength, flexibility, posture, medications, and chronic disease.

Physical therapists can assess balance, identify risk factors, and design individualized programs.

Clinicians and therapists often recommend strength and balance exercises such as Tai Chi or yoga to help prevent falls.

A systematic review found that well-designed exercise programs can prevent falls in seniors living at home.

That review included two studies using Tai Chi and noted that effective programs emphasized balance training.

Tai Chi is a slow, meditative mind-body practice with continuous movements, weight shifting, and controlled breathing that train balance and coordination.

Clinical studies and reports link Tai Chi to improved balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and lower blood pressure for some participants.

Because Tai Chi targets balance, it is a practical, accessible option to consider for fall prevention in older adults.

Start with a fall risk assessment and discuss supervised Tai Chi or other balance training with your parents' health provider or physical therapist.

Summary: Evidence in the provided sources indicates that Tai Chi is a reasonable, evidence-supported option to help reduce fall risk by improving balance and related fitness.

Falls are a leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality among older adults and often cause fractures and loss of independence.

Title:

Content: Healthy aging comes with challenges. For a variety of reasons, as each year passes, the likelihood of falling increases.

According to Dr. Boris Goralnik, a geriatric specialist at UPMC in North Central Pa, a fall is defined as an unexpected event in which a person comes to rest on the ground, floor, or a lower level.

“Falls result in fall-related injuries, progression of gait impairments, loss of independence, depression,” Goralnik said. “It is a leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality among older adults.”

By preventing falls, providers try to prevent related injuries such as fractures, hematomas, and skin lacerations. From practice and literature, said Goralnik, the most important risk factor of falls is a previous history of falls.

According to Janine Fee, MS, MPT, a physical therapist who is certified in vestibular rehabilitation at Evangelical Community Hospital, physical balance, which is important to avoid falling, can be complicated.

“I like to use the analogy of a baseball field,’’ Fee said. “Every player on the field is important and if a player is not working, then your team — your balance — is going to be impacted.”

Fee said many systems have a direct impact on balance. Eyes, ears, sense of touch — especially with our feet, muscle strength, flexibility, and posture are a few. And, the brain can have a major impact on our ability to avoid falling.

Fee said any weakening of one or more of these areas will significantly increase the risk of falling.

According to the Centers for Disease Control website, one out of four seniors over the age of 65 will fall each year. One out of five of those falls will cause serious injuries such as broken bones or head injuries.

“This can then lead to serious consequences that may significantly impact a person’s overall quality of life,” said Fee. “Even if the fall didn’t cause harm, it is likely that the person now develops a fear of falling.”

Many factorsIn many cases, Goralnik said, falls and fall-related injuries lead to substantial deficiency in activities of daily living and the need for supportive care for older adults. He agreed with Fee that a fear of falling leads to things like not participating in activities that require balance, causing weaknesses and furthering the risk of repeated falls. Paying attention to the body and being more aware of areas contributing to balance is a big step in preventing falls.

Age alone should not be blamed as a factor regarding balance, said Fee.

“I strongly believe that if you stay active, you can minimize the effects that aging has on all of these players,” Fee said.

Diseases and underlying medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, neuropathy, strokes, vision problems, and pain can impact a person’s balance. Other factors such as medications, fear of falling, and environmental factors.

It is very important for older patients to discuss with their providers any changes in the gait, possible new onset gait unsteadiness, or if they start to experience new musculoskeletal pain, Goralnik advised.

“Some of the medications may increase the risk of falls,” said Goralnik. “It is very important for people to have a complete list of all current medications when they visit their medical providers.”

Having detailed information, he said, about existing and potential risk factors may help reduce the risk of future falls.

Fee added that testing can be completed to assess balance and what kind of treatment or therapy might be available to assist with balance. Fee said a fall risk assessment is a good first step to preventing falls.

“You can talk to your doctor or health care provider to refer you to a physical therapist to evaluate your risk for falling,” said Fee.

She said a physical therapist will measure/evaluate strength, flexibility, analyzation of posture and feet, how you walk and perform specific balance measures to determine your areas of weakness. The therapist may also ask about fall history and possible home hazards like uneven pavement, rugs, steps, clutter or pets.

“Then a physical therapist can design a specialized treatment program to help you reduce your risk of falls,” Fee said. “Other recommendations to improve overall balance is getting involved in a local gym where you can perform strength and balance exercises like Tai Chi or yoga.”

Temporary conditionsIn addition to medical conditions such as strokes, brain injuries, etc., other temporary conditions also have effects on an individual’s balance.

Fee, a physical therapist who specializes in inner ear disorders, said the most common inner ear problem is a condition known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Classic symptoms include brief episodes of spinning or imbalance that occur when lying down, rolling over in bed, or looking up.

“BPPV can significantly increase a person’s risk for falling especially if they have other balance risk factors. This problem is easily identified by the physical therapist that is trained in detecting inner ear problems,” she added.

Fee said a physical therapist with specialized training can provide the most appropriate intervention to reduce or resolve these symptoms in as little as one to three sessions.

Fee said physical therapists can often identify risk factors and provide specific recommendations to improve balance.

“Physical therapists are like coaches, but you have to do the work. In order for your balance to improve, you have to challenge the team!”

Goralnik added, that in many cases, falls and fall-related injuries lead to substantial deficiency with activities of daily living and the need for supportive care for older adults.

The economic burdens from falls are substantial and likely to increase with the growth of the older population, according to Goralnik.

Fall-related health care costs include hospital bills, fees for professional service, and costs of prescription medications, home health services, long-term care facilities, and durable medical equipment.

“Always inform your doctor about recent falls and fall-related injuries,” concluded Gorainik.

It is very important for seniors to discuss any changes of the gait, possible new onset gait unsteadiness, or if they started to experience new musculoskeletal pain with their doctor.

Trending Video

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

One in four seniors over age 65 falls each year, and one in five of those falls causes serious injuries such as broken bones or head injuries.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Major contributors to fall risk include prior falls, vision and inner ear problems, reduced strength, flexibility, posture, medications, and chronic disease.

Title:

Content: September is Falls Prevention Month

By Teresa Carr

Administrative Assistant

Would you like to learn ways to stay informed, stay healthy and save money with Medicare? The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) will have a presentation held here at the Senior Center on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 1:30 pm. Space is limited so please call to reserve your spot at (937) 544-3979.

September is Falls Prevention Month. Here is some information from AAA7 – It’s Fall – Don’t You Fall! Many people experience problems with their sense of balance as they get older. Disturbances of the inner ear are the main cause. Vertigo, the feeling that things around you are spinning, is also a common symptom. Experts believe that more than 40 percent of Americans will experience dizziness that is serious enough to go to a doctor.

Balance disorders are one reason older people fall. Falls and fall-related injuries, such as hip fracture, can have a serious impact on an older person’s life. If the person in your care falls, it could limit their activities or make it impossible for them to live independently. Some balance disorders are caused by problems in the inner ear. Aging, infections, head injury, certain medicines, or problems with blood circulation may result in a balance problem.

Diseases of the circulatory system, such as stroke, also can cause dizziness. High or low blood pressure also can cause dizziness. Eating low-salt or salt-free foods and avoiding caffeine and alcohol can make symptoms less severe. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising can also help a person manage blood pressure and balance problems.

It is important to have a potential balance disorder diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

Source: NIH Senior Health; www.nihseniorhealth.gov

Fall Prevention Measures

• Stay in when rainy and icy.

• Have regular vision screening check-ups for eyeglasses.

• Use separate reading glasses and other regular glasses if bifocals make it difficult to see the floor.

· Be cautious when walking on wet floors. Look carefully at floor surfaces in public buildings. Many floors are made of highly polished marble or tile that can be very slippery.

· Wear good foot support when walking. New shoes are slippery and crepe-soled shoes can cause the toe to catch.

The Summer Crisis Program has been continued through Sept. 30. Please call ABCAP’s office in Winchester, Ohio toll-free at 1-567-268-1009 to use the automated system to schedule a phone appointment. You may use this number 24/7 to make an appointment. Did you know by applying for this program, you are automatically registered for the Winter HEAP program so you don’t have to reapply for State assistance. If you need emergency assistance, due to a disconnect notice or less than a ten day’s supply of fuel, you will be able to apply during Winter Crisis program when it becomes available.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Physical therapists can assess balance, identify risk factors, and design individualized programs.

Clinicians and therapists often recommend strength and balance exercises such as Tai Chi or yoga to help prevent falls.

How does Tai Chi enhance balance and body coordination?

It incorporates a lot of weight shifting and deliberate walking into its routines.

How does Tai Chi help people with Parkinson's disease?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms that may cause falls of elderly patients.

How doesTai Chi help prevent falls for older people?

It improves the balance of older people.

What are some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi regularly?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance, mobility, and stability.

What did studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What have studies shown about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms of Parkinson's disease that may cause falls of elderly patients.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

A systematic review found that well-designed exercise programs can prevent falls in seniors living at home.

Title:

Content: Exercise programs meant to prevent falls in seniors may also help prevent injuries caused by falls, according to a new review.

Fall-related injuries are common among seniors and a major cause of long-term pain and disability. They also increase the risk of having to go to a nursing home and have a high economic cost.

The new findings, published online Oct. 29 in the journal bmj.com, suggest that "reducing the risk of falling and improving protective responses during a fall may be an important and feasible means of preventing fractures and other serious injuries in the elderly," the study authors wrote in a journal news release.

Well-designed exercise programs can prevent falls in seniors living at home, but there is a lack of evidence on whether such programs can help prevent fall-related injuries, said French researchers Fabienne El-Khoury and colleagues.

In this review, they analyzed 17 studies that looked at whether fall-prevention exercises lowered seniors' risk of fractures and other injuries caused by falls. More than 4,000 participants were involved in all.

Tai Chi was the exercise in two of the studies, but most of them used gait, balance, strength and functional training, which involves workouts that help people do normal daily activities.

Most of the programs reduced fall-related injuries and appeared to significantly curb falls that lead to fractures, serious injuries and medical care.

Balance training was emphasized in all of the exercises that were effective in preventing falls, the researchers noted.

More information

The U.S. National Institute on Aging has more about older adults and falls.

Latest videos

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

That review included two studies using Tai Chi and noted that effective programs emphasized balance training.

How doesTai Chi help prevent falls for older people?

It improves the balance of older people.

What are some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi regularly?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance, mobility, and stability.

What did studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What study was included in trials combining excercise with a cognitive compoent?

Cognitively enhanced tai chi in older adults at risk for dementia.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Tai Chi is a slow, meditative mind-body practice with continuous movements, weight shifting, and controlled breathing that train balance and coordination.

Title:

Content: Study suggests tai chi is better than aerobic exercise at lowering blood pressure

According to a recent study, Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, lowers blood pressure more effectively than other types of exercise such as stair climbing or brisk walking. Over a year, Chinese researchers examined two groups of high blood pressure participants—one performing the Chinese martial arts and the other with aerobic exercise.

The study's authors argue that their findings, which were published in the JAMA Network Open Journal, should persuade medical professionals to advocate for moderate martial arts as a means of preventing heart disease in those with high blood pressure.

How was the study conducted?

The study included 349 individuals, 51.5% of whom were women, who had been diagnosed with prehypertension and were randomized to either the aerobic exercise or tai chi group. During a 12-month period, both groups engaged in four weekly 60-minute supervised sessions.

The aerobic exercise interventions comprised jogging, cycling, brisk walking, and climbing stairs. The tai chi group practiced Yang-style tai chi, which consists of 24 standard movements or forms. At baseline, six, and twelve months, blood pressure was measured. The mean change in SBP from baseline to 12 months, as measured while walking and in an office setting, was the main endpoint.

At the end of the research, blood pressure was within normal range in 21.8% of the tai chi group and 15.6% of the aerobic exercise group without medication. In the tai chi group, fewer patients had advanced hypertension (12.0% vs. 17.7%) than in the aerobic exercise group.

What is tai chi?

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that has gained popularity as a kind of meditation and mind-body workout. Its roots are in traditional Chinese medicine and Taoist philosophy, which date back to ancient China.

Key features

This practice is known for its slow, methodical movements that seamlessly transition from one stance to the next. These motions, which are frequently continuous and circular, encourage balance, flexibility, and calmness.

This practice places a strong emphasis on the relationship that exists between the mind and the body. Practitioners emphasize developing an internal awareness, living in the now, and synchronizing their movements with their breath.

This practice includes aspects of meditation that promote a relaxed and concentrated state of mind. People who participate in the technique, which is sometimes referred to as "moving meditation," perform a series of flowing motions while paying close attention.

This practice incorporates a lot of weight shifting and deliberate walking into its routines, which can enhance balance and coordination. Because of this, this Chinese practice is very helpful for senior citizens and anyone looking to improve their stability.

Regular practice has been linked to many health advantages, such as higher mental clarity, lower stress levels, enhanced flexibility, improved cardiovascular health, and an overall sense of well-being.

These results clearly show that this Chinese practice can be very helpful in lowering sympathetic excitability and offering prehypertensive people primary treatment. This practice may be a more beneficial option for controlling high blood pressure than standard aerobic activities, especially for people with prehypertension, according to new research.

Future research is necessary to fully investigate the possible advantages and long-term impacts of this Chinese practice in the management of hypertension.

Edited by Divya Singh

Title:

Content: Tai Chi Tops Other Exercises for Blood Pressure

More participants in a yearlong study saw their numbers drop than those who did aerobic exercises
By Gina Carey,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 17, 2024 8:23 AM CDT

Signing up for a tai chi class might come with an unexpected health benefit: lower blood pressure. A new clinical trial found that participants with prehypertension or slightly elevated blood pressure had improved measurements after practicing tai chi for a year—even more so than a group that regularly did aerobic exercises, reports the Washington Post. The yearlong study split 342 adults in China into two groups. The first group was given an aerobic regimen—60 minutes of moderate exercise like brisk walking—to practice four times per week. The second group learned a tai chi routine to perform four times weekly for an hour.

The participants had their blood pressure measured six months in, and then again after a year. During the course of the study, they also received health education and were encouraged to follow a diet developed to improve heart health. While all participants were at risk of hypertension at the start of the study, 21.8% of people from the tai chi group saw their blood pressure lowered to an ideal range, while 15.6% from the aerobic group fell within that range, according to the study published in the journal JAMA Network Open. So what might explain tai chi's advantage in lowering blood pressure?

Ruth Taylor-Piliae of University of Arizona's College of Nursing tells NPR that tai chi's gentle, slow movements and controlled breathing tend to activate what's known as the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes the body during times of stress. She also notes that it's an accessible form of exercise. "I think the beauty of tai chi is that you don't have to have a special gym membership, you don't have to have special clothing," says Taylor-Piliae, who was not involved in study. "Once you learn tai chi, you can do it anytime, anyplace, anywhere. And it does kind of provide that calming, relaxing" effect. Other benefits associated with tai chi include improved balance, flexibility, and muscle strength, per Harvard Health. (More blood pressure stories.)

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How does Tai Chi enhance balance and body coordination?

It incorporates a lot of weight shifting and deliberate walking into its routines.

How doesTai Chi help prevent falls for older people?

It improves the balance of older people.

What are some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi regularly?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance, mobility, and stability.

What did studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What does Ruth Taylor-Piliae of University of Arizona's College of Nursin say about Tai Chi?

She tells NPR that Tai Chi's gentle, slow movements and controlled breathing tend to activate what's known as the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes the body during times of stress.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

How does Tai Chi enhance balance and body coordination?

It incorporates a lot of weight shifting and deliberate walking into its routines.

How doesTai Chi help prevent falls for older people?

It improves the balance of older people.

What are some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi regularly?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance, mobility, and stability.

What did studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What does Ruth Taylor-Piliae of University of Arizona's College of Nursin say about Tai Chi?

She tells NPR that Tai Chi's gentle, slow movements and controlled breathing tend to activate what's known as the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes the body during times of stress.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Clinical studies and reports link Tai Chi to improved balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and lower blood pressure for some participants.

Title:

Content: Homepage

A financial analyst explains how tai chi 'stress bending' helped her avoid burnout in her high-stakes career

  • Former financial analyst Shirley Chock said tai chi helped her thrive in a career prone to burnout.
  • She now teaches tai chi full-time to help others boost their focus and energy while reducing stress.
  • Tai chi has been linked to a longer life, lower risk of illness, and better mental health, research suggests.
Advertisement

Former Yale financial analyst Shirley Chock is no stranger to stress.

Throughout her career, she saw her peers crumbling from the pressure of juggling a heavy workload and high-stakes assignments while trying to keep their health and their personal lives afloat.

In contrast, Chock found herself much better off, working her way up through the ranks to a manager position and even netting a Working Mother of the Year award, with energy to spare.

Her "secret" to success? Tai chi, a traditional Chinese martial art known for slow, gentle movements, which she said helped her stress-proof her routine.

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"I realized I was applying what I was learning in the martial art to my career and my life," she told Business Insider. "It was like I discovered a secret scroll because no one talked about tai chi in this way."

Tai chi was the key to staying healthy, focused, and energized in a career that left colleagues burned out, according to Chock.

"They just seemed like they were beaten down and facing obstacles all the time. And it was a much easier road for me to navigate the career," she said. "I had energy at the end of the day."

The experience was so profound that Chock left her finance career to teach the art full time with Aiping Tai Chi, a Connecticut-based school with a growing social media presence.

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Now her goal is to create an "army of stress-benders," demonstrating how to use tai chi to reduce stress, improve focus, and boost physical and mental health even (or especially) in a fast-paced, ambitious lifestyle.

"It helps you to stay centered so that you don't get distracted by all of these things that are trying to pull you away from your focus," Chock said.

How tai chi can make you mentally and physically stronger as you age

Chock found tai chi by accident. She initially used the deliberate, graceful movements of the practice to recover from an injury while training and competing in mixed martial arts and kung fu.

"I thought it would just be a recovery thing for me because I really wanted to do the cool acrobatic moves," Chock said. "I had this misconception that had was for old people like everybody else."

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It's true that tai chi has some serious benefits for healthy aging, helping to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance, mobility, and stability. Evidence also suggests it can help lower blood pressure, even in younger people. Practicing tai chi has been linked to better wellbeing, lower risk of anxiety, and fewer symptoms of depression in some studies.

But Chock was most excited about how learning tai chi was teaching her about habits to improve focus and energy in the rest of her life, and became hooked on the challenge of mastering the subtly of the art.

For instance, the tai chi concept of allowing your body to flow with gravity instead of resisting it beautifully illustrates how you can choose to respond to life challenges too, prioritizing what matters instead of becoming distracted by conflicts that ultimately aren't worth your energy.

Practicing stress management and focus through movement not only gives you the physical benefits of the exercise, but a deeper understanding of what it means than you might get from picking up a self-help book.

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"You might learn it in theory, but then when you need to apply it, you don't actually have it," Chock said. "Tai chi is a way for you to understand these philosophies in life by learning them through your body. In that moment where you're overloaded, the body just knows what to do."

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How doesTai Chi help prevent falls for older people?

It improves the balance of older people.

What are some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi regularly?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance, mobility, and stability.

What did studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What health advantages have been linked to regular practice of Tai Chi?

Enhanced flexibility.
Improved cardiovascular health.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

How doesTai Chi help prevent falls for older people?

It improves the balance of older people.

What are some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi regularly?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance, mobility, and stability.

What did studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What health advantages have been linked to regular practice of Tai Chi?

Enhanced flexibility.
Improved cardiovascular health.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

How doesTai Chi help prevent falls for older people?

It improves the balance of older people.

What are some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi regularly?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance, mobility, and stability.

What did studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What health advantages have been linked to regular practice of Tai Chi?

Enhanced flexibility.
Improved cardiovascular health.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Because Tai Chi targets balance, it is a practical, accessible option to consider for fall prevention in older adults.

How doesTai Chi help prevent falls for older people?

It improves the balance of older people.

What are some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi regularly?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance, mobility, and stability.

What did studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

How doesTai Chi help prevent falls for older people?

It improves the balance of older people.

What are some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi regularly?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance, mobility, and stability.

What did studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Start with a fall risk assessment and discuss supervised Tai Chi or other balance training with your parents' health provider or physical therapist.

How does Tai Chi help people with Parkinson's disease?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms that may cause falls of elderly patients.

How doesTai Chi help prevent falls for older people?

It improves the balance of older people.

What are some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi regularly?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance, mobility, and stability.

What did studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What have studies shown about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms of Parkinson's disease that may cause falls of elderly patients.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

How does Tai Chi help people with Parkinson's disease?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms that may cause falls of elderly patients.

How doesTai Chi help prevent falls for older people?

It improves the balance of older people.

What are some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi regularly?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance, mobility, and stability.

What did studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What have studies shown about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms of Parkinson's disease that may cause falls of elderly patients.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Summary: Evidence in the provided sources indicates that Tai Chi is a reasonable, evidence-supported option to help reduce fall risk by improving balance and related fitness.


Falls become more likely as people age and are a leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality among older adults.

A fall is defined as an unexpected event in which a person comes to rest on the ground, floor, or a lower level.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in four seniors over age 65 falls each year and one in five of those falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or head injuries.

A previous history of falls is the most important risk factor for future falls.

Balance depends on many systems including vision, inner ear function, touch (especially in the feet), muscle strength, flexibility, posture, and the brain.

Physical therapists can evaluate strength, flexibility, posture, gait, fall history, and home hazards and can design specialized programs to reduce fall risk.

Well-designed exercise programs that emphasize balance training can prevent falls among seniors living at home and may also reduce fall-related injuries.

In a review of 17 studies with more than 4,000 participants, most exercise programs reduced fall-related injuries and two of the studies used Tai Chi.

Tai Chi is a slow, methodical practice that uses weight shifting, deliberate walking, and flowing movements.

Sources report Tai Chi can improve balance, flexibility, and muscle strength.

Some trials and reports have found additional benefits of Tai Chi such as lowering blood pressure after regular practice.

Health professionals and news sources describe Tai Chi as accessible because it does not require special equipment or a gym membership.

Given the review evidence for balance-focused exercise and the reports that Tai Chi improves balance, Tai Chi is a reasonable, evidence-supported option to include in fall-prevention programs, although direct evidence for Tai Chi alone is limited within the reviewed trials.

Caregivers should start with a fall risk assessment and consult a healthcare provider or physical therapist before beginning Tai Chi or other balance programs.

Conclusion: Tai Chi is a practical, accessible balance exercise that can be included as part of fall-prevention efforts for older adults, but it should be started after a professional assessment and as part of a broader balance-training program.

Falls become more likely as people age and are a leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality among older adults.

Title:

Content: Healthy aging comes with challenges. For a variety of reasons, as each year passes, the likelihood of falling increases.

According to Dr. Boris Goralnik, a geriatric specialist at UPMC in North Central Pa, a fall is defined as an unexpected event in which a person comes to rest on the ground, floor, or a lower level.

“Falls result in fall-related injuries, progression of gait impairments, loss of independence, depression,” Goralnik said. “It is a leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality among older adults.”

By preventing falls, providers try to prevent related injuries such as fractures, hematomas, and skin lacerations. From practice and literature, said Goralnik, the most important risk factor of falls is a previous history of falls.

According to Janine Fee, MS, MPT, a physical therapist who is certified in vestibular rehabilitation at Evangelical Community Hospital, physical balance, which is important to avoid falling, can be complicated.

“I like to use the analogy of a baseball field,’’ Fee said. “Every player on the field is important and if a player is not working, then your team — your balance — is going to be impacted.”

Fee said many systems have a direct impact on balance. Eyes, ears, sense of touch — especially with our feet, muscle strength, flexibility, and posture are a few. And, the brain can have a major impact on our ability to avoid falling.

Fee said any weakening of one or more of these areas will significantly increase the risk of falling.

According to the Centers for Disease Control website, one out of four seniors over the age of 65 will fall each year. One out of five of those falls will cause serious injuries such as broken bones or head injuries.

“This can then lead to serious consequences that may significantly impact a person’s overall quality of life,” said Fee. “Even if the fall didn’t cause harm, it is likely that the person now develops a fear of falling.”

Many factorsIn many cases, Goralnik said, falls and fall-related injuries lead to substantial deficiency in activities of daily living and the need for supportive care for older adults. He agreed with Fee that a fear of falling leads to things like not participating in activities that require balance, causing weaknesses and furthering the risk of repeated falls. Paying attention to the body and being more aware of areas contributing to balance is a big step in preventing falls.

Age alone should not be blamed as a factor regarding balance, said Fee.

“I strongly believe that if you stay active, you can minimize the effects that aging has on all of these players,” Fee said.

Diseases and underlying medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, neuropathy, strokes, vision problems, and pain can impact a person’s balance. Other factors such as medications, fear of falling, and environmental factors.

It is very important for older patients to discuss with their providers any changes in the gait, possible new onset gait unsteadiness, or if they start to experience new musculoskeletal pain, Goralnik advised.

“Some of the medications may increase the risk of falls,” said Goralnik. “It is very important for people to have a complete list of all current medications when they visit their medical providers.”

Having detailed information, he said, about existing and potential risk factors may help reduce the risk of future falls.

Fee added that testing can be completed to assess balance and what kind of treatment or therapy might be available to assist with balance. Fee said a fall risk assessment is a good first step to preventing falls.

“You can talk to your doctor or health care provider to refer you to a physical therapist to evaluate your risk for falling,” said Fee.

She said a physical therapist will measure/evaluate strength, flexibility, analyzation of posture and feet, how you walk and perform specific balance measures to determine your areas of weakness. The therapist may also ask about fall history and possible home hazards like uneven pavement, rugs, steps, clutter or pets.

“Then a physical therapist can design a specialized treatment program to help you reduce your risk of falls,” Fee said. “Other recommendations to improve overall balance is getting involved in a local gym where you can perform strength and balance exercises like Tai Chi or yoga.”

Temporary conditionsIn addition to medical conditions such as strokes, brain injuries, etc., other temporary conditions also have effects on an individual’s balance.

Fee, a physical therapist who specializes in inner ear disorders, said the most common inner ear problem is a condition known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Classic symptoms include brief episodes of spinning or imbalance that occur when lying down, rolling over in bed, or looking up.

“BPPV can significantly increase a person’s risk for falling especially if they have other balance risk factors. This problem is easily identified by the physical therapist that is trained in detecting inner ear problems,” she added.

Fee said a physical therapist with specialized training can provide the most appropriate intervention to reduce or resolve these symptoms in as little as one to three sessions.

Fee said physical therapists can often identify risk factors and provide specific recommendations to improve balance.

“Physical therapists are like coaches, but you have to do the work. In order for your balance to improve, you have to challenge the team!”

Goralnik added, that in many cases, falls and fall-related injuries lead to substantial deficiency with activities of daily living and the need for supportive care for older adults.

The economic burdens from falls are substantial and likely to increase with the growth of the older population, according to Goralnik.

Fall-related health care costs include hospital bills, fees for professional service, and costs of prescription medications, home health services, long-term care facilities, and durable medical equipment.

“Always inform your doctor about recent falls and fall-related injuries,” concluded Gorainik.

It is very important for seniors to discuss any changes of the gait, possible new onset gait unsteadiness, or if they started to experience new musculoskeletal pain with their doctor.

Trending Video

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

A fall is defined as an unexpected event in which a person comes to rest on the ground, floor, or a lower level.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in four seniors over age 65 falls each year and one in five of those falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or head injuries.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

A previous history of falls is the most important risk factor for future falls.

Balance depends on many systems including vision, inner ear function, touch (especially in the feet), muscle strength, flexibility, posture, and the brain.

Physical therapists can evaluate strength, flexibility, posture, gait, fall history, and home hazards and can design specialized programs to reduce fall risk.

Well-designed exercise programs that emphasize balance training can prevent falls among seniors living at home and may also reduce fall-related injuries.

Title:

Content: Exercise programs meant to prevent falls in seniors may also help prevent injuries caused by falls, according to a new review.

Fall-related injuries are common among seniors and a major cause of long-term pain and disability. They also increase the risk of having to go to a nursing home and have a high economic cost.

The new findings, published online Oct. 29 in the journal bmj.com, suggest that "reducing the risk of falling and improving protective responses during a fall may be an important and feasible means of preventing fractures and other serious injuries in the elderly," the study authors wrote in a journal news release.

Well-designed exercise programs can prevent falls in seniors living at home, but there is a lack of evidence on whether such programs can help prevent fall-related injuries, said French researchers Fabienne El-Khoury and colleagues.

In this review, they analyzed 17 studies that looked at whether fall-prevention exercises lowered seniors' risk of fractures and other injuries caused by falls. More than 4,000 participants were involved in all.

Tai Chi was the exercise in two of the studies, but most of them used gait, balance, strength and functional training, which involves workouts that help people do normal daily activities.

Most of the programs reduced fall-related injuries and appeared to significantly curb falls that lead to fractures, serious injuries and medical care.

Balance training was emphasized in all of the exercises that were effective in preventing falls, the researchers noted.

More information

The U.S. National Institute on Aging has more about older adults and falls.

Latest videos

How doesTai Chi help prevent falls for older people?

It improves the balance of older people.

What are some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi regularly?

What did studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

In a review of 17 studies with more than 4,000 participants, most exercise programs reduced fall-related injuries and two of the studies used Tai Chi.

What did studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Tai Chi is a slow, methodical practice that uses weight shifting, deliberate walking, and flowing movements.

Title:

Content: Study suggests tai chi is better than aerobic exercise at lowering blood pressure

According to a recent study, Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, lowers blood pressure more effectively than other types of exercise such as stair climbing or brisk walking. Over a year, Chinese researchers examined two groups of high blood pressure participants—one performing the Chinese martial arts and the other with aerobic exercise.

The study's authors argue that their findings, which were published in the JAMA Network Open Journal, should persuade medical professionals to advocate for moderate martial arts as a means of preventing heart disease in those with high blood pressure.

How was the study conducted?

The study included 349 individuals, 51.5% of whom were women, who had been diagnosed with prehypertension and were randomized to either the aerobic exercise or tai chi group. During a 12-month period, both groups engaged in four weekly 60-minute supervised sessions.

The aerobic exercise interventions comprised jogging, cycling, brisk walking, and climbing stairs. The tai chi group practiced Yang-style tai chi, which consists of 24 standard movements or forms. At baseline, six, and twelve months, blood pressure was measured. The mean change in SBP from baseline to 12 months, as measured while walking and in an office setting, was the main endpoint.

At the end of the research, blood pressure was within normal range in 21.8% of the tai chi group and 15.6% of the aerobic exercise group without medication. In the tai chi group, fewer patients had advanced hypertension (12.0% vs. 17.7%) than in the aerobic exercise group.

What is tai chi?

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that has gained popularity as a kind of meditation and mind-body workout. Its roots are in traditional Chinese medicine and Taoist philosophy, which date back to ancient China.

Key features

This practice is known for its slow, methodical movements that seamlessly transition from one stance to the next. These motions, which are frequently continuous and circular, encourage balance, flexibility, and calmness.

This practice places a strong emphasis on the relationship that exists between the mind and the body. Practitioners emphasize developing an internal awareness, living in the now, and synchronizing their movements with their breath.

This practice includes aspects of meditation that promote a relaxed and concentrated state of mind. People who participate in the technique, which is sometimes referred to as "moving meditation," perform a series of flowing motions while paying close attention.

This practice incorporates a lot of weight shifting and deliberate walking into its routines, which can enhance balance and coordination. Because of this, this Chinese practice is very helpful for senior citizens and anyone looking to improve their stability.

Regular practice has been linked to many health advantages, such as higher mental clarity, lower stress levels, enhanced flexibility, improved cardiovascular health, and an overall sense of well-being.

These results clearly show that this Chinese practice can be very helpful in lowering sympathetic excitability and offering prehypertensive people primary treatment. This practice may be a more beneficial option for controlling high blood pressure than standard aerobic activities, especially for people with prehypertension, according to new research.

Future research is necessary to fully investigate the possible advantages and long-term impacts of this Chinese practice in the management of hypertension.

Edited by Divya Singh

How does Tai Chi enhance balance and body coordination?

It incorporates a lot of weight shifting and deliberate walking into its routines.

What does Ruth Taylor-Piliae of University of Arizona's College of Nursin say about Tai Chi?

She tells NPR that Tai Chi's gentle, slow movements and controlled breathing tend to activate what's known as the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes the body during times of stress.

Sources report Tai Chi can improve balance, flexibility, and muscle strength.

Title:

Content: Homepage

A financial analyst explains how tai chi 'stress bending' helped her avoid burnout in her high-stakes career

  • Former financial analyst Shirley Chock said tai chi helped her thrive in a career prone to burnout.
  • She now teaches tai chi full-time to help others boost their focus and energy while reducing stress.
  • Tai chi has been linked to a longer life, lower risk of illness, and better mental health, research suggests.
Advertisement

Former Yale financial analyst Shirley Chock is no stranger to stress.

Throughout her career, she saw her peers crumbling from the pressure of juggling a heavy workload and high-stakes assignments while trying to keep their health and their personal lives afloat.

In contrast, Chock found herself much better off, working her way up through the ranks to a manager position and even netting a Working Mother of the Year award, with energy to spare.

Her "secret" to success? Tai chi, a traditional Chinese martial art known for slow, gentle movements, which she said helped her stress-proof her routine.

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"I realized I was applying what I was learning in the martial art to my career and my life," she told Business Insider. "It was like I discovered a secret scroll because no one talked about tai chi in this way."

Tai chi was the key to staying healthy, focused, and energized in a career that left colleagues burned out, according to Chock.

"They just seemed like they were beaten down and facing obstacles all the time. And it was a much easier road for me to navigate the career," she said. "I had energy at the end of the day."

The experience was so profound that Chock left her finance career to teach the art full time with Aiping Tai Chi, a Connecticut-based school with a growing social media presence.

Advertisement

Now her goal is to create an "army of stress-benders," demonstrating how to use tai chi to reduce stress, improve focus, and boost physical and mental health even (or especially) in a fast-paced, ambitious lifestyle.

"It helps you to stay centered so that you don't get distracted by all of these things that are trying to pull you away from your focus," Chock said.

How tai chi can make you mentally and physically stronger as you age

Chock found tai chi by accident. She initially used the deliberate, graceful movements of the practice to recover from an injury while training and competing in mixed martial arts and kung fu.

"I thought it would just be a recovery thing for me because I really wanted to do the cool acrobatic moves," Chock said. "I had this misconception that had was for old people like everybody else."

Advertisement

It's true that tai chi has some serious benefits for healthy aging, helping to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance, mobility, and stability. Evidence also suggests it can help lower blood pressure, even in younger people. Practicing tai chi has been linked to better wellbeing, lower risk of anxiety, and fewer symptoms of depression in some studies.

But Chock was most excited about how learning tai chi was teaching her about habits to improve focus and energy in the rest of her life, and became hooked on the challenge of mastering the subtly of the art.

For instance, the tai chi concept of allowing your body to flow with gravity instead of resisting it beautifully illustrates how you can choose to respond to life challenges too, prioritizing what matters instead of becoming distracted by conflicts that ultimately aren't worth your energy.

Practicing stress management and focus through movement not only gives you the physical benefits of the exercise, but a deeper understanding of what it means than you might get from picking up a self-help book.

Advertisement

"You might learn it in theory, but then when you need to apply it, you don't actually have it," Chock said. "Tai chi is a way for you to understand these philosophies in life by learning them through your body. In that moment where you're overloaded, the body just knows what to do."

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How does Tai Chi help people with Parkinson's disease?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms that may cause falls of elderly patients.

How doesTai Chi help prevent falls for older people?

It improves the balance of older people.

What are some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi regularly?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance, mobility, and stability.

What did studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What health advantages have been linked to regular practice of Tai Chi?

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

How does Tai Chi help people with Parkinson's disease?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms that may cause falls of elderly patients.

How doesTai Chi help prevent falls for older people?

It improves the balance of older people.

What are some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi regularly?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance, mobility, and stability.

What did studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What health advantages have been linked to regular practice of Tai Chi?

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Some trials and reports have found additional benefits of Tai Chi such as lowering blood pressure after regular practice.

Title:

Content: Tai Chi Tops Other Exercises for Blood Pressure

More participants in a yearlong study saw their numbers drop than those who did aerobic exercises
By Gina Carey,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 17, 2024 8:23 AM CDT

Signing up for a tai chi class might come with an unexpected health benefit: lower blood pressure. A new clinical trial found that participants with prehypertension or slightly elevated blood pressure had improved measurements after practicing tai chi for a year—even more so than a group that regularly did aerobic exercises, reports the Washington Post. The yearlong study split 342 adults in China into two groups. The first group was given an aerobic regimen—60 minutes of moderate exercise like brisk walking—to practice four times per week. The second group learned a tai chi routine to perform four times weekly for an hour.

The participants had their blood pressure measured six months in, and then again after a year. During the course of the study, they also received health education and were encouraged to follow a diet developed to improve heart health. While all participants were at risk of hypertension at the start of the study, 21.8% of people from the tai chi group saw their blood pressure lowered to an ideal range, while 15.6% from the aerobic group fell within that range, according to the study published in the journal JAMA Network Open. So what might explain tai chi's advantage in lowering blood pressure?

Ruth Taylor-Piliae of University of Arizona's College of Nursing tells NPR that tai chi's gentle, slow movements and controlled breathing tend to activate what's known as the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes the body during times of stress. She also notes that it's an accessible form of exercise. "I think the beauty of tai chi is that you don't have to have a special gym membership, you don't have to have special clothing," says Taylor-Piliae, who was not involved in study. "Once you learn tai chi, you can do it anytime, anyplace, anywhere. And it does kind of provide that calming, relaxing" effect. Other benefits associated with tai chi include improved balance, flexibility, and muscle strength, per Harvard Health. (More blood pressure stories.)

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What health advantages have been linked to regular practice of Tai Chi?

What health advantages have been linked to regular practice of Tai Chi?

Health professionals and news sources describe Tai Chi as accessible because it does not require special equipment or a gym membership.

Given the review evidence for balance-focused exercise and the reports that Tai Chi improves balance, Tai Chi is a reasonable, evidence-supported option to include in fall-prevention programs, although direct evidence for Tai Chi alone is limited within the reviewed trials.

How doesTai Chi help prevent falls for older people?

It improves the balance of older people.

What are some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi regularly?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance, mobility, and stability.

What did studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

How doesTai Chi help prevent falls for older people?

It improves the balance of older people.

What are some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi regularly?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance, mobility, and stability.

What did studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Caregivers should start with a fall risk assessment and consult a healthcare provider or physical therapist before beginning Tai Chi or other balance programs.

What did studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Conclusion: Tai Chi is a practical, accessible balance exercise that can be included as part of fall-prevention efforts for older adults, but it should be started after a professional assessment and as part of a broader balance-training program.


Falls are common in older adults; one in four seniors over age 65 falls each year and one in five of those falls causes serious injury.

Falls are a leading cause of injury‑related morbidity and mortality and can cause fractures, loss of independence, depression, and greater need for supportive care.

A prior history of falling is the most important risk factor for future falls.

Balance depends on vision, vestibular function, somatosensory feedback (especially from the feet), muscle strength, flexibility, posture, and central processing, and deficits in any of these increase fall risk.

Physical therapists assess strength, flexibility, posture, gait, and home hazards and may prescribe strength and balance programs such as Tai Chi or yoga to reduce fall risk.

A BMJ review of more than 4,000 participants concluded that well‑designed exercise programs can prevent falls in community‑dwelling seniors, and Tai Chi was the exercise used in two included studies.

The review emphasized balance training in the effective programs and reported that several programs reduced fall‑related injuries and fractures.

Clinical summaries and reports note that Tai Chi improves balance, flexibility, and muscle strength and may reduce falls in older adults who have balance problems.

Practice‑dose evidence in the provided documents varies: a randomized trial reported in news coverage used supervised Yang‑style Tai Chi 60 minutes, four times weekly for 12 months (for blood‑pressure outcomes), while general balance training guidance recommends one to two balance sessions per week.

Direct, high‑quality trials that define the optimal Tai Chi dose specifically for fall reduction are limited in the documents provided here.

Conclusion: Tai Chi is a balance‑focused intervention included in fall‑prevention programs and appears likely to help reduce falls in older adults, but the optimal specific dosing for fall prevention is not definitively established in these sources.

Falls are common in older adults; one in four seniors over age 65 falls each year and one in five of those falls causes serious injury.

Title:

Content: Healthy aging comes with challenges. For a variety of reasons, as each year passes, the likelihood of falling increases.

According to Dr. Boris Goralnik, a geriatric specialist at UPMC in North Central Pa, a fall is defined as an unexpected event in which a person comes to rest on the ground, floor, or a lower level.

“Falls result in fall-related injuries, progression of gait impairments, loss of independence, depression,” Goralnik said. “It is a leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality among older adults.”

By preventing falls, providers try to prevent related injuries such as fractures, hematomas, and skin lacerations. From practice and literature, said Goralnik, the most important risk factor of falls is a previous history of falls.

According to Janine Fee, MS, MPT, a physical therapist who is certified in vestibular rehabilitation at Evangelical Community Hospital, physical balance, which is important to avoid falling, can be complicated.

“I like to use the analogy of a baseball field,’’ Fee said. “Every player on the field is important and if a player is not working, then your team — your balance — is going to be impacted.”

Fee said many systems have a direct impact on balance. Eyes, ears, sense of touch — especially with our feet, muscle strength, flexibility, and posture are a few. And, the brain can have a major impact on our ability to avoid falling.

Fee said any weakening of one or more of these areas will significantly increase the risk of falling.

According to the Centers for Disease Control website, one out of four seniors over the age of 65 will fall each year. One out of five of those falls will cause serious injuries such as broken bones or head injuries.

“This can then lead to serious consequences that may significantly impact a person’s overall quality of life,” said Fee. “Even if the fall didn’t cause harm, it is likely that the person now develops a fear of falling.”

Many factorsIn many cases, Goralnik said, falls and fall-related injuries lead to substantial deficiency in activities of daily living and the need for supportive care for older adults. He agreed with Fee that a fear of falling leads to things like not participating in activities that require balance, causing weaknesses and furthering the risk of repeated falls. Paying attention to the body and being more aware of areas contributing to balance is a big step in preventing falls.

Age alone should not be blamed as a factor regarding balance, said Fee.

“I strongly believe that if you stay active, you can minimize the effects that aging has on all of these players,” Fee said.

Diseases and underlying medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, neuropathy, strokes, vision problems, and pain can impact a person’s balance. Other factors such as medications, fear of falling, and environmental factors.

It is very important for older patients to discuss with their providers any changes in the gait, possible new onset gait unsteadiness, or if they start to experience new musculoskeletal pain, Goralnik advised.

“Some of the medications may increase the risk of falls,” said Goralnik. “It is very important for people to have a complete list of all current medications when they visit their medical providers.”

Having detailed information, he said, about existing and potential risk factors may help reduce the risk of future falls.

Fee added that testing can be completed to assess balance and what kind of treatment or therapy might be available to assist with balance. Fee said a fall risk assessment is a good first step to preventing falls.

“You can talk to your doctor or health care provider to refer you to a physical therapist to evaluate your risk for falling,” said Fee.

She said a physical therapist will measure/evaluate strength, flexibility, analyzation of posture and feet, how you walk and perform specific balance measures to determine your areas of weakness. The therapist may also ask about fall history and possible home hazards like uneven pavement, rugs, steps, clutter or pets.

“Then a physical therapist can design a specialized treatment program to help you reduce your risk of falls,” Fee said. “Other recommendations to improve overall balance is getting involved in a local gym where you can perform strength and balance exercises like Tai Chi or yoga.”

Temporary conditionsIn addition to medical conditions such as strokes, brain injuries, etc., other temporary conditions also have effects on an individual’s balance.

Fee, a physical therapist who specializes in inner ear disorders, said the most common inner ear problem is a condition known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Classic symptoms include brief episodes of spinning or imbalance that occur when lying down, rolling over in bed, or looking up.

“BPPV can significantly increase a person’s risk for falling especially if they have other balance risk factors. This problem is easily identified by the physical therapist that is trained in detecting inner ear problems,” she added.

Fee said a physical therapist with specialized training can provide the most appropriate intervention to reduce or resolve these symptoms in as little as one to three sessions.

Fee said physical therapists can often identify risk factors and provide specific recommendations to improve balance.

“Physical therapists are like coaches, but you have to do the work. In order for your balance to improve, you have to challenge the team!”

Goralnik added, that in many cases, falls and fall-related injuries lead to substantial deficiency with activities of daily living and the need for supportive care for older adults.

The economic burdens from falls are substantial and likely to increase with the growth of the older population, according to Goralnik.

Fall-related health care costs include hospital bills, fees for professional service, and costs of prescription medications, home health services, long-term care facilities, and durable medical equipment.

“Always inform your doctor about recent falls and fall-related injuries,” concluded Gorainik.

It is very important for seniors to discuss any changes of the gait, possible new onset gait unsteadiness, or if they started to experience new musculoskeletal pain with their doctor.

Trending Video

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Falls are a leading cause of injury‑related morbidity and mortality and can cause fractures, loss of independence, depression, and greater need for supportive care.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

A prior history of falling is the most important risk factor for future falls.

Balance depends on vision, vestibular function, somatosensory feedback (especially from the feet), muscle strength, flexibility, posture, and central processing, and deficits in any of these increase fall risk.

For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

It is very helpful for anyone looking to improve their stability.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Physical therapists assess strength, flexibility, posture, gait, and home hazards and may prescribe strength and balance programs such as Tai Chi or yoga to reduce fall risk.

For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

It is very helpful for anyone looking to improve their stability.

What are some of the health benefit of Tai Chi according to Harvard Health?

Improved balance
Improved flexibility
Improved muscle strength

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like stability.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like mobility.

What did some studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice?

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

What excercises shall aid in Alzheimer's and dementia prevention?

What have studies shown about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms that may cause falls of elderly patients.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

A BMJ review of more than 4,000 participants concluded that well‑designed exercise programs can prevent falls in community‑dwelling seniors, and Tai Chi was the exercise used in two included studies.

Title:

Content: Exercise programs meant to prevent falls in seniors may also help prevent injuries caused by falls, according to a new review.

Fall-related injuries are common among seniors and a major cause of long-term pain and disability. They also increase the risk of having to go to a nursing home and have a high economic cost.

The new findings, published online Oct. 29 in the journal bmj.com, suggest that "reducing the risk of falling and improving protective responses during a fall may be an important and feasible means of preventing fractures and other serious injuries in the elderly," the study authors wrote in a journal news release.

Well-designed exercise programs can prevent falls in seniors living at home, but there is a lack of evidence on whether such programs can help prevent fall-related injuries, said French researchers Fabienne El-Khoury and colleagues.

In this review, they analyzed 17 studies that looked at whether fall-prevention exercises lowered seniors' risk of fractures and other injuries caused by falls. More than 4,000 participants were involved in all.

Tai Chi was the exercise in two of the studies, but most of them used gait, balance, strength and functional training, which involves workouts that help people do normal daily activities.

Most of the programs reduced fall-related injuries and appeared to significantly curb falls that lead to fractures, serious injuries and medical care.

Balance training was emphasized in all of the exercises that were effective in preventing falls, the researchers noted.

More information

The U.S. National Institute on Aging has more about older adults and falls.

Latest videos

For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

What are some of the health benefit of Tai Chi according to Harvard Health?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like stability.

What did some studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What have studies shown about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms that may cause falls of elderly patients.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

The review emphasized balance training in the effective programs and reported that several programs reduced fall‑related injuries and fractures.

What are some of the health benefit of Tai Chi according to Harvard Health?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like stability.

What did some studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Clinical summaries and reports note that Tai Chi improves balance, flexibility, and muscle strength and may reduce falls in older adults who have balance problems.

Title:

Content: 7 Exercises Necessary for Perfect Balance
Balance is your ability to coordinate and control your body ’ s center of gravity – in everyday life you have to deal with this all the time!
For example, your balance ensures that you can walk without falling.
(Illustrated - Gettyimages)
Although it may not occur to you, you need a good balance to do almost everything, including walking, getting up from a chair and bending over to tie your shoes.
Balance training involves doing muscle-strengthening exercises that help keep you upright, including your legs and torso as these types of exercises can improve stability and help prevent falls.
And while there are intense balancing exercises like some very challenging yoga poses, others are as simple as standing on one leg for a few seconds.
If you have a problem with this, you can use equipment that forces your body to stabilize, such as a semi-circular stability ball.
Meaning of Balance
Balance is your ability to coordinate and control your body ’ s center of gravity – in everyday life you have to deal with this all the time!
For example, your balance ensures that you can walk without falling, that you can sit up straight, and that you can jump over a hole without falling.
Your body uses different systems: your eyes (the visual system) help you see the space around you, your inner ear (the vestibular system) records rotating movements and accelerations, and the receptors in your joints and muscles and the pressure receptors in your skin (together the stimulus receptor system) transmit changes in your posture.
All the stimuli your body receives through these systems come together in your central nervous system, and your brain in turn sends the message to your muscles that adapt immediately to prevent you from falling; all this has to happen at lightning speed and that ’ s what it should be, as our bodies have to adapt constantly as we move.
With the help of balanced training, you can teach your muscles to respond more quickly to brain messages as this allows you to improve fine motor and coordination skills.
Areas targeted by balance
• Middle: Yes, balance exercises target this area, you need strong core muscles to achieve good balance, many stability exercises work to exercise the abdominal muscles and other core muscles.
• Forearms: No, balance exercises do not target these ends, most balance exercises revolve around balance on your feet.
Legs: Yes, the legs are definitely areas where balance is targeted, and exercises in which you balance on one leg and then squat or lean forward also work to exercise the leg muscles.
Buttock: Yes, the same balance exercises that work on the legs also work to strengthen the buttocks.
Back: Another area targeted by balance exercises, where your core muscles include some of your back muscles.
Good balance depends on:
Sensory information from your eyes (visual system), muscles, tendons, joints (stimulation inputs), and balance organs in the inner ear (vestibular system).
The brain stem understands all of this sensory information combined with other parts of the brain.
Movement of your eyes to keep things stable in your vision and maintain your balance.
What are the benefits of balance training?
The benefits of balance training are great, for example:
• You can improve your posture and you can stand or sit better.
• Train your deep muscles, especially the muscles in the torso and around the spine.
• Reduce back wear and less muscle pain due to poor posture.
Prevent injuries during exercise and in daily life because your body is not constantly out of balance, causing muscle strain.
• Ability to perform movements more efficiently and smoothly.
A positive effect on how your body feels and your performance improves as you make faster progress.
• Improve the motor coordination of the body.
How often do you have to do this type of training?
You have to aim to do balance workouts one to two times a week, this applies to beginners all the way to advanced athletes, and it is very important that professionals improve their stability as well.
Simple exercises to get the perfect balance:
Tai Chi (Tai Chi)
Studies show that tai chi, a gentle exercise often called “movement meditation, ” can help you reduce falls if you ’ re older and have balance problems, a skilled teacher can show you slow and precise movements that help you not only achieve more stability but also boost your overall health and mood as well.
Standing on one leg (one-legged stand)
Start by installing yourself on the back of the chair or any other sturdy handle.
Raise one foot to approximately calf level and hold for 10 seconds.
• Repeat this 10-15 times and then move on to the other leg.
As time goes on and your balance improves you may be able to continue in this situation without fixating yourself on any purpose.
Weight Shifts (Weight Shifts)
Stand with your feet spaced by the width of your hip.
Slowly lean forward horizontally on one leg to bear all your weight while lifting the other leg off the ground.
• Wait for up to 30 seconds, then move to the other side.
You can do the same exercise while standing straight and raising one leg forward or left / right.
• Yoga and Pilates
To maintain your balance, you need muscles that can hold you while standing, walking, or doing other movements. These muscles are known as your “core muscles. ” Yoga and Pilates involve movements that help you stretch and strengthen these muscles, but first consult your doctor before starting and to learn the movements correctly it is a good idea to join a nearby class taught by a certified instructor.
Heel-to-Toe Walk
Walk slowly in a straight line.
• Touch your heel to the opposite toe as you progress.
Walk about 20 steps using the wall for support if you feel unsteady.
Back Leg Raises (Back Leg Raises)
To build up the lower back and buttocks, try raising your back leg while standing upright.
Hold a chair and lift one of your legs back without bending your knee or pointing your toe.
• Keep the leg on the floor slightly bent.
• Hold position for 5 seconds.
Do this 10-15 times with the first leg before moving on to the other leg.
• Squats (squats)
To strengthen the muscles of your legs and pelvis, do a squat exercise.
Stand up straight, make your feet slightly wider than your hips while pointing your toes forward.
Bend your knees and send your ass back, and slowly descend as if you were sitting.
Place your weight on your heels and arms in front of you or on your thighs.
Raise yourself once and repeat 10 times.
To get a better idea of how strong your balance is while standing, lift one foot and see how long you can keep it there, or test your balance as you move and try to walk as if you were on a tightrope for 10 steps and see how it goes, you ’ ve probably noticed that one side is much stronger and more coordinated than the other.

Title:

Content: Tai Chi Tops Other Exercises for Blood Pressure

More participants in a yearlong study saw their numbers drop than those who did aerobic exercises
By Gina Carey,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 17, 2024 8:23 AM CDT

Signing up for a tai chi class might come with an unexpected health benefit: lower blood pressure. A new clinical trial found that participants with prehypertension or slightly elevated blood pressure had improved measurements after practicing tai chi for a year—even more so than a group that regularly did aerobic exercises, reports the Washington Post. The yearlong study split 342 adults in China into two groups. The first group was given an aerobic regimen—60 minutes of moderate exercise like brisk walking—to practice four times per week. The second group learned a tai chi routine to perform four times weekly for an hour.

The participants had their blood pressure measured six months in, and then again after a year. During the course of the study, they also received health education and were encouraged to follow a diet developed to improve heart health. While all participants were at risk of hypertension at the start of the study, 21.8% of people from the tai chi group saw their blood pressure lowered to an ideal range, while 15.6% from the aerobic group fell within that range, according to the study published in the journal JAMA Network Open. So what might explain tai chi's advantage in lowering blood pressure?

Ruth Taylor-Piliae of University of Arizona's College of Nursing tells NPR that tai chi's gentle, slow movements and controlled breathing tend to activate what's known as the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes the body during times of stress. She also notes that it's an accessible form of exercise. "I think the beauty of tai chi is that you don't have to have a special gym membership, you don't have to have special clothing," says Taylor-Piliae, who was not involved in study. "Once you learn tai chi, you can do it anytime, anyplace, anywhere. And it does kind of provide that calming, relaxing" effect. Other benefits associated with tai chi include improved balance, flexibility, and muscle strength, per Harvard Health. (More blood pressure stories.)

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For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

It is very helpful for anyone looking to improve their stability.

What are some of the health benefit of Tai Chi according to Harvard Health?

Improved balance
Improved flexibility
Improved muscle strength

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like stability.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like mobility.

What did some studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice?

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What have studies shown about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms that may cause falls of elderly patients.

What health advantages have been linked to regular practice of Tai Chi?

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

It is very helpful for anyone looking to improve their stability.

What are some of the health benefit of Tai Chi according to Harvard Health?

Improved balance
Improved flexibility
Improved muscle strength

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like stability.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like mobility.

What did some studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice?

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What have studies shown about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms that may cause falls of elderly patients.

What health advantages have been linked to regular practice of Tai Chi?

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Practice‑dose evidence in the provided documents varies: a randomized trial reported in news coverage used supervised Yang‑style Tai Chi 60 minutes, four times weekly for 12 months (for blood‑pressure outcomes), while general balance training guidance recommends one to two balance sessions per week.

Title:

Content: Study suggests tai chi is better than aerobic exercise at lowering blood pressure

According to a recent study, Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, lowers blood pressure more effectively than other types of exercise such as stair climbing or brisk walking. Over a year, Chinese researchers examined two groups of high blood pressure participants—one performing the Chinese martial arts and the other with aerobic exercise.

The study's authors argue that their findings, which were published in the JAMA Network Open Journal, should persuade medical professionals to advocate for moderate martial arts as a means of preventing heart disease in those with high blood pressure.

How was the study conducted?

The study included 349 individuals, 51.5% of whom were women, who had been diagnosed with prehypertension and were randomized to either the aerobic exercise or tai chi group. During a 12-month period, both groups engaged in four weekly 60-minute supervised sessions.

The aerobic exercise interventions comprised jogging, cycling, brisk walking, and climbing stairs. The tai chi group practiced Yang-style tai chi, which consists of 24 standard movements or forms. At baseline, six, and twelve months, blood pressure was measured. The mean change in SBP from baseline to 12 months, as measured while walking and in an office setting, was the main endpoint.

At the end of the research, blood pressure was within normal range in 21.8% of the tai chi group and 15.6% of the aerobic exercise group without medication. In the tai chi group, fewer patients had advanced hypertension (12.0% vs. 17.7%) than in the aerobic exercise group.

What is tai chi?

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that has gained popularity as a kind of meditation and mind-body workout. Its roots are in traditional Chinese medicine and Taoist philosophy, which date back to ancient China.

Key features

This practice is known for its slow, methodical movements that seamlessly transition from one stance to the next. These motions, which are frequently continuous and circular, encourage balance, flexibility, and calmness.

This practice places a strong emphasis on the relationship that exists between the mind and the body. Practitioners emphasize developing an internal awareness, living in the now, and synchronizing their movements with their breath.

This practice includes aspects of meditation that promote a relaxed and concentrated state of mind. People who participate in the technique, which is sometimes referred to as "moving meditation," perform a series of flowing motions while paying close attention.

This practice incorporates a lot of weight shifting and deliberate walking into its routines, which can enhance balance and coordination. Because of this, this Chinese practice is very helpful for senior citizens and anyone looking to improve their stability.

Regular practice has been linked to many health advantages, such as higher mental clarity, lower stress levels, enhanced flexibility, improved cardiovascular health, and an overall sense of well-being.

These results clearly show that this Chinese practice can be very helpful in lowering sympathetic excitability and offering prehypertensive people primary treatment. This practice may be a more beneficial option for controlling high blood pressure than standard aerobic activities, especially for people with prehypertension, according to new research.

Future research is necessary to fully investigate the possible advantages and long-term impacts of this Chinese practice in the management of hypertension.

Edited by Divya Singh

For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

It is very helpful for anyone looking to improve their stability.

How often should one practice Tai Chi to benefit from the exercise?

What excercises shall aid in Alzheimer's and dementia prevention?

For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

It is very helpful for anyone looking to improve their stability.

How often should one practice Tai Chi to benefit from the exercise?

What excercises shall aid in Alzheimer's and dementia prevention?

For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

It is very helpful for anyone looking to improve their stability.

How often should one practice Tai Chi to benefit from the exercise?

What excercises shall aid in Alzheimer's and dementia prevention?

Direct, high‑quality trials that define the optimal Tai Chi dose specifically for fall reduction are limited in the documents provided here.

Conclusion: Tai Chi is a balance‑focused intervention included in fall‑prevention programs and appears likely to help reduce falls in older adults, but the optimal specific dosing for fall prevention is not definitively established in these sources.