The Effects of Tai Chi on Lower Limb Proprioception in Adults Aged Over 55: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.


Author: Zou L1, Han J2, Li C3, Yeung A4, Hui SS5, Tsang WWN6, Ren Z7, Wang L7

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Department of of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China; Department of Physical Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China. Electronic address: liyezou123@cuhk.edu.hk.

<sup>2</sup>Department of Physiotherapy and Sports Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China; Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia.

<sup>3</sup>Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, China.

<sup>4</sup>Depression Clinical and Research Program, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02114, USA.

<sup>5</sup>Department of of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.

<sup>6</sup>Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong (SAR), China.

<sup>7</sup>Department of Physical Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
Conference/Journal: Arch Phys Med Rehabil.
Date published: 2018 Aug 17
Other:
  Pages: S0003-9993(18)30932-8   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.07.425. [Epub ahead of print]   ,  Word Count: 242  
    OBJECTIVE: To summarize and critically evaluate the effects of Tai Chi on lower limb proprioception in adults aged over 55.



DATA SOURCES: Seven databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, and CNKI) were searched from inception until April 14, 2018.



STUDY SELECTION: Eleven randomized controlled trials were included for meta-analysis.



DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers screened potentially relevant studies based on the inclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality of the eligible studies using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro).



DATA SYNTHESIS: The pooled effect size (standardized mean difference, SMD) was calculated while the random-effects model was selected. PEDro scores ranged from 5 to 8 points (mean = 6.7). The study results showed that Tai Chi had significantly positive effects on lower limb joint proprioception. Effect sizes were moderate to large, including ankle plantar flexion (SMD = -0.55, 95% CI -0.9 to -0.2, p = 0.002, I2 = 0%, N = 162), dorsiflexion (SMD = -0.75, 95% CI -1.11 to -0.39, p < 0.001, I2 =0%, N = 162), non-dominant/left knee flexion (SMD = -0.71, 95% CI -1.10 to - 0.41, p< 0.001, I2 = 25.1%, N = 266), dominant/right knee-flexion (SMD = -0.82, 95% CI -1.06 to - 0.58, p < 0.001, I2 = 33.8%, N = 464).



CONCLUSIONS: There is moderate to strong evidence suggests that Tai Chi is an effective intervention to maintain and improve lower limb proprioception in adults aged over 55. More robust multi-center studies including oldest-old participants, with longer follow-ups and validated outcome measures are needed before a definitive conclusion is drawn.



Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.



KEYWORDS: Tai Chi; elderly; lower limb; proprioception



PMID: 30125554  DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.07.425