Body weight support-Tai Chi footwork for balance of stroke survivors with fear of falling: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Author: Huang S1, Yu X2, Lu Y2, Qiao J3, Wang H2, Jiang LM2, Wu X4, Niu W5
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; Department of Rehabilitation, Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200137, China. <sup>2</sup>Department of Rehabilitation, Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200137, China. <sup>3</sup>Department of Treatment, The Second Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, 200441, China. <sup>4</sup>School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China. Electronic address: wuxubo320@163.com. <sup>5</sup>YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201619, China. Electronic address: niu@tongji.edu.cn.
Conference/Journal: Complement Ther Clin Pract.
Date published: 2019 Sep 23
Other: Volume ID: 101061 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.101061. [Epub ahead of print] , Word Count: 154


BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Balance impairment is the predominant risk factor for falls in stroke survivors. This study examined the effects of body weight support-Tai Chi (BWS-TC) footwork on balance control among stroke survivors with fear of falling (FOF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight stroke survivors with FOF were randomly allocated to either control or BWS-TC groups. Those in BWS-TC underwent Tai Chi training for 12 weeks. Outcomes were assessed in all participants by evaluation of the limits of stability test, modified clinical test of sensory integration of balance, fall risk index, and Fugl-Meyer assessment of lower limbs at baseline and 12 weeks.

RESULTS: The BWS-TC group displayed significant enhancement in dynamic control and vestibular and somatosensory integration.

CONCLUSION: BWS-TC may enhance dynamic control and sensory integration of balance and reduce the risk of fall in stroke survivors with FOF.

Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

KEYWORDS: Balance; Fall; Sensory integration; Stroke; Tai chi

PMID: 31570211 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.101061