A comparison between effects of Square-Stepping Exercise and Tai Chi Chuan on functional fitness and fear of falling in older women

Background:
It is challenging to find exercise programs that are safe, effective, attractive, and feasible to reduce the risk of falls and fall-related injuries in older adults.

Aims:
We compared the effects of SSE (Square-Stepping Exercise) versus TCC (Tai Chi Chuan) on functional fitness and fear of falling in older women aged 60 years and above.

Methods:
It was a single blind randomized control trial. We purposefully selected 36 older women (aged 65.2 ± 3.82 years). They were then paired based on the criterion of functional reach test and randomly assigned to two groups (18 people) of TTC and SSE. The exercise program included 8 weeks of three 1-h-session training. We measured functional fitness and fear of falling. Functional fitness was assessed using the following tests: Single Leg-Stance-Eyes Open/Closed, Timed Up and Go, Functional Reach Test, Chair Stand, Arm Curl, and Back Scratch. Fear of falling was assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International.

Results:
We analyzed the data using repeated measure ANOVA. Within-group comparisons revealed significant improvements for both groups in all nine measures of functional tests as well as fear of falling [Formula: see text]. Interaction comparisons revealed that improvements in measures of functional fitness were greater in the TTC group [Formula: see text]. Nevertheless, the groups were not significantly different in fear of falling [Formula: see text].

Conclusion:
Our findings showed that both TCC and SSE interventions improved functional fitness and fear of falling. The TCC is more effective than SSE, though the latter is easier to learn and perform.

Keywords: Accidental falls; Aging and exercise; Exercise therapy; Mental health; Physical fitness; Preventative health care.

PMID: 36853504 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02367-1