The characteristics of foot movements in Tai Chi Chuan

This study examines how the characteristics of the foot movements in Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) contribute to a practitioner\'s health by improving his or her balance and reducing the risk of fall. Ten TCC masters are video-taped, and the time spent on different support patterns (step stance) and stepping directions (footwork) while performing the 42-form TCC is analyzed. In support patterns, it is found that a larger percentage of time is spent on the double leg stance (35.08 +/- 4.92) than on the single leg stance (Left: 17.67 +/- 7.71; Right: 17.29 +/- 2.23) and one leg support with another leg partially supporting type of stance (6.51 +/- 8.77). With regard to stepping directions, the centre footwork (25.25 +/- 10.20) requires a larger percentage of time than the forward (18.29 +/- 3.36), sideway (20.80 +/- 4.76), grinding (20.42 +/- 7.61), upward (11.55 +/- 1.49), and backward footwork (3.67 +/- 1.33). The movements classified are shown to simulate balance, flexibility and proprioception, and functional training. The findings partially explain the relationship between practising TCC and its health benefits. Further studies are suggested to investigate the health benefits that can be derived from other specific TCC movements.