The effects on sensorimotor performance and balance with Tai Chi training

METHODS: Forty-eight healthy subjects, 16 with 3 months of experience in Tai Chi training, 16 with 1 to 3 years of experience in Tai Chi training, and 16 with no experience in Tai Chi training were assessed. RESULTS: Long-term Tai Chi practitioners had a significantly faster reflex reaction time in hamstrings and gastrocnemius muscles and a longer balance time on a tilt board than short-term Tai Chi practitioners and nonpractitioners. Both long- and short-term Tai Chi practitioners had significantly less knee joint angle-repositioning error than nonpractitioners.