The development of a Tai Chi exercise regimen for the prevention of conditions requiring long-term care in Japan.
Author: Nomura T, Nagano K, Takato J, Ueki S, Matsuzaki Y, Yasumura S.
Affiliation:
Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Osaka Health Science University 1-9-27 Temma, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka 530-0043, Japan.
Conference/Journal: Arch Gerontol Geriatr.
Date published: 2010 Dec 7
Other:
Word Count: 177
This study was to examine an effect of such an exercise program on preventing conditions requiring long-term care in the Japanese frail elderly who participated in a Tai Chi Yuttari-exercise program. The first-intervention group underwent an intervention program by participating in a Tai Chi Yuttari-exercise session once a week for 3 months. Each session lasted 90min including a break time. Moreover, the subjects received a video recording of the exercise, and instructions to carry out the exercise at home. The same program was administered to the second-intervention group. Physical function improved significantly in the first-intervention group, with single-leg balance (SLB) increasing, and trunk anteflexion increasing after the intervention program. Furthermore, the total score of the Motor Fitness Scale (MFS) improved significantly. On the other hand, mono- and multi-variate analyses showed no significant differences observed in the second-intervention group during the study period. A careful interpretation of the results suggests that Tai Chi Yuttari-exercise improves physical function and ability for frail elderly individuals and could reduce the need for long-term care.
Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
PMID: 21145120
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