Functional fitness and fall risk in older adults practitioners or non-practitioners of Tai Chi

Tai chi is a fundamental tool that has a significant influence on balance, motor function and fear of falling among older adults. The objective of the study was to verify functional fitness and fall risk in older adults (OAs) practitioners and non-practitioners of Tai Chi. An ex-post-facto study was carried out in practicing and non-practicing OAs of Tai Chi. The sample selection was non-probabilistic (convenience). Thirty-one adults with an age range of 65 to 80 years were studied. Two study groups were formed: Group practicing Tai Chi [GPT (n= 15 subjects)] and Group not practicing Tai Chi [GNPT (n= 16 subjects)]. Age, weight, height, waist circumference were assessed. Body mass index (BMI) and fat mass (FM) were calculated. Five functional fitness tests were assessed: biceps curl (30 sec), chair stand (30 sec), agility (sec), 2 min walk (#rep) and 6 min-1 walk (m). Fall risk was measured using a 13-item scale. The GPT showed better performance in all five functional fitness tests (biceps curl, Chair stand, agility, 2 min gait and 6 min walk) compared to the GPT. The effect size (ES: ~0.20 to 0.48) and Cohen's d (~ 0.39 to 1.10) between both groups were medium to large. There were also differences between the mean values in fall risk between both groups (GNPT: 2.1±1.7points and GNPT: 4.7±1.9points, p<0.05). This study demonstrated that the group of OAs practicing Tai Chi presented better levels of functional fitness and less risk of falling in relation to their counterparts who did not practice Tai Chi. These results suggest including this type of old-time exercise in physical activity programs that promote functional fitness wellness and fall prevention among OAs.