2022, Volume 18
Effectiveness of tai chi elements for improving balance and functional efficiency of elderly patients. Preliminary reports
Grzegorz Mańko 1, Małgorzata Jekiełek 1, Tadeusz Ambroży2, Lukasz Rydzik2, Dorota Ambroży2, Pavol Cech3, Jacek Perliński 4, Artur Litwiniuk5, Jarosław Jaszczur-Nowicki6
1Department of Biomechanics and Kinesiology, Institute of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, , Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Kraków, Poland
2Institute of Sport Science, University of Physical Education in Krakow, Kraków, Poland
3Department of Educology of Sports, University of Presov, Faculty of Sports, Prešov, Slovak Republic
4Faculty of Health Sciences, Academy of Applied Medical and Social Sciences in Elbląg, Elbląg , Poland
5Faculty of Physical Education and Health, Biala Podlaska, University of Physical Education J, Pilsudski, Warsaw, Poland
6Department of Tourism, Recreation and Ecology , University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
Author for correspondence: Jarosław Jaszczur-Nowicki; Department of Tourism, Recreation and Ecology , University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland; email: j.jaszczur-nowicki@uwm.edu.pl
Full text
Abstract
Background and Study Aim: Overload and degeneration of the lumbar spine is a growing problem in an aging society. One of the therapy options is the use of tai chi elements in rehabilitation programs, which can be an effective addition or alternative to standard rehabilitation therapies. The aim of this study is the answer the question whether introducing exercises containing elements of tai chi positively affects the improvement on the balance and quality of life of older people.
Material and Methods: The study included a group of 48 (26 women and 22 men) divided into two equal groups. In the control group (CG, n = 24), a rehabilitation program was applied using general rehabilitation. In the experimental group (EG (n = 24) , exercises with elements of tai chi were additionally used. Clinical assessment was performed twice (before and after therapy) using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS).
Results: Before the start of therapy, no statistically significant differences were found between the pairs of variables: RMDQ CG 5.83 ±0.69- and EG 5.96 ±0.91 points; BBS CG 44.83 ±1.58- and EG 50.25 ±1.62 points. After the end of therapy, the difference in the obtained results of RMDQ was not statistically significant (p = 0.58), in the case of BBS the difference was statistically significant (p <0.001).
Conclusions: Both methods of rehabilitation used proved effective in improving the balance and functionality of elderly patients. The addition of elements containing tai chi had comparable effectiveness to the classic rehabilitation program taking into account the results in the RMDQ.
Key words: functional rehabilitation, free exercises, individual exercises