Tai Chi counteracts age-related somatosensation and postural control declines among older adults

To investigate the effect of a 16-week Tai Chi practice on strength, tactile sensation, kinesthesia, and static postural control among older adults of different age groups. This is a quasi-experimental study. Thirteen participants aged 60–69 years (60–69yr), 11 aged 70–79 years (70–79yr), and 13 aged 80–89 years (80–89yr) completed 16 weeks of 24-form Tai Chi practice. Their ankle and hip peak torque, tactile sensation, ankle and knee kinesthesia, and the root mean square of the center of pressure (Cop-RMS) were measured before (week 0) and after (week 17) practice. 80–89yr showed less ankle plantar/dorsiflexion and hip abduction peak torques (p = 0.003, p