Tai Chi and Its Effects on Dynamic Postural Control in the Initiation of Gait by Older People

[Purpose] This study examined the changes in the translation of the center of pressure (COP) when older adults initiated gait before and after Tai Chi (TC) training. [Subjects] Twenty older adults, ranging in age from 65 to 83 years, participated in a 16-week TC training program. [Methods] Before and after the TC training the subjects were asked to perform gait initiation (GI). The subjects exercised with Sun-style TC, which incorporates elements that emphasize continuous flowing movement, balance control, endurance, strength, concentration and awareness of the environment, three times per week over a 16-week period. The differences in COP excursion in the anteroposterior (A-P) and mediolateral (M-L) directions between pre- and post-training were analyzed using the data collected from two force plates. [Results] The COP displacement in the A-P and M-L directions after TC training was increased significantly compared to that observed pre-training. [Conclusion] The 16-week practice of TC improved the ability of participants to generate momentum via a greater COP shift in the A-P and M-L directions in the initiation of gait as well as their ability to maintain balance and lateral stability. TC training may be effective for prevention of falls among the healthy elderly.