THE EFFECT OF A FOUR WEEK TAI CHI PROGRAM ON BALANCE AND FALL PREVENTION IN MIDDLE-AGED ADULTS

Elle Fredrickson*1, Kira Eddy*1, Danielle Hemingsonǂ1 1Baker University, Baldwin City, Kansas As individuals age the likelihood that they will suffer a fall increases dramatically due to a number of reasons. Nearly 50% of those individuals will then suffer recurrent falls contributing to a multitude of health problems, as well as an increased need for costly long-term care, and a decreased sense of self-sufficiency. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a shortened exercise plan utilizing Tai chi will have an impact on balance as it relates to fall prevention in middle-aged adults. METHODS: A total of eight adults (1 male, 7 female) between the ages of 40-60 years old completed the study. The study consisted of pre and post-testing as well as two thirty-five minute Tai chi sessions per week for four weeks. Pre and post-testing involved a verbal fall risk questionnaire and Y-Balance testing to assess participant’s relative fear of falling in their daily lives and general balance scores from the Y-Balance test. RESULTS: Accumulative results from the Y-Balance test showed significant improvement at the conclusion of the Tai chi program (P=0.005). Despite physical improvements in balance, there was very little difference in participant response to the fall risk survey completed before and after testing. CONCLUSION: A four week Tai chi program shows considerable success in the enhancement of balance in middle-aged adults