Effect of Tai Chi and Brisk Walking Exercise on Balance in Elderly Women

Objectives:The objective of this study was to assess the effect of Tai Chi and Brisk Walking on balance in elderly women.Methods:The Tai Chi group consisted of 16 volunteers and Brisk Walking group consisted of 15 volunteers.The two groups respectively participated in intervention programs of Tai Chi or Brisk Walking for 1h,5×wk-1 for 16 weeks.8-week follow-up interview was conducted after intervention.The balance tests were administered before,at 4,8,12,16 week during training,and at 4,8 week after training ended.The Time,displacement-X,displacement-Y with SLO(single-leg with eyes open)and SLC(single-leg with eyes open) were tested.Results:During intervention,there was no significant difference between the two groups.The Tai Chi group achieved significantly higher scores in single with eyes open and closed at 4 week within group comparison,but Brisk Walking group at 8 week.There was no a change trend in Tai Chi group after intervention stopped.There was a change trend,but no significant change,in Brisk Walking group after intervention stopped.Conclusion:Tai Chi and Brisk Walking program can improve balance ability,but Tai Chi earlier.During 8-week follow-up interview,balance improvements were maintained in two groups,but effect of Tai Chi is better.Therefore,compared to brisk walking,the elderly people can consider the Tai Chi as the preferred form of exercise.