The Effects of Tai Chi Based Exercise on Dynamic Postural Control of Parkinson's Disease Patients while Initiating Gait

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Tai Chi (TC) based exercise on dynamic postural control when people with mild or moderate Parkinson's disease (PD) initiate gait. [Subjects] Ten people with PD, who ranged in age from 70 to 84 years, volunteered to participate in a 12-week intervention of TC exercise. [Methods] Participants with PD were tested pre- and post-intervention in a task in which they were instructed to initiate gait from the position of quiet stance. Participants with PD were trained with TC exercise that emphasizes a shift in weight bearing from bilateral to unilateral support, challenging postural stability, three times per week over a period of 12 weeks. Differences between pre- and post-test in COP displacement in the anteroposterior (A-P) and mediolateral (M-L) directions were assessed using two force plates. [Results] After practicing the TC exercise, participants with PD significantly increased A-P and M-L displacement of the COP. [Conclusion] TC exercise increased COP displacement in the A-P and M-L directions, thereby improving participants' ability to generate momentum to initiate gait and maintain lateral stability. The findings of this study support the use of TC exercise as an effective and safe rehabilitation strategy for some individuals with PD.