Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: June | Volume: 11 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 31-38
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20210606
Effect of Tai Chi and Stepping Exercise for Balance Training in Geriatrics: Randomized Control Trial
Gaurav C. Mhaske1, Darshana Fursule2, Anagha Khairnar3
1Assistant Professor, MGM Institute of Physiotherapy, Aurangabad.
2Intern, MGM Institute of Physiotherapy, Aurangabad.
3Intern, MGM Institute of Physiotherapy, Aurangabad.
Corresponding Author: Darshana Fursule
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Approximately 40% of geriatric population in India experience some form of balance difficulty. It may be due to decreased muscular strength, flexibility, impaired vision and hearing problem. There are many approaches for improving balance such as Tai Chi exercise, stepping exercise, wobble board exercises, strengthening exercises. Tai Chi is a series of slow, smooth and graceful movements for improving neuromuscular function, endurance, joint sense and cognitive function. Stepping exercise is exercise performed using stepper. It improves balance by strengthening muscles, flexibility and range of motion.
Objective: To compare the effect of Tai Chi and stepping exercise for improving balance in geriatric population.
Method: In the present study, 40 participants of age group 60-80 years with balance problem were taken. Random sampling was done in two group, group A (n=20) and group B (n=20) giving Tai Chi and Stepping exercise respectively. Outcome measured used were BBS, TUG, FES and POMA.
Results: In present study, Tai Chi exercise was more effective than Stepping exercise statistically proved with unpaired t test BBS (p=0.0001), TUG(p=0.0001), FES (p=0.0679) and POMA (p=0.0039). When comparison was done within the groups, all outcome measures showed significant values at pre and post intervention, BBS (p=<0.0001 in group A and B), TUG (p=<0.0001 in group A and B), FES (p=<0.0001 in group A and B) and POMA (p=<0.0001 in group A and B),
Conclusion: Tai Chi exercise showed more effect than Stepping exercise in geriatric population with balance impairments.
Key words: Tai Chi exercise, stepping exercise, geriatric population, Balance Training in Geriatrics, balance impairments.