Citation

Tousignant M, Corriveau H, Roy PM, Desrosiers J, Dubuc N, Hébert R. Disabil. Rehabil. 2013; 35(17): 1429-1435.

Affiliation

Research Centre on Aging, University Institute of Geriatrics of Sherbrooke, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke , Sherbrooke, Québec , Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.3109/09638288.2012.737084

PMID

23167499

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of supervised Tai Chi exercises versus the conventional physical therapy exercises in a personalized rehabilitation program in terms of the incidence and severity of falls in a frail older population. Method: The participants were frail older adults living in the community, admitted to the day hospital program in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada (n = 152). They were randomized to receive a 15-week intervention, either by supervised Tai Chi exercises (n = 76) or conventional physical therapy (n = 76). Fall incidence and severity were assessed using both the calendar technique and phone interviews once a month during 12 months following the end of the intervention. Other variables were collected at baseline to compare the two groups: age, comorbidity, balance, sensory interaction on balance, and self-rated health. Results: Both interventions demonstrated a protective effect on falls but Tai Chi showed a greater one (RR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.56-0.98) as compared to conventional physical therapy exercises. Conclusions: Supervised Tai Chi exercises as part of a rehabilitation program seem to be a more effective alternative to the conventional physical therapy exercises for this specific population. [Box: see text].

Language: en