Health Studies
Tai Chi Improves Functional Ability & Activity While Walking in Seniors Living In Supportive Housing Facilities
Aging is often associated with multiple functional impairments that are characteristic of frailty and may diminish the ability to adapt to common stressors in daily life.  This study compared 12-weeks of Tai Chi training to an education attention-control intervention with cross-over to Tai Chi, for their effects on physical function and dual task walking in adults over the age of 70 and living within supportive housing facilities. 
The results showed that twelve weeks of Tai Chi training improved physical function, balance and walking in very old adults living within supportive housing communities. Training sessions were well-attended and did not lead to adverse events. Tai Chi training may therefore be a safe, inexpensive and feasible therapeutic option to help maintain functional independence within vulnerable individuals of advanced age.

Abstract:
Objectives:
To determine the effects of tai chi training on functional performance and walking with and without the addition of the performance of a cognitive task, in older adults living in supportive housing facilities. 
Design:
Secondary data analysis comparing a single-blind, randomized controlled trial of tai chi training with an attention-matched educational control intervention with crossover to tai chi. Subjects were tested for physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery, SPPB), balance (Berg Balance Scale, BBS), mobility (timed up-and-go, TUG), and walking speed under normal and cognitive dual-task conditions. 
Results:
The tai chi group exhibited greater improvement in SPPB scores (baseline 8.1±2.9, follow-up 9.0±2.6) than controls (baseline 8.2±2.6, follow-up 8.2±2.6) (P=.005). Tai chi also increased normal and dual-task walking speed (P<.001) yet did not affect BBS (P=.02) or TUG (P=.02) after accounting for multiple comparisons. The dual-task cost (percentage change) to walking speed was unaffected. After the crossover tai chi intervention, the control group improved performance in the SPPB, BBS, and TUG, and increased walking speed under normal and dual-task conditions (P=.008). 
Conclusion:
Tai chi training may be a safe and effective therapy to help improve physical function and dual-task walking in very old adults living in supportive housing facilities. 
LINK:
Manor, Brad et al. “Functional benefits of tai chi training in senior housing facilities.” Journal of the American Geriatrics Society vol. 62,8 (2014): 1484-9. doi:10.1111/jgs.12946
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