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An Evidence Based Therapeutic Tai Chi for Fall Prevention Program
The evidence based Tai Chi Fall prevention program approach targets functional training for bilateral and unilateral stance(and transition), stepping forward, stepping sideways, stepping backward.(gait and balance). This Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance program is one of 14 Fall Prevention programs recommended by the CDC, and the tai chi program protocol used in this training presentation.
This therapeutic tai chi for fall prevention program protocol “represents a significant enhancement of traditional Tai Chi transforming the purposeful movements into therapeutic training of balance.” The protocol consists of a standard set of tai chi exercises and movement practiced over a specified period of time, with a specific minimum frequency, using pre and post testing of participants with functional tests.
Functional outcomes for this therapeutic tai chi for fall prevention include better movement excursion and control, and consistent, steady walking patterns:
- improved postural stability
- improved control of body positioning
- improved gait initiation
- improved movement symmetry and coordination
- improved lower extremity strength
Tai Chi and Fall Reductions in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Fuzhong Li,1 Peter Harmer,2 K. John Fisher,1 Edward McAuley,3 Nigel Chaumeton,1 Elizabeth Eckstrom,4 and Nicole L. Wilson1. 1Oregon Research Institute, Eugene, 2Willamette University, Salem, Oregon, 3University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 4Legacy Health System, Portland, Oregon.
Why this program?
- Community-based clinical trial with older adults DONE
- Reduction in the risk of falling by 55% ESTABLISHED
- Community-based evaluation and dissemination DONE
- Recommended therpeutic tai chi for fall prevention program Centers for Disease Control and Prevention DONE
Where do we go?
- Moving beyond treatment of illness and injury, to prevention.
- Using a therapeutic tai chi for fall prevention program (tai chi moving for better balance) for balance, strength, posture and gait training in the clinical setting, and (tai chi moving for better balance) fall prevention programming in the community setting.
- Establishing a usable standard for the the Allied Health Professional, the community Fitness Trainer, and the community Tai Chi Teacher , extending the continuum of care beyond the initial therapeutic intervention into the post-rehabilitation, prevention, and fitness/wellness stages.
- Reducing the impact of falls and related injury/illness on people, and health care cost.