Simplified Tai Chi 6-Form Apparatus for Balance in Elderly People with Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Background People with Alzheimer's disease (AD) can have deteriorated walking and impaired postural-balance control, which increases the risk of falls. Tai chi (TC) can improve fitness and balance in elderly people. To facilitate TC learning, we developed the Simplified Tai Chi 6-Form Apparatus (STC6FA). Methods This case-controlled study enrolled 26 elderly people with mild-to-moderate AD. Over 8 weeks, the TC group (TCGr) of 11 elderly people with AD completed a training course for the STC6FA. Another 10 older adults with matched age, height, and severity of dementia were assigned to the control group (CGr). Balance function was measured using a SMART Balance Master (NeuroCom International Inc., OR, USA). The parameters were evaluated three times during the training course, at weeks 0, 4, and 8. Results The balance of both the TCGr and CGr improved significantly. A rhythmic forward-backward shift test revealed more improvement in the TCGr than in the CGr. Conclusion STC6FA training can improve balance and may reduce backward falls in elderly people with mild-to-moderate AD.

Effects and mechanisms of Tai Chi on mild cognitive impairment and early-stage dementia: a scoping review

“…The symptomatic prodromal phase of dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), is characterised by a decline in cognitive function and relatively intact instrumental activities of daily living and is considered a transitional phase between neurotypical cognitive ageing and dementia [ 3 , 4 ]. There are other health problems associated with MCI, such as increased falls risk [ 5 ], osteoarthritis and pain [ 6 ], poor balance [ 7 ], depression [ 8 ], and loneliness [ 9 ]. Approximately 35% of Australians aged 70 and older are estimated to have MCI, amongst which ~ 15% [ 10 ] will go on to develop dementia within 1–2 years, and up to 80% within 6 years [ 11 ].…”