Effects Of The Tai Chi Exercise On The Lower Extremity Muscle Strength And Proprioception In Elderly

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Tai Chi practice on proprioception and motion function of lower extremity and the mechanism of prevention and treatment of falls in elderly. Based on this study we can provide a theoretical foundation to use training techniques to prevent falls in elderly. The main investigation of this study is to measure the isokinetic of the lower extremities and the threshold of proprioception of knee- and hip-joint of the Tai Chi group, sedentary group and walking group. And compare the results of Tai Chi group and walking group.Methods: A total of 48 healthy elderly aged from 65 to 75 participated through questionnaire survey in the community. They were divided into three groups upon their sports level. There’re 18 elderly who have practiced Tai Chi for above 5 years in Tai Chi group. 16 elderly who have insisted on walking practice at least 5 times a week and last 40 min each time for above 5 years. 15 elderly who have no regular practice except the daily life activities are in sedentary group. Measure the isokinetic concentric muscle strength of the lower extremity joints and the kinesthesia threshold of kneeand ankle joint. The results is represented as Mean±SD using SPSS19.0. Test results of three groups were compared respectively using One-Way ANOVA.Results: 1) The effect of the Tai Chi and Brisk Walking on the lower extremity joints isokinetic muscle strength(1) The results of the hip joint isokinetic muscle strength:Compared with the control group at the angular velocity of 120 ° / s, the hip joint flexion relatively isokinetic muscle strength of Tai Chi group was significantly increased(P = 0.007); compared with walking at 120 ° / s, he hip joint flexion relatively isokinetic muscle strength of Tai Chi group was significantly increased(P = 0.006).(2) The results of the knee joint isokinetic muscle strength: Compared with the control group at the angular velocity of 120 ° / s and 60 ° / s, both the knee joint flexion and extension relatively isokinetic muscle strength of Tai Chi group was significantly increased; compared with walking group at the angular velocity of 120 ° / s and 60 ° / s, both the knee joint flexion and extension relatively isokinetic muscle strength of Tai Chi group was significantly increased.(3) The results of the ankle joint isokinetic muscle strength: Compared with the control group at the angular velocity of 120 ° / s and 60 ° / s, the ankle joint Plantar flexion relatively isokinetic muscle strength of Tai Chi group was significantly increased; compared with walking group at the angular velocity of 60 ° / s, the ankle joint Plantar flexion relatively isokinetic muscle strength of Tai Chi group was significantly increased. 2) The effect of the Tai Chi and Brisk Walking on the lower extremity joints(knee and ankle joint) proprioceptivekinesthesia threshold(1) The results of the knee joint proprioceptive kinesthesia threshold: Compared with the control group, the kinesthesia threshold of Tai Chi group is significantly lower for the kneeflexion and extension(P=0.017,P=0.007),and compared with walking group, the kinesthesia threshold of Tai Chi group is significantly lower for the kneeflexion and extension(P=0.021,P=0.026).(2) The results of the ankle joint proprioceptive kinesthesia threshold: Compared with the control group, the kinesthesia threshold of walking group is significantly lower for the ankle strephenopodia(P<0.05); Tai Chi group is significantly lower for the ankle plantarflexion and extension and strephenopodiaand strephexopodia(P<0.05,P<0.001), and compared with walking group, the kinesthesia threshold of Tai Chi group is significantly lower for theplantar ankle flexion and extension(P=0.021,P=0.026).Conclusion:(1) Compared with the brisk walking, Tai Chi show a better lower extremity muscle strength and more sensitive proprioception kinesthetic threshold. This may be very meaningful for the comprehensive improvement of the human balance.(2) As a practice and intervention, Tai Chi is the preferential choice. It may help to prevent and even decrease the harm of falls of elderly to use this training technique.