Research Centre on Aging, University Institute of Geriatrics of Sherbrooke, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
Disabil Rehabil. 2013 Aug;35(17):1429-35. doi: 10.3109/09638288.2012.737084. Epub 2012 Nov 20.
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.
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.
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.
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.
比较监督下的太极拳练习与常规物理治疗运动在个性化康复计划中对虚弱老年人跌倒发生率和严重程度的影响。
参与者为居住在社区的虚弱老年人，他们被纳入加拿大魁北克省舍布鲁克日间医院计划（n=152）。他们被随机分为接受 15 周干预组，分别为监督下的太极拳练习组（n=76）或常规物理治疗组（n=76）。在干预结束后的 12 个月内，通过日历技术和每月一次的电话访谈评估跌倒的发生率和严重程度。在基线时收集其他变量，以比较两组：年龄、合并症、平衡、平衡的感觉相互作用和自我评估健康状况。
两种干预措施都对跌倒有保护作用，但太极拳的效果优于常规物理治疗运动（RR=0.74；95%CI=0.56-0.98）。
作为康复计划的一部分，监督下的太极拳练习似乎是针对这一特定人群的常规物理治疗运动的更有效替代方法。
