MingRen Liu; Heeyoung So

doi:10.4040/jkan.2008.38.4.620

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Original Article
Effects of Tai Chi Exercise Program on Physical Fitness, Fall related Perception and Health Status in Institutionalized Elders: MingRen Liu, Heeyoung So; Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2008;38(4):620-628.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2008.38.4.620
Published online: August 31, 2008

¹Associate Professor, College of Nursing, Yanbian University, Yanbian, China.

²Professor, Department of Nursing, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea.

Address reprint requests to: So, Heeyoung. Department of Nursing, Chungnam National University, 1-6 Munhwa-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon 301-747, Korea. Tel: 82-42-580-8325, Fax: 82-42-584-8915, hysoh@cnu.ac.kr

• Received: February 16, 2008 • Accepted: July 29, 2008

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Abstract
REFERENCES

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose was to identify the effects of a Tai Chi exercise program on physical fitness, fall related perception and health status among institutionalized elderly.
Methods
A quasi-experimental research was carried out with a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. There were 23 subjects in the experimental group and 24 in the control group. The data was gathered by structured questionnaires about fall related perception, and health status. Physical fitness was measured by an exercise therapist with a blind principle.
Results
At the completion of the 12 weeks Tai Chi exercise program, flexibility (F=4.50, p=.00), and ability to balance (F=3.27, p=.00) had increased significantly. Fall related perception showed significant improvement in the fear of falling (F=-3.52, p=.00). Physical functioning (F=3.38, p=.00), role limitation-physical (F=2.67, p=.01), role limitation-emotional (F=2.47, p=.02). and general health (F=3.88, p=.00) in health status showed significant differences between the two groups.
Conclusion
The study findings revealed Tai Chi exercise as a useful nursing intervention for elderly that enhances flexibility and balance, decreases fall related perception and also increases the health status. Further research is warranted to compare the potential effects of Tai Chi exercise and its health benefits from other types of exercise or martial arts.
Keywords: Tai Chi; Physical fitness; Fall; Health status

REFERENCES

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Table 1

Homogeneity Test for Demographic Characteristics

^*Multiple response.

Table 2

Homogeneity Test for Dependent Variables

Table 3

Group Comparison of Mean Differences of Physical Fitness

Table 4

Group Comparison of Mean Differences of Fall Efficacy and Fear of Falling

Table 5

Gruop Comparison of Mean Differences of Health Status

Figure & Data

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Effects of Tai Chi Exercise Program on Physical Fitness, Fall related Perception and Health Status in Institutionalized Elders

J Korean Acad Nurs. 2008;38(4):620-628. Published online August 31, 2008

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2008.38.4.620

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Effects of Tai Chi Exercise Program on Physical Fitness, Fall related Perception and Health Status in Institutionalized Elders

Table 1

Homogeneity Test for Demographic Characteristics

^*Multiple response.

Table 2

Homogeneity Test for Dependent Variables

Table 3

Group Comparison of Mean Differences of Physical Fitness

Table 4

Group Comparison of Mean Differences of Fall Efficacy and Fear of Falling

Table 5

Gruop Comparison of Mean Differences of Health Status

Table 1 Homogeneity Test for Demographic Characteristics

^*Multiple response.

Table 2 Homogeneity Test for Dependent Variables

Table 3 Group Comparison of Mean Differences of Physical Fitness

Table 4 Group Comparison of Mean Differences of Fall Efficacy and Fear of Falling