Article

OBJECTIVE: To compare the adherence to and effectiveness of Tai Chi exercise
program through a live, interactive, telecommunication-based exercise (Tele-ex)
with that of a similar program through a community center-based exercise
(Comm-ex) and a home video-based exercise (Home-ex) among community-dwelling
elders who are at risk for falls. DESIGN: Three groups randomized controlled
trial with pretests and posttests. SETTING: Exercise programs were
community-based, and the outcome measures were laboratory-based. PARTICIPANTS:
Adults (N=64) age 65+ years with positive fall history in the previous year
and/or significant fear of falling. INTERVENTION: A 24-form, Yang-style Tai Chi
for 15 weeks, 3 hours a week. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Exercise compliance, number
of falls, fear of falling (Activities-specific Balance Confidence [ABC] score),
self-perceived health (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey
[SF-36]), Timed Up & Go (TUG), single leg stance (SLS), and body sway during
quiet stance (medial-lateral foot center of pressure [ML-COP]). RESULTS: Tele-ex
and Comm-ex groups demonstrated significantly higher exercise attendance and
in-class practice time than the Home-ex group (P<.01) and significant reductions
in the mean number of falls and injurious falls (P<.01). There were significant
improvements posttraining in SLS, ABC, ML-COP, and Physical Health subscore of
the SF-36 (P<.05). Both Tele-ex and Comm-ex groups demonstrated larger
improvements than the Home-ex group in TUG, ML-COP, and the Social Function,
Mental Health, and Physical Health subscores of the MOS SF-36. CONCLUSION:
Compared with the Home-ex, the Tele-ex and Comm-ex groups are better in exercise
compliance, fall reduction and balance and health improvements. Tele-ex is an
effective, affordable, and acceptable choice of exercise for elders.
CI - Copyright 2010 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS