Article

This study compared the biomechanical characteristics of stepping in 10 older
(aged 55+ years) Tai Chi (TC) practitioners and 10 age-matched non-TC (NTC)
controls. Subjects were asked to take a step on an auditory cue as fast as
possible, in the forward and backward directions, and with and without mental
distractions, respectively. Stepping characteristics included step initiation
time, preparation time for foot off, foot contact time, and step length and
width. The results showed that both groups had similar step initiation time, step
length and forward step width (p>0.466). Although mental distraction
significantly delayed step initiation time and foot contact time, and shortened
step length in both groups (p<0.003), TC practitioners had significantly shorter
preparation and foot contact time, and wider backward step width than controls
regardless of mental distraction (p<0.024). These group differences are in favor
of TC practitioners in situations of postural recovery from potential falls, even
with mental distractions, and may explain the positive effect of TC practice on
fall reduction in older adults.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS