Article

Measures included the following: (1) subjects' intentional
weight shifting to 8 different spatial positions within their base of support
using the limits of stability test, (2) the ability to leave the floor in
single-leg jumping and to maintain balance on landing using force platform
measurements, and (3) body awareness and movement behaviors using the Body
Awareness Scale-Health (BAS-H). RESULTS: The findings showed that Tai Chi
practitioners had a significantly better ability to lean further without losing
stability and better directional control (P<0.01). They had a better ability to
jump off the floor (P<0.05) and to maintain a longer single-leg stance after
landing (P<.05) and better overall body awareness (P<.001). The single-leg jumps
also correlated significantly with limits of stability measures of movement
velocity, endpoint excursions, and maximum excursions but not with directional
control. The BAS-H scores correlated significantly with the limits of stability
measures except directional control. They also correlated significantly with the
ability to jump off the floor and maintain stability after landing. CONCLUSIONS:
When compared with healthy controls, Tai Chi practitioners had better stability
limits, increased ability to perform a single-leg jump, and more stability in
landing on 1 leg as well as better body awareness. Significant correlations among
limits of stability measures, single-leg jumping tests, and the BAS-H scores
indicate the importance of body awareness in limits of stability, single-leg
jumping, and landing.
CI - Copyright 2010 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS