Article

PURPOSE: 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.
METHOD: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

Langue : ANGLAIS