EFFECT OF TAI CHI CHUAN ON FEAR OF FALLING, BALANCE AND PHYSICAL SELF-PERCEPTION IN ELDERLY: A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Introduction: This study was aimed to examine the effects of Tai Chi Chuan on the fear of falling, balance, and physical self-perception in the elderly. Materials and Method: This controlled trial using blocked randomization was stratified by sex, age, and history of falls and conducted with 44 elderly participants, of which 20 underwent Tai Chi Chuan training as experimental group and 24 served as an untrained control group. The experimental group underwent Tai Chi Chuan training for 12 weeks, twice a week, for 35-40 min/day under a research team member. The control group received no intervention. Data were collected from both groups by using a personal information form, the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale, the Physical Self-Perception Questionnaire, and the Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment. After the exercise practice, each group was re-subjected to the same scales. Results: Student's t-test and paired sample t-tests were used to analyze the data. The balance and physical self-perception of individuals in the Tai Chi Chuan group significantly improved compared with that in the control group (p<0.001). Additionally, individuals in the Tai Chi Chuan group demonstrated reduced fear of falling (p<0.001). Conclusion: Tai Chi Chuan positively affects balance and physical self-perception, and reduced fear of falling in elderly individuals. As a result, the potential application of Tai Chi Chuan was suggested in various settings where elderly individuals inhabit.