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Comparison between Tai Chi and Balance-Strength Training Exercise to Decrease Fear of Fall and Improving Balance and Functional Mobility in Elderly

Chandan Kumar

Background of the study: Falls in older people are a common and important problem that can have devastating consequences for individuals and their support networks. The purpose of this trial is to compare the effect of two types of exercise, Tai Chi versus Balance and strength training (BS Training) to reduce fear of fall and to improve balance and functional mobility in elderly.

Method: It was a two-group, single-blind, randomized clinical trial in subjects, and aged 60-80 years old. They were divided in 2 equal groups; Group A was Tai Chi group and Group B was B.S. training group. Exercises were given for both the groups 5 days in a week for 8 weeks, Study outcome include fear of fall (Fall Efficacy Scale- FES), Balance (Berg Balance Scale -BBS) and Function Mobility (Timed up and go test -TUG).

Result: There were significant reduction in fear of fall and improvement in balance & functional Mobility in both the groups after 8 weeks of intervention. Tai Chi group had better effect as compare to the Balance-Strength training group in reducing fear of fall & improving Functional Mobility.

Conclusion: This study demonstrate that Tai Chi have better beneficial effects in reducing fear of fall and improving balance & functional mobility as compared to Balance-Strength training in elderly after 8 weeks of intervention.