Using posturography to measure balance control during seated tai chi

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Biomechanics
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Tai Chi for Arthritis (TCA) is a CDC-recognized fall prevention program for older adults.
• Seated TCA is recommended for individuals with mobility limitations.
• Balance control during seated TCA remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate balance control differences between expert and non-expert seated TCA practitioners.
• To utilize posturography as an assessment tool for seated TCA.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-three participants from a Tai Chi workshop were assessed.
• Participants performed seated TCA forms on a force platform within a chair.
• Center of pressure (CoP) indices were normalized and compared between expert and non-expert groups.

Main Results:

• Experts exhibited significantly greater CoP average velocity and path length (p=0.02) during the entire sequence and open/close movements.
• No significant differences in CoP 95% Confidence ellipse area were observed for all movements.
• Specific movements like commencement, wave hands, and single whip showed no significant balance control differences.

Conclusions:

• Seated TCA performance reveals some differences in balance control between experts and non-experts.
• Further research is required to ascertain if these differences stem from movement quality or seated posture factors.
• Investigating the impact of movement quality and seated position on balance control in TCA is warranted.