Effects of Taekkyon training on balance control during stair descent in community-dwelling older adults

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Taekkyon training on balance control during stair descent in community-dwelling older adults. [Participants and Methods] Participants were randomly assigned to either the Taekkyon group or wellness education group. The participants in the Taekkyon group received Taekkyon training 2 times a week for 12 weeks. The participants in the wellness education group participated in a health education program 1 hour weekly for 12 weeks. Subjects stood in a predetermined position on the top of the custom-built 3-step staircase and then descended the stairs at a self-paced speed. The changes in the translation of the center of pressure before and after Taekkyon training were measured. [Results] The Taekkyon group showed a greater increase in the displacement of the center of pressure in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions as well as the average velocity of the center of pressure in posttesting than the wellness education group. The Taekkyon group also showed a significant increase in all measures after Taekkyon training. However, little change was found in all measures in the wellness education group. [Conclusion] These findings support the use of Taekkyon training as an effective fall-preventive rehabilitation program to reduce falling in older adults.