Citation

Hain TC, Fuller L, Weil L, Kotsias J. Arch. Otolaryngol. Head Neck Surg. 1999; 125(11): 1191-1195.

Affiliation

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Ill 60611, USA. t-hain@.nwu.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, American Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10555688

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the practice of T'ai Chi significantly improves balance. METHODS: Twenty-two persons with mild balance disorders were studied. Five measures of balance were obtained, including 3 objective measures (moving platform posturography, Romberg testing, and reach testing) and 2 disability questionnaires (Dizziness Handicap Inventory and a modified Medical Outcomes Study general health survey). To be included, patients were required to be able to stand in the eyes-closed regular Romberg position for 30 seconds. The subjects underwent 8 weeks of T'ai Chi training and practice and then were retested. RESULTS: Highly significant improvements were found on both the posturography test and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory questionnaire scores (P<.001 and P=.004, respectively). Trends toward improvement were also noted in Romberg test results and the Medical Outcomes Study survey (P=.03 for both). Reach was not improved. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that T'ai Chi training improves balance.

Language: en