Balance and Perceived Confidence with Performance of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living: A Pilot Study of Tai Chi Inspired Exercise with Elderly Retirement-Community Dwellers

• Published in: Physical & occupational therapy in geriatrics 2004, Vol.21 (3), p.75-86
• Main Authors: Mihay, L, Lltzsche, E, Tribby, A, Rushing, K, Spears, J, Wiltfong, H, Schaub, D, Chronister, A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0270-3181
• DOI: 10.1300/J148v21n03_06

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine if Tai Chi Inspired Exercise (TCIE) positively impacts balance and confidence level during performance of activities of daily living (ADL) for well elderly. Method. Thirty-five independent elderly volunteers, 18 in the experimental group and 17 in the control group, participated in this study. The experimental group (mean age = 72.76) participated in a minimum of ten TCIE sessions over a six-week period. Pretesting and post-testing occurred for both groups. The Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, Berg Balance Scale and Limits of Stability Assessment (LOS) established the baseline scores. These assessments quantified changes in the relationship between balance and confidence upon completion of the TCIE sessions. Results. Participants of the TCIE group scored significantly higher in the post scores of the ABC, Berg Balance Scale, and the LOS measures of Maximal Endpoint Excursion (MXE) and Forward. Conclusion. Tai Chi Inspired Exercise positively impacts balance and confidence levels during ADL performance for well elderly. This relationship may have future implications for balance training intervention with the elderly.