Impact of Yang Style Tai Chi Exercise on Static Balance Among the Elderly

Abstract

The demographic bonus is a global phenomenon characterized by a significant increase in the proportion of the working-age population (15–64 years) compared to the non-productive age group. As individuals age, physiological changes occur across multiple body systems including the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems, leading to a gradual decline in homeostatic capacity. One major consequence of these changes is a reduction in balance abilities, both static and dynamic. Tai chi has emerged as an effective physical activity to enhance balance in the elderly. This study employed a pre-experimental design using a one-group pre-test and post-test approach to evaluate the effectiveness of Yang style tai chi in improving static and dynamic balance among older adults. The intervention consisted of 12 training sessions, conducted with a schedule of two consecutive sessions followed by 1 rest day. Each session lasted 45 minutes and was delivered through a video projection. The mean difference for the right leg increased by 0.41 seconds, whereas the left leg showed a greater improvement of 1.15 seconds. This suggests that the left leg experienced a more substantial enhancement than the right. Such differences may be attributed to weight-shifting mechanisms during the intervention. Yang style tai chi did not show a significant effect on static balance, which may be attributed to several factors including the need for a longer duration to elicit measurable effects, the complexity of the movements, variations in individual physical activity levels, and age differences among participants