Tai Chi and proprioception of ankle and knee joints
December 29th, 2011
Question :
Can Tai Chi improve proprioception at the ankle and knee joints and help with balance control in the elderly?
Answer :
Elderly people who practiced Tai Chi regularly had better proprioception at the ankle and knee joints compared to sedentary controls. They also had better proprioception at the ankle joint compared to swimmers and runners. Better proprioception may be helpful in maintaining balance control in the elderly.
Summary :
Ankle and knee joint kinaesthesis was measured in 21 elderly long term Tai Chi practitioners, 20 elderly long term swimmers/runners and 27 elderly sedentary controls. The Tai Chi group had an average age of 66.1 years and practiced Tai Chi for approximately 1.5 hours a day.
Reference :
Effect of tai chi exercise on proprioception of ankle and knee joints in old people.
British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2004 February. Free full text.
