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Article
Medical Rehabilitation - quarterly journal
Volume 7 year 2003, Issue number 3
The influence of Tai Chi and sensorimotor exercises on balance in the elderly
Wpływ Tai Chi oraz ćwiczeń sensomotorycznych na poprawę równowagi u osób w wieku geriatrycznym
Sylwia Mętel
Wydział Rehabilitacji Ruchowej AWF w Krakowie
Key words
aging, balance, Tai Chi, sensorimotor exercise, sit-cushion
Summary
This article presents two kinds of balance training that specifically train the movement control systems. Postural stability requires integration of the sensory systems (vision, vestibular, somatosensory) and motor systems (neurologic and muscular). The described programs affect the complex balance function. Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese exercise system, based on the theory of inside energy, has lately become very popular especially among the elderly people. Tai Chi is based on gentle, nonvigorous but continuous movements, which are typical for each form. The risk of injury is minimal. The present state of studies intended to evaluate the effectiveness of Tai Chi on balance in the elderly people is presented. The results of contemporary studies suggest that exercises performed on non-stable support surface (which challanges the somatosensory system) improve both static and dynamic balance of the elderly and can reduce the risk of falls. The examples of sensorimotor exercise with Sit-cushion are described.