%0 Journal Article
%T Elder Chinese Martial Art Practitioners Have Higher Radial Bone Strength, Hand-Grip Strength, and Better Standing Balance Control
%A Shirley S. M. Fong
%A X. Guo
%A Alice P. M. Cheung
%A Alex T. L. Jo
%A Gary K. W. Lui
%A Dennis K. C. Mo
%A Shamay S. M. Ng
%A William W. N. Tsang
%J ISRN Rehabilitation
%D 2013
%R 10.1155/2013/185090
%X This study explored the feasibility of using Ving Tsun (VT) martial art as a fall-prevention exercise for male seniors. We compared the radial bone strength, hand-grip strength, and standing balance control of senior VT practitioners and nonpractitioners under various sensory environments. Sixteen male VT practitioners (mean age ¡À SD: years) and 17 sex- and age-matched control adults (mean age ¡À SD: years) participated in the study. The bone strength of the distal radius, hand-grip strength, and standing balance control were assessed using an ultrasound bone sonometer, a Jamar dynamometer, and sensory organization test (SOT) on the NeuroCom Balance Master, respectively. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to compare the outcome variables between the two groups. Results revealed that VT practitioners had significantly higher radial bone strength ( -score) on the dominant side ( ), hand-grip strength (dominant side, ; nondominant side, ), and standing balance control (SOT composite equilibrium score, ) than the control participants. Male elder VT practitioners had higher radial bone strength, hand-grip strength, and better standing balance control than nonpractitioners. Our findings shed light on the use of VT exercise to prevent falls and fall-related fractures of the distal radius in male elders. 1. Introduction Falls among the elderly are common and a global cause of morbidity and mortality. It has been reported that there are over 400 potential risk factors for falling [1]. Among these risk factors, the physical deteriorations associated with advancing age such as decreased bone mass [2], decreased muscular strength [3, 4], and balance deficits [5], along with physical inactivity [6¨C8], have been found to be the major determinants of falls among seniors [1]. Improving bone and muscular strength and postural stability using exercises could reduce fall risks and fall-related injuries (e.g., the fracture of the distal radius) [9, 10], improving the quality of life experienced by the elderly [8, 11]. To date, ample studies have investigated the effects of fall-prevention programs (e.g., Tai Chi) on improving physical impairments (e.g., decreased bone and muscular strength), functioning (e.g., body balance) and reducing falls or fall risk among elderly women [12¨C15]. However, elderly men are an underexamined group that also suffers from falls and subsequent osteoporotic fractures. Studies have been called for to design treatment strategies specifically for elderly men [16]. Ving Tsun (VT) is a traditional Chinese martial art characterized
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn.rehabilitation/2013/185090/