Effects of Ai Chi Exercises on Balance in Geriatric Individuals

Objective: The deterioration of the balance and falls are the major causes of mortality and morbidity for geriatric individuals. While investigating the effectiveness of many methods for improving the balance, exercises in water can be an effective and safe alternative to the development of balance. Material and Methods: 15 healthy volunteers with the mean age of 76.35 +4.53 from the nursing home were participated in a 45-minute ai chi session for 8 weeks, 2 days a week. Berg's balance test (BBG) was used for the evaluation of balance, and the timed up and go (TUG) test was used for functional capacity assessments. Results: After 8-week ai chi exercise program, BBT and TUG test results showed a statistically significant improvement (p <0.05). The BBT score increased from 54.6 + 3.45 to 58.46 + 2.47 and the TUG test duration decreased from 11.38 + 1.33 to 9.02 + 0.61. Conclusion: The results of our study showed that Ai Chi exercises are an effective method in increasing balance and functional capacity in geriatric individuals