274390 Modifying Existing Health-adapted Tai Chi Forms to Prevent Falls

Wednesday, October 31, 2012 : 9:30 AM - 9:50 AM

Roy Geib, PhD , School of Medicine, Indiana University, Terre Haute, IN
Hongtao Li, MD, PhD , School of Medicine, Indiana University, Terre Haute, IN
Martin Kidder, MS , Tai Chi for Health Institute, Sydney, Australia
Paul Lam, MD , Tai Chi for Health Institute, Sydney, Australia
     
Background: Falls and injuries are a significant health concern from both the physical and emotional impacts that they have on the individual and their family. In addition, the annual financial cost associated with falls in the US is estimated to cost $23.3 billion (2008 prices) for non-fatal and fatal falls.

Objective: To present a cost effective intervention for fall prevention for communities and workplaces using the Tai Chi for Arthritis program.

Methods: We reviewed published data related to the effectiveness of tai chi for fall prevention with a special emphasis on the Tai Chi for Arthritis program. In addition, we used computer posturography to explore postural stability in long-term tai chi players.

Description of Intervention: Tai Chi is an ancient mind-body exercise that is used globally for the prevention and intervention for many chronic diseases. The Tai Chi for Arthritis Program was developed for individuals with arthritis and is supported by Arthritis Foundations around the world. It is distinguished from traditional forms of tai chi by having dangerous forms removed.

Conclusion: The Tai Chi for Arthritis form is a multi-dimensional exercise program that is effective as an intervention for individuals with arthritis, while also being effective for fall prevention. With over 10,000 trained Tai Chi for Arthritis instructors worldwide, the program is a fall prevention program that can be easily and cost-effectively introduced into community and workplace settings.

Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss three health benefits of practicing tai chi, including fall prevention 2. Discuss using tai chi as a program for fall prevention and specifically, including how the widely used and assessable Tai Chi for Arthritis program can be adapted into community and workplace settings for fall prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been researching the health benefits of tai chi for 10 years. I have practiced the martial arts for 20 years and tai chi specifically for 10 years.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 5064.0: Etiology and Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls Related Injuries