Tai chi may help prevent falls in elderly

Practising tai chi 1-3 times per week may help reduce number of falls in older adults, a primary cause of traumatic death in the population. Tai chi is an ancient Chinese practice focused on flexibility of whole body coordination that promotes harmonised motion in space.

The study revealed that Tai chi significantly reduced the rate of falls by 43 per cent compared with other interventions in short-term follow-up of 12 months and 13 per cent long-term follow-up of more than 12 months.

There was some evidence that Tai chi reduced risk by 50 per cent over the short term and by 28 per cent over the long term. "Tai chi practice is to prevent falls in at-risk adults and older adults. The findings offer a simple and holistic way to prevent injuries," said Rafael Lomas-Vega.

Tai chi has proved an effective exercise to improve balance control and flexibility in older individuals, suggesting its efficacy in preventing falls. For the study, the team identified 10 randomised controlled trials analysing the effect of tai chi versus other treatments (such as physical therapy and low intensity exercise) on risk of falls in at-risk and older adults.