Abstract

Background: Balance impairment is common in the elderly population and is a major contributor to in creased fall risk and associated health complications. Studies indicate that Tai Chi is an effective intervention for balance training. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the Tai Chi Robotic Machine in enhanc ing balance and reducing fall risk among Hong Kong Chinese older adults.

Methods: 92 Hong Kong Chinese community-dwelling older adults were recruited across the territory. The subjects recruited were randomly allocated to the Tai Chi Robotic (TR) Group (13 males and 42 females, aged 68.66 ± 5.37) and the control group (CG) (18 males and 19 females, aged 67.61 ± 7.49). The TR group received 12 sessions of Tai Chi training via the Tai Chi Robotic Machine (2 sessions per week for 6 weeks), while the CG received no intervention. Assessments were conducted at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up. Outcome measures included demographic data, fall history, Aspire Fall Risk Score (FRS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Single-Leg-Stand (SLS), self-reported perceived balance, handgrip strength and Short Form 12 Physical and Mental Component Summary (SF-12 PCS & MCS).

Results: TR group showed significant post-intervention improvements (p = 0.01) in Aspire FRS (from 6.69 ± 2.03 to 7.87 ± 1.09); BBS (from 49.51 ± 6.40 to 53.62 ± 3.12); self-reported perceived balance (from 2.20 ± 0.83 to 2.96 ± 0.69). No statistically significant improvements were exhibited in CG. Improvements in the TR group were sustained at 1-month follow-up, indicating maintained effects in balance enhancement relative to the CG.

Conclusions: TR group demonstrated effective balance improvements and fall risk reduction compared to CG, showing that the Tai Chi Robotic Machine can serve as an effective modality for balance training, especially among the elderly population in the community.

DOI: doi.org/10.63721/25JACNR0109

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