Balance, General Cognition and Lower Motoric Strength in Elderly: Tai Chi Versus Brisk Walking
Abstract: The number of
elderly in Indonesia continues to increase. A better quality of life can be
achieved by preventing reduction of elderly’s cognition, balance and strength
of the lower extremities. Tai Chi has been suggested as one of the sports to
maintain cognition, balance and lower extremity strength for elder people.
However, there are still few studies that compare Tai Chi to other exercises.
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of practicing Tai Chi verrsus
brisk walking.
Methods: The study design was observational, cross-sectional. Elderly who
practiced Tai Chi and Brisk-walk in Tegalega sport field were chosen as the
target population. The respondents must be at least 60 years old, no history of
cardiovascular disease in the last 3 months, no musculoskeletal complaints, no
obvious signs and symptoms of chronic diseases. Afterwards, the respondents
were examined using Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test for balance, Montreal Cognitive
Assessment (MoCA) for cognition and leg dynamometer for the lower extrimities
strength. The collected data was analyzed using Mann-Whitney statistical test
and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.
Results: No significant difference was detected among the three
parameters between Tai Chi group (TCG) and Brisk Walking group (BWG).
Difference of 0.5 (p=0.314) and 0.6 (p=0.554) was found for TUG Test and MoCA
Test between TCG and BWG using Mann Whitney. The leg dynamometer was tested
using Kolmogorov-smirnov (p = 1.00).
Conclusions: Similar result of balance, cognition, and lower motor
strength are found between TCG and BWG.
Keywords: Tai Chi, Brisk
walking, Balance, Cognition, Lower motor strength
Author: Steven Kelvin Anam,
Marina A. Moelino, Yuni S. Pratiwi
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg170106
