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Tai Chi Far Eastern Martial Arts helps to prevent falls in old age
Tai Chi has also become more popular in recent years in this country. Far Eastern martial arts are a great way to reduce stress for many people. Running them regularly helps older people to reduce their risk of falls. The Spanish researchers have now found out.
Older people fall more often
Some people find safe walking in old age not easy, they often fall. According to experts, the high risk of falling for seniors has many reasons. For example, progressive bone resorption ("osteoporosis"), balance disorders or muscle weakness may come into question. A study by Spanish researchers has now shown how older people can prevent falls: through regular Tai Chi training.
Tai Chi helps seniors reduce their risk of falls. That's what Spanish researchers have discovered. Far Eastern martial arts have far more positive health effects. (Image: Paul Hakimata / fotolia.com) Slow flowing movements
Although Tai Chi Chuan (abbreviated "Tai Chi") is also referred to as "shadow boxing", for some, the slow flowing movements of Far Eastern martial arts can not be compared with boxing.
The meditative movements, performed almost in slow motion and in combination with concentrated breathing, have been practiced in China for centuries.
Tai Chi has become a trend worldwide in recent years. In the western world, it has become established as a health sport in particular. It helps against chronic pain and stress, among other things.
Tai Chi helps against numerous health problems
In a conversation with "Heilpraxisnet.de", the president of the European Tai Chi Association TCFE, Sifu Nils Klug, reported on further positive effects of shadow boxing.
The martial art can "contribute to alleviating the discomfort of various diseases and positively influence disease progression".
"I want to call here cardiovascular diseases, autonomic disorders, knee problems of all kinds, back pain to the herniated disc, and tinnitus," said Klug.
Lower fall risk
In addition, the Professional Association of German Rheumatism Episodes e.V. pointed out years ago that it is possible to alleviate rheumatic pain with Tai Chi.
The movements can also contribute to the strengthening of the knee joints.
And Tai Chi is helping older people to reduce their risk of falling, Spanish researchers now report in the journal "Journal of the American Geriatrics Society".
Comparison with physiotherapy and gymnastics
In order to reach their conclusions, the scientists around study author Rafael Lomas-Vega from the University of Jaén in Spain searched the medical literature for relevant studies.
The research team found ten studies that compared the effect of Tai Chi with that of other treatments on fall risk, including physical therapy and exercise.
According to study authors, regular participation in Tai Chi classes reduced the risk of falling by 43 percent in one year and by 13 percent in the long term.
The likelihood of the subjects falling and injuring themselves halved over the course of a year.
The seniors practiced Tai Chi exercises for between one and three hours each week for about three to six months. (Ad)