J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2011 May;18(2):177-185.

Effects of Tai Chi Exercise Program on Muscle Strength, Flexibility, Postural balance and Cognition in Patients with Parkinson Disease

• Choi DW
• Sohng KY

Abstract

PURPOSE
To examine the effects of Tai Chi exercise (TCE) on muscle strength, flexibility of low extremities, postural balance and cognition in patients with Parkinson disease (PD).
METHODS
A nonequivalent control-group pre and post-test design was used. Of the 30 participants 15 were assigned to the experimental group and 15 to the control group. The experimental group participated in 8 weeks of TCE which included one day of exercise with instructor on site and 3 days of self-exercise at home guided by a videotape.
RESULTS
The 8 weeks of TCE were found to be significantly effective in enhancing strength of low extremities, flexibility of ankles and shoulders, time of tandem stand with eye closed and level on the K-MMSE (Korean mini mental state examination).
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that TCE has positive effects on physical fitness and cognition in patients with PD. Research over an extended period with the TCE intervention is recommended to identify further effects.

Keyword

Parkinson disease; Tai Chi; Muscle strength; Postural balance; Cognition

MeSH Terms

Animals
Ankle
Cognition
Extremities
Eye
Humans
Muscle Strength
Muscles
Parkinson Disease
Physical Fitness
Pliability
Postural Balance
Shoulder
Tai Ji