Body weight support-Tai Chi footwork for balance of stroke survivors with fear of falling: A pilot randomized controlled trial

ShangJun Huang; XiaoMing Yu; Yan Lu; Jun Qiao; HongLin Wang; Li-Ming Jiang; XuBo Wu; WenXin Niu

doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.101061

Body weight support-Tai Chi footwork for balance of stroke survivors with fear of falling: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2019 Nov:37:140-147. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.101061. Epub 2019 Sep 23.

Authors

ShangJun Huang¹, XiaoMing Yu², Yan Lu², Jun Qiao³, HongLin Wang², Li-Ming Jiang², XuBo Wu⁴, WenXin Niu⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; Department of Rehabilitation, Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200137, China.
² Department of Rehabilitation, Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200137, China.
³ Department of Treatment, The Second Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, 200441, China.
⁴ School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China. Electronic address: wuxubo320@163.com.
⁵ YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201619, China. Electronic address: niu@tongji.edu.cn.

PMID: 31570211
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.101061

Abstract

Background and purpose: Balance impairment is the predominant risk factor for falls in stroke survivors. This study examined the effects of body weight support-Tai Chi (BWS-TC) footwork on balance control among stroke survivors with fear of falling (FOF).

Materials and methods: Twenty-eight stroke survivors with FOF were randomly allocated to either control or BWS-TC groups. Those in BWS-TC underwent Tai Chi training for 12 weeks. Outcomes were assessed in all participants by evaluation of the limits of stability test, modified clinical test of sensory integration of balance, fall risk index, and Fugl-Meyer assessment of lower limbs at baseline and 12 weeks.

Results: The BWS-TC group displayed significant enhancement in dynamic control and vestibular and somatosensory integration.

Conclusion: BWS-TC may enhance dynamic control and sensory integration of balance and reduce the risk of fall in stroke survivors with FOF.

Keywords: Balance; Fall; Sensory integration; Stroke; Tai chi.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
Aged
Body Weight
Fear
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Pilot Projects
Postural Balance*
Stroke / complications*
Stroke Rehabilitation
Survivors
Tai Ji*