According to a study, Tai Chi exercises could help to reduce risk of falls in stroke survivors. According to the researchers, learning how to find and keep your sense of balance after having a stroke can be a challenge. Tai Chi works well in improving upon both dynamic and static balance, and that’s essential to prevent falls.[1]
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is a martial arts form which originated in ancient China. Tai Chi involves relaxed breathing, physical movements as well as mental concentration. The name Tai Chi is derived from the Eastern yin and yang concept, and the black and white symbol representing yin and yang is also used for representing Tai Chi.
In comparison to survivors getting usual care or taking part in a national exercise program, individuals practicing Yang style Tai Chi experienced the least falls. Tai Chi classes can easily be found in many US cities and it is not too expensive.
Stroke survivors encounter 7 times more falls every year than healthy adults. Most of these falls could cause fractures, reduce mobility as well as increase the anxiety about falling that may lead to social isolation or dependency. Tai Chi has noticeably decreased the incidence of falls in healthy seniors. For the study, researchers enrolled 89 mostly ischemic stroke survivors having an average age of 70 who had experienced a stroke on average 3 years prior to starting the study.
The researchers said that Yang style Tai Chi, as used in the research, is considered the most well known of 5 Tai Chi styles found in the US due to its focus on both physical as well as psychosocial health benefits. The primary physical benefits of practicing Tai Chi are for balance, better strength, flexibility as well as aerobic endurance. The psycho-social benefits comprise of significantly less depression, stress and anxiety, and a better quality lifestyle.
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