Effect of Tai Chi and Qigong on Functional Physical Fitness in Elderly

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of modified Tai Chi and Qigong (m-TC/Q) program intervention on functional fitness in elderly. A pretest-posttest quasi-experiment design method was adopted, and two communities of older adults were recruited to accept either the m-TC/Q or another competitive program. The results showed that the m-TC/Q program improved five items of the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) with an exception for the Back Scratch Test. A further analysis of progress scores revealed that the m-TC/Q was better than the Western style exercise program on the lower extremity flexibility. We conclude that the m-TC/Q exercise program is proven to be an effective intervention for elderly to improve their functional fitness.

關鍵字

older adults ； Western style exercise ； lower extremity flexibility

並列摘要

本研究的目的在探討太極拳運動與氣功介入對高齡者功能性體適能之改善效果。招募兩處社區高齡參與者並且分別提供改良版太極拳與氣功課程(modified Tai Chi and Qigong, m-TC/Q)及與其相應之西方多元性運動課程做對照。以高齡者體適能測驗(Senior Fitness Test, SFT)做為介入效果之驗證指標。研究結果發現除了在抓背測驗外，改良版太極拳與氣功組均能有效提升其他五項高齡者體適能指標。進一步比較東西方運動課程之改善分數發現東方課程在下肢柔軟度上優於西方運動課程。研究結論證明改良版太極拳與氣功課程對提升高齡者功能性體適能之改善效用。

並列關鍵字

高齡者；西方運動課程；下肢柔軟度

參考文獻

Blake, H.,Hawley, H.(2012).Effects of Tai Chi exercise on physical and psychological health of older people.Current Aging Science.5(1),19-27.

Google Scholar

Chin A. Paw, M. J.,van Uffelen, J. G.,Riphagen, I.,van Mechelen, W.(2008).The functional effects of physical exercise training in frail older people: A systematic review.Sports Medicine.38(9),781-793.