(HealthDay: News for Healthier Living) In a recent article written by Dennis Thompson of HealthDay, he says that a new trial shows that the ancient practice of tai chi may be more beneficial than strength training and aerobic exercise in preventing falls among seniors.
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese tradition involving movements that flow from one position to another in a slow, graceful, and focused way. The body is in constant motion and the exercise of changing positions also changes the balance of the individual. The body moves outside of its center of gravity in one movement, and back into the center of gravity in the next movement.
According to Kerri Winters-Stone, a professor with the Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing, "the tai chi program better addresses the deficits that were contributing to fall risk." She goes on to say that if an individual who practices tai chi started to fall, they would probably be better at counteracting that movement to regain their balance.
Click Here to read the article in its entirety. You'll learn about a new clinical trial that has modified the tai chi routine for seniors and its success rate in increasing their balance and confidence.
