Elderly people who practise tai chi for just two months can improve balance and prevent serious injuries from falls, according to Polytechnic University research.

"Tai chi can be promoted as an effective and low-cost, community- based fall prevention programme for the elderly," said Professor Christina Chan Hui Wan-ying, head of rehabilitation sciences at the university, who led the study.

The research showed that 13 elderly people who trained in tai chi for 90 minutes six times a week scored 18 per cent higher in balancing tests than a group of nine elderly people who did no exercise.

The subjects, aged between 65 and 70, were matched for sex, age and health conditions. The computerised testing system assessed balance and posture.

Professor Chan said: "After one month of tai chi, the [tai chi group] had already improved relative to the non-tai chi group.

"After two months, the difference was statistically significant in balance control in terms of less body sway and more smooth movement," she said. She said the significant gains were maintained in the tai chi group one month after training had stopped.

Professor Chan said the gains achieved from the two-month intensive training were comparable to a seasoned tai chi practitioner with seven years' experience.

She added that a study in the United States has already shown that tai chi can reduce the risk of people falling.

Research overseas has shown that 25 to 35 per cent of elderly people over 65 suffer at least one fall a year.

　　From Healthy.net