Tweet
Tai Chi keeps inactive elderly fit
University of Tasmania
Sedentary older adults who take up Tai Chi may gain strength and confidence benefits similar to those of vigorously active older adults, a UTAS honours student has found.
Sharon Hetherington is one of the Centre for Human Movement?s nine outstanding honours students who will present their research findings at the Launceston campus today (Thursday).
Ms Hetherington said Tai Chi was a form of exercise preferable to many older adults who did not enjoy or were unable to do vigorous physical activity.
?My research suggests that active people aged 65 and older have significantly lower fall risk factors, better balance confidence and better perceptions of their quality of life than sedentary older adults who do not exercise,? she said.
?But these differences between the two groups were no longer evident after the sedentary group had completed a 12-week Tai Chi course.?
University of Tasmania
Sedentary older adults who take up Tai Chi may gain strength and confidence benefits similar to those of vigorously active older adults, a UTAS honours student has found.
Sharon Hetherington is one of the Centre for Human Movement?s nine outstanding honours students who will present their research findings at the Launceston campus today (Thursday).
Ms Hetherington said Tai Chi was a form of exercise preferable to many older adults who did not enjoy or were unable to do vigorous physical activity.
?My research suggests that active people aged 65 and older have significantly lower fall risk factors, better balance confidence and better perceptions of their quality of life than sedentary older adults who do not exercise,? she said.
?But these differences between the two groups were no longer evident after the sedentary group had completed a 12-week Tai Chi course.?
