The Latest Fall Prevention Review

Med Page Today published an interesting article from Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews – the most comprehensive and respected database reviews. The article, over 150 pages, is about an extensive review of 111 studies involving 55,303 participants about preventing falls for older adults. (Gillespie L D, Robertson M C, Gillespie W J, Lamb S E, Gates S, Cumming R G, Rowe B H. ‘Interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community’. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD007146. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007146.)

Injury from falls is the most expensive health cost item in all western countries. In the USA it costs more than $20 billion per year. Many studies were undertaken to find out how to reduce this cost. The key finding of the review is “…Exercising in supervised groups, participating in tai chi, and carrying out individually prescribed exercise programs at home are all effective.”

The review, as I see it, shows tai chi as a highly effective, evidence based exercise. Compared to individually prescribed exercise, tai chi is cost effective and easily replicated. What is more, tai chi, especially the Tai Chi for Health programs (including TCA) is enjoyable and well liked by participants of all ages. Interestingly studies have shown swimming and walking did not significantly reduce the risk of falling for older people. While swimming and walking are wonderful exercises and have many health benefits, they do not have the same benefits on balance and fall prevention as does tai chi.

• Tai chi is a low-impact form of exercise.
• It is a weight-bearing exercise that can have certain health benefits—for example, to the bones.
• It is an aerobic exercise.
• Improves physical condition, muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility.
• Have better balance and a lower risk for falls, especially in elderly people.
• Ease pain and stiffness—for example, from arthritis.
• Health benefits that may be experienced from meditation.
• Improve insomnia.
• Overall wellness. 
    

While tai chi is almost common knowledge now, medical evidence is mounting on tai chi’s many health giving benefits. To me the most important point from NIACM is the last: tai chi improves overall wellness, in other words, tai chi improves people’s quality of life!