ABSTRACT
Background: Tai Chi Chuan (meaning Supreme Ultimate Force), popularly known as Tai Chi is an internal Chinese martial art practised for both defence and health purposes. Materials and methods: We selected 4 male persons of age group between 65 and 72 years with presbystasis. All of them had been treated with medication and good rest for a period of more than 6 months without much relief. We planned to evaluate the efficiency of Tai Chi through comparison of functional test of balance (Romberg test) and the perception of balance and falls by using Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) questionnaire obtained prior and following the Tai Chi course. Results: All the patients observed not only significant improvement in the balance, they also got more confidence in walking, running, bending and from the fear of falling. They were re-examined after one month (total 12 weeks of exercises) with Romberg test (to rule out bias by the patients) and DHI questionnaire. There was a significant improvement in the Romberg test and there was significant decrease in the DHI score from average 63.5 (severe dizziness) to 43.5 (moderate dizziness) Conclusion: The findings of the Tai Chi in the rehabilitation of balance problem in the elderly persons found to be very effective. Tai Chi is easy to carry out and very comfortable for the older people. They can practice the exercises at home, at outdoor without much effort and difficulty
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recently, The number of patients who have been complaining of the vertigo or dizziness has been increasing due to rapid growth of the elderly population and senile change. Aging is associated with decreased balance abilities, resulting in an increased risk of fall. The purpose of this study is to analyze the result of elderly organized vestibular rehabilitation therapy for presbystasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was performed on elderly population over sixty-five years. 148 dizzy patients who were admitted to Hallym University Medical Center. We recruited 64 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of presbystasis and treatment of rehabilitation. They were asked to complete the Korean vestibular disorders activities of daily living scale (K-VADL) for the functional aspect before and two to twelve weeks after elderly organized vestibular rehabilitation therapy. The result was analyzed by statistical methods. RESULTS: The K-VADL scores were decreased in patient of presbystasis compared with first questionnaire. There were statistically significant differences in the K-VADL scores between before and after rehabilitation therapy. CONCLUSION: Most patients can effectively and safely utilize the modified vestibular rehabilitation therapy. Our results suggest that the vestibular rehabilitation therapy could provide a recovery for dizzy symptoms in presbystasis.