Tai-Chi Chuan and Frenkel Coordination Exercises in Elderly

Investigation of the Short-Term Effects of Tai-Chi Chuan and Frenkel Coordination Exercises on Balance, Coordination, and Kinesiophobia in Healthy Elderly: A Randomised Controlled Trial

This study was aimed to investigated the short-term effects of Tai-Chi Chuan (TCC) and Frenkel Coordination Exercises (FCE) on balance, coordination, and kinesiophobia in elderly.

Participants were randomly divided into two groups: [Grup 1: TCC (n=15); Grup 2: FCE (n=15)]. Balance was assessed using test Four Square Step Test (FSST), coordination using test Plate Taping Test (PTT), and kinesiophobia using test Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK). Although there were a statistically significant difference in all parameters in both groups (p<0,05), there was significant difference between the groups (p>0,05).

Inclusion Criteria:

• being between 65-74 years of age;
• being able to move without the need for an assistive device;
• having a Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥24

Exclusion Criteria:

• having a serious systemic illness that would limit participation in low-to-moderate intensity exercise,
• having been involved in any exercise program within the last three months;
• having suffered a fracture due to balance problems within the six months prior to study.