The effects of a tai chi and yoga intervention on balance and balance confidence.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if the combination of yoga, Tai Chi, and mindful meditation increased balance and balance confidence in older female adults. Ten female participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Experimental or Control. The Experimental Group received yoga, Tai Chi, and a guided mindful meditation, while the control group received yoga and Tai Chi. Both groups met for 30 minutes per session, twice a week for seven weeks. Balance was assessed with Timed Tandem Walk, Timed Tandem Stand, and Timed Up-and-Go; balance confidence was assessed with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale. All assessments took place at baseline and post-intervention. A 2 X 2 ANOVA with repeated measures was conducted for all variables. Descriptive statistics and effect sizes were calculated. The Timed Tandem Walk Errors group by time interaction was significant with F of 6.639 (p = .037). The control group had a large effect size of -1.79. No significant differences from pre-test to post-test were found in the Timed Tandem Walk, Timed Tandem Stand, Timed Up-and-Go, and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (p > .05). The control group had an increase in errors during the balance assessment of Timed Tandem Walk while the experimental group decreased in errors. This suggests that concentration, as enhanced by meditation, improved the experimental groups' balance performance. Future research should include a longer intervention of at least 12 weeks in duration and a larger sample size.