Counter movement jump performance between older adults with and without regular tai chi exercise training

Background & Study Aim: Martial arts, especially tai chi and other systems of health exercises can signifcantly stimulate all dimensions of the positive health. Te aim of the study was the efect of tai chi exercise on maximal counter movement jump (CMJ) in older adults. Material & Methods: Tai Chi group (n =17; age: 72.1 ± 4.3 yrs) and healthy older adults (n=17; age: 73.5 ± 5.5 yrs) were recruited in this study. Jump height, vertical velocity of the body center of mass (COM), and peak power output were analyzed by using a force plate (1000Hz) during the performance of a maximal efort CMJ. Result: Tai chi subjects had greater performance than healthy elderly group in jump height (14.35±4.07cm vs. 11.18±3.41cm), peak power output (29.72 ± 3.82 vs. 25.52 ± 4.04 watts/BW), vertical velocity of the body COM at takeof (Vtake-of) (1.68 ± 0.20 vs. 1.49 ± 0.22 m/sec). Conclusion: Older adults participated in tai chi exercise training had better performance in a maximal efort CMJ. Tese enhancements may decrease limitations of daily functional performance and reduce fall risk.