The Effectiveness of Tai Chi Exercises on Older Adults in Reducing Fear of Falling: An Evidence- Based Review

Fear is an intellectual appraisal of threatening stimuli. Fear usually is considered a normal reaction to a realistic danger or threat to biological integrity or self-concept, but it is not normal to experience an overwhelming and prolonged state of fear. Human studies verify that fear circuitry is located in the amygdala. Sensory information is sent to the amygdala where it is projected to the hypothalamus, which in turn activates the sympathetic nervous system. It is the hypothalamic pituitary adrenocortical (HPA) axis that activates a defensive response when experiencing fear. Dysregulation of the HPA axis and structural changes in the hippocampus are associated with signs of fear and stress related disorders. When a person experiences extreme fear, the hormone cortisol is released from the adrenal gland above the kidney. Its job is to prepare the body for fight or flight. Elevated cortisol levels suppress the immune system and are associated with extreme fear and anxiety disorders. Fear of falling has been identified as a common psychological factor. Fear of falling could happen to people without any fall experiences [1]. Fear of falling could be increased with age, can lead to self-imposed activity restrictions (functional decline, decreased mobility, decreased social activity, depression, and low life satisfaction) (Myers, Fletcher, Myers, and Sherk, 1998). Tai Chi is widely used and is one of the best activities recommended to help decrease the effects of muscular rigidity through providing slow stretching movements [2]. The purpose of this study was to examine the evidence of Tai Chi exercises in reducing the amount of fear of falling in older adults. For the purpose of this study, we created a clinical/research PICO question (Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome), a key to evidence-based decision [3].

The PICO formed for our study is as follows:

(P) In older adults with fear of falling

(I) Does a five-week Tai Chi program

(C) Compare to no/ alternative program

(O) Produce a greater reduction of fear of falling.

Review of literature and search strategy

A research has been made in the following databases: Ovid (MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and Global Health), and CINAHL. Keywords and Search items used to search articles for our study were Tai Chi, exercise, education program, older adults, geriatrics, and fear of falling. By combining the search results, we found articles on Tai Chi that discuss the relationship between Tai Chi and fear of falling among older adults. Based on the format of PICO question, four most relevant articles were selected for our study. Studies cited in the reference of the four articles along with other articles were also used to collect important information. After all, the strongest evidence-based article was chosen based on level of evidence and significance level to highlight and confirm our results and conclusions.

Table 1:A summary of reviewed articles in relation to our PICO.

The four selected articles were related to the effectiveness of Tai Chi in reduction of fear of falling among older adults. All articles were related to our PICO question. A summary of the four articles in relation to our PICO is as follows (Table 1). Articles are presented based on treatment period.

Zhang et al. [2] which examined the effects of Tai Chi Chuan on physiological function and fear of falling in the less robust elderly was selected as the strongest evidence-based article. Their target population was less robust elderly who are 70-year-old and older, with ambulatory ability, and live in unsupervised environment. Based on the hierarchy of levels of evidence in evidence-based practice, this study was a level II (Evidence obtained from at least one well designed RCT) [4-7]. Level of significance after 8 weeks at the Tai Chi Chuan exercise group as a result of performing 24 simplified forms of Tai Chi exercise was P=.006. Thus, clinical guidelines, recommendations, a plan and audit tool have been developed in our study to implement Tai Chi in clinical settings (Table 2).

Table 2:A summary of recommendations, plan, and audit tool.

Our review confirmed that Tai Chi exercises are effective and reduce the fear of falling in older adults significantly. Thus, clinical guidelines, recommendations, a plan and audit tool have been created in our study to implement Tai Chi programs in clinics. The clinical guidelines for recommended intervention, the plan, and the audit tool recommend therapists to apply Tai Chi exercises with older adults with fear of falling, ambulatory ability, and no significant cognitive problems.

No funding was required.

None.

Author declares that there is no conflict of interest..

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