Tai chi as an adjunctive therapy for individuals who plateau after vestibular rehabilitation


Author: K Chow1, L Lei-Rivera2, M K Cosetti2, J L Kelly2

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Texas, USA.

<sup>2</sup> Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.
Conference/Journal: J Laryngol Otol
Date published: 2023 Jun 1
Other:
 Volume ID: 137   ,  Issue ID: 6   ,  Pages: 651-660   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1017/S0022215122001785.   ,  Word Count: 180  
    Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of tai chi on balance in patients with improved but persistent dizziness and imbalance following completion of traditional vestibular rehabilitation therapy.



Method:

Patients who completed vestibular rehabilitation therapy with persistent imbalance were prospectively enrolled in a tai chi programme comprising eight weekly classes. Balance was assessed before the first and after the eighth session using the Dynamic Gait Index, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence scale and Dizziness Handicap Inventory.



Results:

A total of 37 participants (34 females, 3 males) completed the programme with balance testing. Mean age was 76.8 years (range, 56-91 years). Mean Dynamic Gait Index significantly increased after completion of tai chi (p < 0.00001). Mean Activities-Specific Balance Confidence scale score increased from 63.6 to 67.9 per cent (p = 0.046). A subset (n = 18) of patients completed a Dizziness Handicap Inventory without significant post-therapeutic change (p = 0.62). Most (36 of 37; 97.3 per cent) patients demonstrated post-therapy improvement on one or more assessments.



Conclusion:

Tai chi is a viable adjunct to improve balance in patients who complete a vestibular rehabilitation therapy programme.



Keywords: Accidental Falls; Dizziness; Postural Balance; Tai Ji; Vestibular System.



PMID: 35916256 DOI: 10.1017/S0022215122001785