Falls and Fall-Related Injuries in an Evidence-Based Tai Ji Quan Intervention in Rural West Virginia Churches


Author: Dina L Jones1, Terry Kit Selfe2, Sara Wilcox3, Clinton Tyler Cosner4, Justin Mitchell5, Benjamin D Ray6, Craig Stipec7, David Switay8, Corrie A Mancinelli9

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Physical Therapy, and Injury Control Research Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV.

<sup>2</sup> Academic Research Consulting & Services, Health Science Center Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.

<sup>3</sup> Department of Exercise Science and Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.

<sup>4</sup> Elkins Physical Therapy Service, Valley Bend, WV.

<sup>5</sup> Wake Forest Physical Therapy, Wake Forest, NC.

<sup>6</sup> Mountain State Physical Therapy, Weston, WV.

<sup>7</sup> HealthWorks, Morgantown, WV.

<sup>8</sup> JAG-ONE Physical Therapy, Bridgewater, NJ.

<sup>9</sup> Division of Physical Therapy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV.
Conference/Journal: Top Geriatr Rehabil
Date published: 2023 Jul-Sep
Other:
 Volume ID: 39   ,  Issue ID: 3   ,  Pages: 170-178   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1097/TGR.0000000000000398.   ,  Word Count: 110  
    Background:

This paper identifies the independent predictors of falls in an implementation study of Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance® (TJQMBB) in older adults in rural West Virginia churches.



Methods:

Falls and injuries were identified via calendars, questionnaire, and verbal reports.



Results:

Fall predictors were gait speed (OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.08, 0.90); low back pain (OR 8.04; 95% CI 1.71, 37.79); and pain, stiffness, or swelling limiting activity (OR 2.44; 95% CI 1.09, 5.45).



Conclusions:

Determining differences between fallers and non-fallers may identify people with different fall risk profiles and ultimately better tailor fall-prevention programming to individual needs.



Keywords: Tai Chi; Tai Ji Quan; balance; exercise; fall prevention; injuries; physical activity.



PMID: 37605786 PMCID: PMC10440152 (available on  2024-07-01) DOI: 10.1097/TGR.0000000000000398