The Effects of Tai Chi on Lower Limb Proprioception in Adults Aged Over 55: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Author: Zou L1, Han J2, Li C3, Yeung A4, Hui SS5, Tsang WWN6, Ren Z7, Wang L7
Affiliation:
1Department of of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China; Department of Physical Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China. Electronic address: liyezou123@cuhk.edu.hk.
2Department of Physiotherapy and Sports Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China; Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia.
3Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, China.
4Depression Clinical and Research Program, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
5Department of of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.
6Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong (SAR), China.
7Department of Physical Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
Conference/Journal: Arch Phys Med Rehabil.
Date published: 2018 Aug 17
Other: Pages: S0003-9993(18)30932-8 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.07.425. [Epub ahead of print] , Word Count: 242


OBJECTIVE: To summarize and critically evaluate the effects of Tai Chi on lower limb proprioception in adults aged over 55.

DATA SOURCES: Seven databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, and CNKI) were searched from inception until April 14, 2018.

STUDY SELECTION: Eleven randomized controlled trials were included for meta-analysis.

DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers screened potentially relevant studies based on the inclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality of the eligible studies using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro).

DATA SYNTHESIS: The pooled effect size (standardized mean difference, SMD) was calculated while the random-effects model was selected. PEDro scores ranged from 5 to 8 points (mean = 6.7). The study results showed that Tai Chi had significantly positive effects on lower limb joint proprioception. Effect sizes were moderate to large, including ankle plantar flexion (SMD = -0.55, 95% CI -0.9 to -0.2, p = 0.002, I2 = 0%, N = 162), dorsiflexion (SMD = -0.75, 95% CI -1.11 to -0.39, p < 0.001, I2 =0%, N = 162), non-dominant/left knee flexion (SMD = -0.71, 95% CI -1.10 to - 0.41, p< 0.001, I2 = 25.1%, N = 266), dominant/right knee-flexion (SMD = -0.82, 95% CI -1.06 to - 0.58, p < 0.001, I2 = 33.8%, N = 464).

CONCLUSIONS: There is moderate to strong evidence suggests that Tai Chi is an effective intervention to maintain and improve lower limb proprioception in adults aged over 55. More robust multi-center studies including oldest-old participants, with longer follow-ups and validated outcome measures are needed before a definitive conclusion is drawn.

Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

KEYWORDS: Tai Chi; elderly; lower limb; proprioception

PMID: 30125554 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.07.425

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