Effects of the Chinese Traditional Fitness Practice Wuqinxi on Balance Improvement in Older Women with a History of Falls: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Yutao Jiang ^1* Liu Heng ²

• ¹ Bayi Orthopedic Hospital, Chengdu, China
• ² College of Physical Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China

Objective: This study evaluated the impact of Wuqinxi Qigong, a traditional Chinese fitness practice, on the balance abilities of older women with a history of falls. Methods: Participants in the experimental group (n=35) and the control group (n=36), matched for age, height, and weight, engaged in a 24-week Wuqinxi exercise program (three times per week, 70 minutes per session). Dynamic and static balance abilities were assessed at weeks 0, 12, and 24.Results: Within the experimental group, compared to baseline, the movement distance of the center of pressure with open eyes (left and right) decreased by 17.0% and 22.1% at weeks 12 and 24, respectively (p < 0.05). The movement distance with closed eyes, the total length of displacement of the center of pressure, and the speed of center of pressure (left and right) decreased by 17.1%, 8.6%, and 16.6% at week 24 (p < 0.05). The one-leg stand time with eyes open and closed increased by 47.7%, 68.0%, and 77.1%, 80.6% at weeks 12 and 24, respectively (p < 0.01). Compared to week 12, the one-leg stand time with eyes open increased by 19.9% at week 24 (p < 0.01).Conclusion: A 24-week Wuqinxi exercise regimen enhances both static and dynamic balance abilities in older women with a history of falls. A longer regimen further improves static balance with eyes open compared to the 12-week mark.