Abstract Details

Title Tai Chi and Limits of Stability in Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Topic Neural Repair/Rehabilitation

Presentation(s) P04 - (-)

Poster/Presentation
Number 031

Objective

Background BACKGROUND: Previous studies show that tai chi training improves sensory organization. However, little is known about the mechanism(s) through which tai chi training results in a positive change in sensory integration of balance responses.

Design/Methods DESIGN/METHODS: The study involved a randomized controlled trial in which patients assigned to either the TCMBB group or a stretching exercise control trained 2 times per week for 24 weeks. The outcome measures included Sensory Organization Test, performed under a variety of conditions, and limits of stability, quantified by maximum, voluntary inclined posture, and assessed by computerized dynamic posturography. Intervention data were analyzed via repeated measures of analysis and Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results RESULTS: Results indicate that, compared to the stretching control, Tai Chi training resulted in a significant (P < 0.001) improvement in both the limits of stability and sensory organization outcome measures from baseline, with a stronger moderate-to-large effect size shown on limits of stability (0.77 vs. 0.40). Subsequent correlational analysis of pre-to-post change scores in limits of stability and the Sensory Organization Test indicated a significant positive correlation (r=0.425, P < 0.001) for the TCMBB group but a non-significant correlation for the control (r=0.02, P=0.88). The former finding indicates that the effect of Tai Chi training on improving sensory organization was in part mediated by the enhanced limits of stability.

Conclusions CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study support a mediational hypothesis suggesting that TCMBB helps improve patient sensory organization of postural control through improved movement excursions within their base of support which are functionally important for performing voluntary daily activities.

Authors/Disclosures
PRESENTER	No disclosure on file
Kathleen M. Fitzgerald, MD	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
Bingbing Li	Bingbing Li has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Novartis.

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