© 2015 Fuzhong Li, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved.

Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance ®

An Evidence-Based Balance Training Program for Fall Prevention in Older Adults

tjqmbb.orgOn-line program information:

tjqmbb.org/TookKit.htmlProgram toolkit:

Objectives

to improve strength, balance, mobility and daily functioning

to prevent falls in older adults and individuals with balance issues

Intended Target Populations

community-dwelling older adults and people with a history of falls, balance disorders, leg muscle weakness, abnormal gait or walking difficulty

able to accommodate people with a mild level of mobility difficulty (e.g., people with occasional cane users)

• leg strength

• sense of awareness to control balance

• functional mobility

• better reach

• mental ability

and balance

Research Evidence

• reduced fear of falling by 55%

• reduced risk of multiple falls by 55% in older adults, and 67% in people with Parkinson’s disease

Research Evidence

• $530 net benefit per participant• 509% return on investmentSource: NCOA

Public Health Values

Class Settings

• local senior centers or congregated meal sites where services such as meals-on-wheels, physical activity, and wellness programs and/or classes are offered

• through partnerships of aging services, including community health centers, medical health centers, centers for independent living, non-profit organizations, and faith-based organizations where evidence-based Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (DPHP) activities are encouraged

Class Teaching Schedule

frequency: 2-3 classes per week for 24 weeks

duration: 60 full minutes minimum number of class sessions:

48 across a 6-month period recommended class size: 8-10 for

new instructors; 10-15 for experienced instructors

Instructors

local instructor training workshops offered by trainers authorized by the Oregon Research Institute

Workshop 2-day workshop 3 single-day refresher courses

Components core routine: Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance® - a set of

adapted “Yang Style” Tai Ji Quan (TJQ) forms with built-in practice variations that focus on exercising functional and therapeutic movements

subroutine: Tai Ji Quan - Mini Therapeutic Movements® - an augmented set of exercise activities that focuses on integration of TJQ and therapeutic training of balance and mobility

Characteristics Functional

- Applicable to activities of daily living

Program Features

Modifiable- Practiced in seated or chair assisted

Scalable- Practiced in home, community, or clinical settings

tjqmbb.orgOn-line program information:

tjqmbb.org/TookKit.htmlProgram toolkit: