Finding the Effectiveness of Tai Chi Exercise in Enhancing Balance- In Geriatric Patients

Background: Falls are a leading cause of injury and functional decline among the elderly, significantly affecting their quality of life. Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise, is known for enhancing balance, flexibility, and mental well-being. Its gentle, rhythmic movements have shown promise in improving postural stability and reducing fall risk in older adults. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Tai Chi exercises in enhancing balance and reducing fall risk among geriatric individuals. A two-week Methods: survey-based intervention study was conducted on 199 elderly participants (≥65 years) from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. Participants were selected using random sampling and assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. Tai Chi exercises included "Commencing Form," "Broadening One's Chest," "Dancing with Rainbows," and "Rowing the Boat" performed over three sessions per week. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Pre-intervention ABC mean score was Results: 1057.24 (SD ±113.37), which significantly increased to 1144.37 (SD ±130.52) post-intervention. A paired t-test revealed this change to be statistically significant (p < 0.001), indicating improved balance confidence. Graphical analysis also supported the improvement in post-intervention scores. Tai Chi Conclusion: exercise significantly enhances balance and reduces the risk of falls in the geriatric population. In addition to physical benefits, it also contributes to improved mental health and overall quality of life. The findings suggest Tai Chi as a valuable therapeutic tool in geriatric rehabilitation for fall prevention and functional independence.