Tai Chi Enhances Gait Performance Independently of Muscle Strength in Female Elderly with Severe Sarcopenia

Abstract

Although the effects of Tai Chi are known to improve balance, flexibility, and physical function, the specific impact of Tai Chi on the improvement of sarcopenia remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Tai Chi training on muscle strength and gait performance in female elderly with sarcopenia. According to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia diagnostic criteria, subjects were categorized into normal (T), sarcopenia (TㆍS), and severe sarcopenia (TㆍSS) groups. Tai Chi training was conducted 5 times a week, each session lasting 60 minutes, for 12 weeks. No improvement in lower extremity strength was found in the TㆍSS group, but significant improvement was seen in the T and TㆍS groups. Notably, Tai Chi training led to significant improvements exclusively in the TㆍSS group, not only in physical function, such as the 5-time chair stand, but also in gait performance, including gait cycle, single support time, and stride length. These findings indicate that Tai Chi can enhance physical functions, such as walking ability, independently of changes in lower limb muscle strength in the female elderly with severe sarcopenia.