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Tai Chi Exercise to Improve Physical Capabilities in Elderly With Sarcopenia
Sponsor: Hasanuddin University
Summary
This study aims to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi exercise on the physical performance of elderly individuals diagnosed with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is characterized by a progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, which often leads to decreased physical function, mobility issues, and a higher risk of falls in older adults. Specifically, the research investigates the impact of an eight-week Tai Chi program on four key functional areas: handgrip strength measured by a dynamometer, balance evaluated through the 5-times Sit-to-Stand (5xSTS) test, mobility measured by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and daily physical activity levels assessed via the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) questionnaire. The primary question this study seeks to answer is how Tai Chi exercise influences the physical performance of elderly patients with sarcopenia. Furthermore, it aims to determine whether practicing Tai Chi yields significant improvements in their handgrip strength, balance, mobility, and overall activity levels when compared to a control group participating in standard elderly gymnastics.
Official title: The Effect of Tai Chi on Physical Performance in Elderly Patients With Sarcopenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
60 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
40
Start Date
2026-01-24
Completion Date
2026-04-18
Last Updated
2026-09-17
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Tai Chi Exercise
The intervention group served as the experimental arm and participated in a Tai Chi exercise program. Each of their exercise sessions was led by a Tai Chi instructor and lasted for approximately 60 minutes, which consisted of a 10-minute warm-up, 30 minutes of core exercises, and a 10-minute cool-down. The participants in this group completed these training sessions three times a week over an eight-week period. After the eight-week period concluded, post-intervention data from both groups were collected and compared to their initial baseline measurements to evaluate which program yielded a more significant improvement in physical performance.
Elderly Gymnastics (Senam Lansia) Exercise
The control group was established to compare the effectiveness of Tai Chi against a more conventional physical activity. Participants in this group engaged in a standard elderly gymnastics program (senam lansia). Their sessions were also guided by an instructor but had a shorter duration, lasting for approximately 30 minutes per session. Just like the intervention group, they performed these exercises three times a week for a total of eight weeks. After the eight-week period concluded, post-intervention data from both groups were collected and compared to their initial baseline measurements to evaluate which program yielded a more significant improvement in physical performance.
Locations (1)
GPIB Mount of Olives (Bukit Zaitun Church) Makassar
Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia