EFFECTS OF TAI CHI COMBINED WITH QI GONG EXERCISE TRAINING ON LOWER LIMB MUSCLE STRENGTH, FLEXIBILITY AND BALANCE IN ELDERLY WOMEN

Abstract

This 12-week study evaluated the effects of an integrated Tai Chi and Qigong program on lower limb strength, flexibility, and balance in 40 elderly women aged 60–74 years. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). Pre- and post-intervention assessments included wall squats, half-squat kettlebell lifts, sit-and-reach tests, seated hands-back pulls, single-leg stands, timed up and go tests, and blood pressure measurements. Statistical analyses were conducted with the significance level set at p < 0.05. The results showed that the intervention group experienced significant improvements in lower limb muscle strength, flexibility, and balance compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, participants in the intervention group demonstrated reductions in body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (p < 0.05). These findings highlight the potential benefits of incorporating culturally rooted, low-impact exercises into public health strategies to support healthy aging.

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