八週太極拳訓練對老年女性下肢肌力與平衡表現之影響

Effects of 8-wk Tai Chi Chuan training on lower-extremity isokinetic strength and balance performance in older women

長期地從事太極拳運動，可減緩銀髮族老化所造成身體功能的衰退，然而，短期密集的太極拳訓練是否能顯著改善老年人的下肢等速肌力與多面向平衡表現，值得深入探討。目的：探討8週太極拳訓練對女性老年人下肢等速肌力與多面向平衡表現之影響。方法：30位社區居民（年齡66.1±4.0歲）分成太極拳組（Tai Chi Group，TCG）與對照組（Control Group，CG），TCG接受每週5天、每次60分鐘、運動強度55－65％最大心跳率的24式太極拳訓練，CG則無訓練，TCG於第0、4與8週接受福樂進階平衡量表（Fullerton Advanced Balance scale，FAB）與下肢等速肌力測驗，以混合設計二因子變異數分析進行資料統計。結果：一、8週的訓練後，TCG在下肢總等速肌力、膝關節伸肌肌群及髖關節內收肌肌群之肌力有顯著的進步（p＜.05）。二、TCG在FAB量表10個項目的平衡能力測驗，第4週、8週訓練後部份有顯著改善（p＜.05），其中6個項目（前傾取筆、原地轉圈、直線走、開眼單腳站立、擺頭行走及後傾反應）在訓練8週後有顯著進步，與CG比較有顯著的差異（p＜.05）。結論：8週密集太極拳訓練後，女性老年人在多面向平衡能力及下肢肌力皆有顯著的改善。The long-term practice of Tai Chi can attenuate the age decline in physical function for the elderly individuals. However, whether short-term intensive Tai Chi training can significantly improve the lower-extremity strength and balance performance in the elderly is not clear. Purpose: To investigate the effects of 8-wk intense 24-forms Tai Chi training on lower-extremity isokinetic strength (ISOK) and balance performance in older women. Additionally, how long the intensive Tai Chi training could significantly improve ISOK and balance also been investigated. Methods: Thirty community-residing women (age 66.1± 4.0 yr) were recruited as subjects and randomly assigned to Tai Chi group (TCG) and control group (CG). TCG had trained for 5 d/wk, 60 min/session, with intensity of 55-65% maximal heart rate, while the CG received no training. A more dimension Fullerton Advanced Balance scale (FAB) tests and 8 ISOK were administered on a Cybex6000 isokinetic dynamometer before training, 4- and 8-wk after training of all subjects. The collected data were analyzed by mixed design two-way ANOVA. Results: 1) the sum torque of ISOK, strength of the knee extensor and hip adductor of TCG were significantly improved (p < .05) after 8-wk training. 2) the total scores of 10 FAB items of TCG were significantly improved after 4- and 8-wk intensive Tai Chi training (p < .05), and 6 items of FAB, including reaching forward to retrieve an object, turning in a full circle to right and left, tandem walk, standing on one leg, walk with head turns and reactive postural control were also significantly improved after training (p < .05). Conclusion: Eight-week intensive Tai Chi training can both significantly improve multiple dimensions of balance performances and the lower extremity strength of older women.