Effect of Tai Chi Chuan on balance in women with multiple sclerosis

Elaheh Azimzadeh; Mohammad Ali Hosseini; Kian Nourozi; Patricia Mary Davidson

doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.09.002

Effect of Tai Chi Chuan on balance in women with multiple sclerosis

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2015 Feb;21(1):57-60. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.09.002. Epub 2014 Nov 27.

Authors

Elaheh Azimzadeh¹, Mohammad Ali Hosseini², Kian Nourozi¹, Patricia Mary Davidson³

Affiliations

¹ University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
² University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address: mahmaimy2020@gmail.com.
³ Nursing School, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.

PMID: 25534298
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.09.002

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effect of Tai Chi Chuan on balance in women with multiple sclerosis in Iran.

Design: 36 women with multiple sclerosis who were members of the Iranian Multiple Sclerosis Society participated in this study. 18 participants were allocated to the intervention group and 18 allocated to the control group. The intervention consisted of Yang style Tai Chi Chuan exercise sessions twice a week for 12 weeks.

Main outcome measures: This study used a demographic questionnaire and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to collect data.

Results: After 12 weeks, the mean score of the BBS in the intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in comparison with baseline status.

Conclusions: The results suggest that Tai Chi Chuan could be used as a safe complementary intervention to increase balance in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Keywords: Balance; Multiple sclerosis; Tai Chi Chuan.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

Adult
Female
Humans
Iran / epidemiology
Middle Aged
Multiple Sclerosis / epidemiology
Multiple Sclerosis / physiopathology
Multiple Sclerosis / therapy*
Postural Balance / physiology*
Tai Ji*
Young Adult

Associated data

IRCT/2013021312466N1