The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Tai Chi Chuan on the strategies of obstacle-crossing behavior in older adults aged over 65 years. Fifteen Tai Chi group (TCG) participants were compared with 15 general group (GG) participants. Kinematic parameters (by Vicon motion analysis system) and ground reaction forces (by Kistler force plates) were synchronously recorded. A two-way mixed-design ANOVA (α = 0.05) was used to test the effects of the group and the obstacle height. The TCG performed significantly faster stride velocities, longer stride lengths, and shorter stride times than GG while crossing the obstacles. TCG could also produce significantly larger forward ground reaction forces to propel the body and were able to make a significantly greater flexion angle of the hip of the leading leg compared with the GG. It was concluded that the TCG adopted a different strategy with GG to cross the obstacles and completed the crossing behavior more effectively.
Keywords: Tai Chi; aging; biomechanics; gait analysis; martial arts.