Does Instructor Experience Impact Balance and Health-Related Quality of Life in Healthy Older Adult Participants following a Tai Chi for Arthritis Program?

ABSTRACT

Tai chi improves balance in older adults; however, the level of instructor expertise on balance outcomes is not known. Older adults (mean age 72.6 ± 4.2 yrs.) were taught for 6 months by experienced (n = 15) or novice (n = 11) instructors. Both groups had large standardized response means (SRM) for the Four-Square-Step-Test. Only the experienced group had moderate to large SRMs (range 0.439–0.741) in all sway measures under challenge (standing with eyes closed on foam). Participants taught by experienced instructors had greater balance gains; the experience of instructors should be considered in future studies and community referrals.

Disclosure Statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.