The Temporospatial and Kinematic Characteristics of Typical Tai Chi Movements: Repulse Monkey and Wave-hand in Cloud

Abstract

Tai Chi movements share many similar biomechanical features with normal walking. The purpose of the study was to examine and to compare the temporospatial and kinematic features of two typical Tai Chi movements with forward walking. Experienced male Tai Chi practitioners (n = 15) between the ages of 65 to 75, performed ‘Repulse Monkey (RM)’, ‘Wave-hand in Cloud (WHIC)’, and forward walking. The results showed that stride width was larger for WHIC compared with walking; double-support time was longer for RM while both Tai Chi movements spent less time in single-support. The Tai Chi movements elicit larger vertical and mediolateral displacement of the centre of mass compared with walking. During RM and WHIC, the knees remained flexed while RM had notably larger abduction and adduction of the knee joint. The gentle and fluid Tai Chi movements have unique biomechanical features that may result in special training to postural control capacity.

KEYWORDS:

• Tai Chi
• elderly
• biomechanics
• kinematics
• temporospatial

The authors wish to acknowledge the Ottawa Tai Chi Chuan Association (OTCA); Gloucester Senior Adults’ Centre; Peter Chan & Roger Chagnon.