Seated Tai Chi Improves Dynamic Finger-Pointing Task and Sitting Balance Control in Subjects with Parkinson's Disease: A Prospective Comparative Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 3 months of seated Tai Chi (TC) practice on the eye-hand coordination and sitting balance control of subjects with Parkinson's disease.

METHOD: A prospective non-randomized study was conducted with 29 subjects practicing TC and 27 subjects as controls according to their preference. The seated TC group underwent 3 months of training with a total of 24 sessions (1 h/session, 2 sessions/week). The outcome measures included a dynamic finger-pointing task (reaction time, movement time, and accuracy), and a sequential weight-shifting balance control test (completion time) while seated.

RESULTS

The TC group showed faster movement time in the dynamic finger-pointing task (p = 0.003). They also achieved a faster completion time of the sequential weight-shifting balance test (p = 0.021). No significant difference was observed in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that 3 months of seated TC training could improve movement time in the finger-pointing task and sitting balance control in subjects with Parkinson's disease. A future randomized controlled trial is warranted.