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Completed

NCT Number: NCT04887363

The Comparisons of Effects of Core Stability Exercise and Tai Chi on Core Muscle Performances in Elderly

Core muscles and core stability has a key component in the postural control or balance. However, no clear evidence has been found for the positive relationship between core stability and postural control in the elderly, and the effects of core stabilizing training on postural control or balance in the elderly. The purposes of this project are to investigate the effects of core stability training program on muscle strength, muscle performance, and balance outcomes in elderly adults.

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Key information

Conditions

Tai Ji

Age range

20 year–74 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

About this study

In this pretest, posttest design study, elderly adults enrolled and assigned to the core exercise group or Tai Chi exercise group, the core exercise group received core exercise intervention comparing to Tai Chi exercise group participated Tai chi exercise program as a control group.

The young adults group were also enrolled for a reference group, not received any exercise intervention and just only received the measurements once.

Participants in the two elderly group will receive 12-week, 36-session exercise-based core stability training class. The each 60 minutes core exercise class focuses on exercise for improving strength, endurance of core muscles and trunk stability.

Participants need complete baseline assessments of muscle performance, and balance ability measures 1 week prior and 1 week and 12 weeks following the intervention.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Core exercise group and Tai Chi exercise group
  • healthy community-dwelling older adults (60-74 years old)
  • not received any core stability or Tai Chi Chuan training within the previous 6 months
  • independent in basic daily living activities
  • able to move freely without any assistance
  • Young adults group a. Their age should be ranged between 20 - 59 years

Exclusion criteria

All group

  • have a history of orthopedic surgery on spine or lower extremity
  • have any spine pathology (e.g., spondylolisthesis, disc herniation)
  • have a pain over back or lower limbs to affect the ability to perform activities of daily living
  • had a history of vestibular disease (e.g., Meniere' s disease)

Treatment and study plan

Core exercise

Behavioral

Participants will receive12-week, 60 minutes, 36-session exercise-based core stability training class. Participants need complete baseline assessments of muscle performance, and balance ability measures 1 week prior and 1 week and 12 weeks following the intervention. All subjects will receive two post-exercise measurements at 13th week and 25th week.

Tai Chi Exercise

Behavioral

Participants will receive 12-week, 60 minutes, 36-session Tai Chi exercise training class. Participants need complete baseline assessments of muscle performance, and balance ability measures 1 week prior and 1 week and 12 weeks following the intervention. All subjects will receive two post-exercise measurements at 13th week and 25th week.

Primary outcomes

  1. Changes in strength of core muscle groups (trunk) at 12-week

    Time frame: The assessments will be conducted 1 and 12 weeks following the intervention

    Using a custom-made isometric dynamometer to measure the strength of trunk flexors, extensors and rotators

  2. Changes in strength of core muscle groups (hip) at 12-week

    Time frame: The assessments will be conducted 1 and 12 weeks following the intervention

    Using a hand-held dynamometer to measure the hip muscle strength

  3. Changes in endurance of core muscle groups at 12-week

    Time frame: The assessments will be conducted 1 and 12 weeks following the intervention

    Using the Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) during the leg-loading test to measure the endurance of lumbo-pelvic stability

  4. Changes in flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles at 12-week

    Time frame: The assessments will be conducted 1 and 12 weeks following the intervention

    Using the sit and reach test to measure the flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles

  5. Changes in ability of the dynamic balance at 12-week

    Time frame: The assessments will be conducted 1 and 12 weeks following the intervention

    Using the Dual-tasking 3m Timed up and go (3m-TUG) to measure dynamic balance and the fall risk. Mean time to perform 3m-TUG is 11.56 seconds

  6. Changes in assessment of postural control at 12-week

    Time frame: The assessments will be conducted 1 and 12 weeks following the intervention

    Using a force plate to collect the center of pressure (COP) displacement

  7. Changes in muscle activity of selected core muscles during performing arm-raising tasks at 12-week

    Time frame: The assessments will be conducted 1 and 12 weeks following the intervention

    Using a surface electromyography to record the muscle activity of abdominal and trunk muscles during performing arms-raising tasks with hand-holding 1.5-2 kg

  8. Changes in assessment of postural control during performing arm-raising tasks at 12-week

    Time frame: The assessments will be conducted 1 and 12 weeks following the intervention

    Using a force plate to collect the center of pressure (COP) displacement during performing arms-raising tasks with hand-holding 1.5-2 kg

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Comparisons of Effects of Core Stability Exercise and Tai Chi on Core Muscle Performances, Core Stability and Balance in Community-living Elderly

Important dates

Study start
2013
Primary completion
2015
Study completion
2015
First posted
May 14, 2021
Registry last updated
May 14, 2021

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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