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120
ble surfaces when vision was maintained. When vision
was suppressed, both groups were affected, but the Tai
Chi group had a greater adaptive capacity for keeping an
erect posture, in the same way reported in others studies
[17,20,21].
With wider oscillations and a capacity for recovery of
balance, better results were obtained on the unstable sur-
face. The Tai Chi group presented better performance,
but without any statistical difference.
Anteroposterior stability is lower than side-to-side sta-
bility in humans because of the support base formed by
the feet. This characteristic may explain the loss of sta-
bility at the time when movement is made in the antero-
posterior direction. The Tai Chi group showed better ad-
aptation because of its training in this situation.
Walking Test: This presented movement velocity data
consisting of the mean locomotion velocity of the center
of mass, going towards the target. In this, Tai Chi group
presented better scores than did the control group. This
was contrary to the findings from the studies of authors
like Quesada et al. [22] and Rejeski et al. [23], consider-
ing that all practitioners of physical activities should be
benefited equally, although the Tai Chi group was the
best. The movement velocity may translate anticipatory
or even compensatory adjustments in relation to the pos-
tural disorders that existed. Our study was concordant
with the findings of Thimoty [24] and Gomes et al. [9].
The final postural oscillation and the progression veloc-
ity can be explained by the greater difficulty in returning
to stability after locomotion. Thus, greater postural os-
cillation would be given by lower ability of the compen-
satory mechanisms. The Tai Chi group presented better
results.
Unipedal Test: This demonstrated that when one
group was trained for balance exercises, it presented
scores greater than those of the volunteers, which was in
agreement with Gomes et al. [9]. The Tai Chi Group
presented smaller oscillations when in the unipedal posi-
tion, because of controls of greater efficiency in the body
adjustment mechanisms, as also observed by others study.
[9,25-27].
Sit-to-Stand Transfer Test: The Tai Chi Group pre-
sented favorable results regarding the mean rising index
(is the amount of force exerted by the legs during the
rising phase, expressed as a percent of body weight) to
perform the task, as also shown by Condron et al. [27]
There was no pain or fear while performing the task, and
all subjects in the Tai Chi Group presented better final
oscillation results. Once center of gravity has moved
forward enough to be over the feet (new base of support),
the upper body must decelerate to stop the forward mo-
tion. The legs must extend, pushing down against the
surface to produce counterforce sufficient to raise the
body to a standing position. Insufficient force will result
in a failure to rise to a upright position. Higher scores are
good, and low scores are worse [11].
5. CONCLUSIONS
In the light of the conditions presented in this study,
we conclude the following:
Tai Chi Chuan was shown to be a protection factor for
preserving and maintaining the static and dynamic posi-
tions of posture and gait.
The locomotion capacity of the Tai Chi Chuan group
was greater in the evaluation on movement velocity. The
oscillation of the center of gravity was smaller with steps
that were more secure.
The capacity for transferring from the sitting to the
standing position was greater among the Tai Chi Chuan
practitioners.
The Tai Chi Chuan practitioners were more secure in
the tests on locomotion of the center of mass. They re-
sumed their posture when there were oscillations of
movement.
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