What influence does Tai Chi have on the risk for falling among elder?
Background: 2007 there was 42 000 fall related accidents in Sweden and they are expected to increase the next few years. Fall among elders results in both increasing economically costs and suffering, but they can be prevented. For example has physical exercise shown an increasing effect on the risk for falls. Aim: The aim of this literature review was to investigate what influence Tai Chi has on the risk for falling among elder. Method: A literature review was conducted where eleven scientific articles were analysed with inspiration of the content analysis. Result: Tai Chi shown a positive effect on the number of fallers in two of eight studies, balance in three of six studies, physical function in five of six studies and fear of falling in two of two studies. Discussion: The result differed between the studies but mostly the studies with high methodological quality and an inactive control group indicate on a positive effect of Tai Chi on the risk for falls. Conclusion: The risk for falls could be decreased with Tai Chi-training. But this has to be established by more high-quality studies.