Improving Physical Performance and Fall Risk in the Elderly Through Structured Tai Chi: A Quasi-Experimental Investigation in an Indonesian Nursing Home

• Shinta Silaswati

  Hermina Health Institute, Indonesia

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0913-3446

• Bella Savitri Pardede

  Hermina Health Institute, Indonesia

  Author

• Jamaludin Jamaludin

  Hermina Health Institute, Indonesia

  Author

• Jusuf Sutanto

  Founder of Tai Chi Nusantara, Indonesia

  Author

Background: Falls are a major cause of injury and disability among older adults. Tai Chi, with its slow and controlled movements, is a promising intervention for improving balance and reducing fall risk.

Purpose: This study evaluated the effect of a structured two-week Tai Chi program on physical performance and fall risk among elderly nursing home residents in East Jakarta, Indonesia.

Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pre-post design was used with 20 participants (mean age 66.4±4.2 years; 85% female). Fall risk was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) before and after a 10-session Tai Chi program. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results: Pre-intervention SPPB scores indicated high fall risk (Mean=7.8±1.1). Post-intervention scores improved significantly (Mean=9.6±1.0; p=0.046). The proportion of participants classified as "stable" (SPPB 10-12) increased from 0% to 20%.

Conclusion: A short-term Tai Chi program significantly improved physical performance and reduced fall risk in institutionalized elderly, supporting its integration into nursing home fall prevention strategies.

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