Impact Of Tai Chi Practice On Fall Risk During Dual-task Stair Descent In Older Adults

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate whether long-term Tai Chi (TC) practice could lower fall risks in older adults during stair descent under dual-task (DT) conditions. This setting combines cognitive and physical demands and is associated with an increased risk of falls. We compared the stair descent patterns of TC practitioners and non-exercising (NE) participants to assess stability and fall risk. METHODS: A total of 30 older participants (including 15 TC practitioners with at least 10 years of experience and 15 NEs), descended a six-step staircase under single-task (ST) and DT conditions. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected using an eight-camera motion analysis system and two force plates embedded in the stairs. Key variables analyzed included walking velocity, foot clearance, head and trunk tilt angles, and the center of mass-center of pressure (COM-COP) inclination angle in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions. Statistical analyses included a mixed model two-way ANOVA to examine group and task condition effects, with Bonferroni-adjusted post-hoc tests conducted for significant interactions. RESULTS: TC practitioners exhibited a smaller reduction in walking velocity (p = 0.016, η2p = 0.226) and greater foot clearance (p = 0.031, η2p = 0.187). They also showed smaller trunk (p = 0.041, η2p = 0.169) and head tilt angles (p = 0.002, η2p = 0.340), indicating a more upright posture. Additionally, TC practitioners had significantly lower center of mass-center of pressure (COM-COP) inclination angles in both the anteroposterior (p = 0.026, η2p = 0.198) and mediolateral (p = 0.005, Cohen’d = 0.297) directions. CONCLUSIONS: Although both groups of participants adopted a more cautious gait strategy under dual-task (DT) conditions, TC practitioners were less influenced by the DT paradigm compared to their NE counterparts. Our observations indicate that TC practitioners exhibit a reduced risk of falls during stair descent under DT conditions. These findings suggest that TC practitioners employ a more stable and cautious gait strategy when faced with DT conditions, thereby minimizing instability.