Introduction: Ageing of the world’s population is a fact. With ageing there come physical changes that have a negative impact on balance and walking. Therefor a number of falls increases. Changes in balance and walking have also a negative impact on functional abilities and quality of life of older people, so it is important that they remain active and involved in activities that reduce the possibility of injury and improve balance. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art based on gentle movement and weight transfer in different directions. That kind of movement could be beneficial for maintaining or improving balance. Purpose: The purpose of this review was to analyse the impact of Tai Chi exercise on balance in older adults. Methods: Studies in English language from Pub Med, PEDro and Covhrane Library databases were included in this review. Key words that were used in search independently or combined were: Tai Chi, balance, older adults, and elderly. Results: Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria six randomized control trials were taken in analysis. All of them studied the impact of Tai Chi on balance in older adults, who did not have increased risk for falls. All authors used at least one of following test as measurement tool: one leg standing test, functional reach test or timed up and go test. The results of reviewed studies showed that participations’ static and dynamic balance has improved. Discussion and conclusion: All six studies have shown that Tai Chi effects balance of older adults. Four of them show significant improvement of balance, therefor we can conclude that Tai Chi is an appropriate exercise for maintaining or improving balance. But due to lack of evidence we cannot conclude with certainty that Tai Chi improves balance long-term.
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