Analyzing the influence of the combination of monochromatic infrared energy and tai chi exercise improve balance in community-dwelling older adults with lower-extremity disease: a double-blinded randomized controlled study

S.A. Moawd, G. Nambi, S.M. Alrawaili, W.K. Abdelbasset, F. Aboelmagd, S.H. Elsayed

Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia. s.mohamed@psau.edu.sa

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• Geriatrics
• Physical Therapy

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a combination of MIRE exposure and Tai Chi exercise on balance and fall risk in community-dwelling older adults with lower-extremity disease (LED).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this double-blinded randomized controlled study, 49 older adults were randomly allocated into the MIRE group (n=25), in which the participants were exposed to 30 min of MIRE and performed 40-45 min of Tai Chi exercise, three sessions/week; and the sham group (n=24), in which the participants only performed the Tai Chi exercise. We measured the ankle/brachial index (ABI), as well as scores of the Berg balance scale (BBS), Tinetti clinical scale (TCS), and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) before and after 3-months of intervention.

RESULTS: A significant increase in ABI and scores of BBS, and TCS, was observed, along with a significant decrease in TUG scores in the MIRE group. The sham group showed a significant increase in the ABI, and TCS score, and a significant decrease in the TUG score, with a non-significant change in the BBS score. Comparison between both study groups illustrated that the patients in the MIRE group experienced improved balance and decreased fall risk.

CONCLUSIONS: Three months of MIRE exposure and Tai Chi exercise improved balance and reduced the risk of falls in community-dwelling older adults with LEDs.

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