Effect of Tai Chi Exercises on the Balance, Functional Gait, and Flexibility of Elderly Filipino Males

: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of a 16-week Tai Chi Chuan exercise program on the balance, functional gait and sit-and-reach flexibility among selected elderly Filipino males. This research utilized a one-group pre-test and post-test quasi-experimental design. Forty healthy male Filipino respondents aged 55-60 years, with no prior experience or knowledge about Tai Chi Chuan, were recruited from an urban community in Pasay City, Philippines. All of the respondents participated in a 16-week exercise program that was held three times a week every morning. Balance, functional gait and sit-and-reach flexibility were measured at the beginning and the end of the Tai Chi Chuan exercise intervention. This study showed that Tai Chi offers potential benefits to the elderly males in terms of balance and other physical functions. Improvements were evident in functional balance, gait and flexibility. The study proves that Tai Chi should be an alternative method for elderly males to slow down the normal decline in balance, gait performance and physical flexibility.