The Repercussion of Ai Chi on Aged People’s Balance

To practice strength and balance activities are shown as useful tools to fall prevention by diverse metanalysis. On the other side, aquatic environment offers interesting properties for a therapeutic reeducation, being the Ai Chi one of its applications. Aim: To evaluate the repercussion of an Ai Chi programme on aged people’s balance. Method: A randomized controlled trial was developed comparing two groups formed by aged people with risk of fall according to the Timed Up & Go test. Intervention Group (IG) followed twelve Ai Chi sessions combined with their thermal programme; and Control Group (CG) just followed the thermal programme. Both groups spent two weeks in the Balneario of Archena (Murcia, Spain). Results: Both groups improve their balance; however, only the IG reached the non-risk of fall from the Timed Up & Go test. Conclusions: The combination of Ai Chi sessions and a thermal programme had a positive effect on aged people’s balance, showing a therapeutic and clinical relevance.