Investigation of Fear of Falling, Balance and Some Physical Parameters of Ai Chi and Modified Core Exercises in Sedentary Women

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Ai Chi and modified core exercises on balance and fear of falling. Forty-four women participated in the study. The average age of the participants was 58.75±7.40 years. Mean body weight was 73.57±12.81 kg and mean height was 158.64±6.27 cm. Ai Chi and modified core exercises were performed in two different groups for 6 weeks, 3 days a week for 1 hour each at 35-54% of heart rate reserve. No exercise programme was performed in the control group. As part of the study, the balance and fear of falling scales, height, body composition analysis and the circumferences of the chest, hips, waist and thighs were measured before and after the study. In the pre-post test comparison of the physical measurement parameters of the Ai-chi exercise group, a significant difference was found in waist circumference, hip circumference and sitting and reach data (p