Comparison of Treadmill Trip-Like Training Versus Tai Chi to Improve Reactive Balance Among Independent Older Adult Residents of Senior Housing: A Pilot Controlled Trial

Background: There is growing interest in using perturbation-based balance training to improve the reactive response to common perturbations (eg, tripping and slipping). The goal of this study was to compare the efficacy of treadmill-based reactive balance training versus Tai Chi performed at, and among independent residents of, older adult senior housing. Methods: Thirty-five residents from five senior housing facilities were allocated to either treadmill-based reactive balance training or Tai Chi training. Both interventions were performed three times per week for 4 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes. A battery of balance tests was performed at baseline, and again 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-training. The battery included six standard clinical tests of balance and mobility, and a test of reactive balance performance. Results: At baseline, no significant between-group differences were found for any balance tests. After training, reactive balance training participants had better reactive balance than Tai Chi participants. Maximum trunk angle was 13.5 degrees smaller among reactive balance training participants 1 week after training (p =.01), and a reactive balance rating was 24%-31% higher among reactive balance training participants 1 week to 6 months after training (p <.03). Clinical tests showed minimal differences between groups at any time point after training. Conclusion: Trip-like reactive balance training performed at senior housing facilities resulted in better rapid balance responses compared with Tai Chi training.