Authors: (including presenting author): :
Chan HKT, Leung KKY, Au JYT, Kong KTH, Ho ATK, Wong JTM, Law EYL, Luy ATK, Au Yeung SKF, Chan JSP, Leung KKL
Affiliation: :
Physiotherapy Department, Kowloon Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Taichi (太極小金鐘) exercise program
Keyword 2: :
Functional improvement
Introduction: :
Hong Kong has one of the world’s fastest-ageing populations, with those aged ≥ 65 years projected to rise from 1.5 million (2021) to 2.52 million (2039) at 4.0% annual-growth until 2030. Hospitalisation rates rise exponentially in this group, placing major healthcare burden. Tai Chi, a low-impact, adaptable intervention requiring minimal equipment, improves balance, strength and function while reducing fall risk, making it highly suitable for hospitalized older adults.
Objectives: :
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Taichi exercise program for geriatric patients, as a feasible strategy to facilitate smoother, and enhance in-patient setting recovery and independence in this vulnerable population.
Methodology: :
A pilot study was conducted during August to November 2025. Ten geriatric patients (mean age: 79.5 ± 7.5 years, range: 71 - 92) residing in medical wards with baseline Modified Functional Ambulation Category (MFAC) scores of 4 - 5 were recruited. Participants received supervised gym sessions (5 days/week) training with adapted Taichi (太極小金鐘) exercises program consisting of a warm-up that included joint mobilization and stretching, nine core movements exercises program emphasizing balance, weight-shifting and postural control, and a cooldown, using Arjo walkers for support. Functional outcomes including hand-grip strength measured with JAMAR dynamometer (kgf), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Modified Rivermead Mobility Index (MRMI) and MFAC were measured at admission and end of program. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test of IBM SPSS 30.0 were used for data analysis.
Result & Outcome: :
After training, participants demonstrated significant improvements: mean hand-grip strength increased by 6.1 kgf (from 17.5 ± 7.9 to 23.4 ± 6.4, p < 0.001), MBI score by 10.8 points (from 70.6 ± 13.5 to 81.4 ± 4.3, p = 0.004), and MRMI by 4.6 points (from 21.6 ± 3.7 to 26.2 ± 4.4, p < 0.001). Seven participants (70%) improved their MFAC score by at least one level, reflecting enhanced mobility and independence. These findings indicate that the adapted Taichi exercise program as an adjunct of conventional physiotherapy safely and effectively improves grip strength through varied hand postures, dynamic and isometric contractions, alongside functional mobility, and independence in hospitalized older adults. Improved functional outcomes during in-patient hospitalization through early mobilization and physiotherapy interventions have led to decreased length-of-stay(LOS). Aside from being resource-efficient and feasible in rehabilitative care settings, but it also applies carryover effects post-discharge by stagnating decline, improving function and potential reducing LOS.
