1. Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance ®
An Evidence-Based Balance Training Program for Fall Prevention in Older Adults
Welcome to the TJQMBB training workshop. As indicated on the slide, the program is designed as a balance training or retraining therapeutic modality for older adults and/or people with movement and/or balance disorders (such as involuntary movements, slowness of movement, muscle rigidity and poor balance, experiencing dizziness/unsteadiness).
Before we make a formal start, let’s introduce our self to each other – just a brief background of what you do, experience with Tai Ji Quan, if any, and why you are here.
© 2015 Fuzhong Li, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved.

2. tjqmbb.org tjqmbb.org/TookKit.html On-line program information:
Program toolkit:
Introducing the program website and what it contains – show next page
tjqmbb.org/TookKit.html

3. Objectives
to improve strength, balance, mobility and daily functioning
to prevent falls in older adults and individuals with balance issues

4. Intended Target Populations
community-dwelling older adults and people with a history of falls, balance disorders, leg muscle weakness, abnormal gait or walking difficulty
able to accommodate people with a mild level of mobility difficulty (e.g., people with occasional cane users)

5. Research Evidence leg strength and balance
sense of awareness to control balance
better reach
functional mobility
mental ability

6. Research Evidence reduced fear of falling by 55%
reduced risk of multiple falls by 55% in older adults, and 67% in people with Parkinson’s disease

7. Public Health Values $530 net benefit per participant
509% return on investment
Source: NCOA

8. Class Settings
local senior centers or congregated meal sites where services such as meals-on-wheels, physical activity, and wellness programs and/or classes are offered
through partnerships of aging services, including community health centers, medical health centers, centers for independent living, non-profit organizations, and faith-based organizations where evidence-based Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (DPHP) activities are encouraged

9. Class Teaching Schedule
frequency: 2-3 classes per week for 24 weeks
duration: 60 full minutes
minimum number of class sessions: 48 across a 6-month period
recommended class size: 8-10 for new instructors; for experienced instructors

10. Instructors
local instructor training workshops offered by trainers authorized by the Oregon Research Institute
Workshop
2-day workshop
3 single-day refresher courses

11. Program Features Components Characteristics
core routine: Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance® - a set of adapted “Yang Style” Tai Ji Quan (TJQ) forms with built-in practice variations that focus on exercising functional and therapeutic movements
subroutine: Tai Ji Quan - Mini Therapeutic Movements® - an augmented set of exercise activities that focuses on integration of TJQ and therapeutic training of balance and mobility
Characteristics
Functional
- Applicable to activities of daily living
Functional balance defined:
1. Ability to stand still or quietly in place
2. Ability to move voluntarily when one chooses
3. Ability to respond automatically to external challenges and regain quiet stance.
4. Ability to perform these tasks under various environmental (surface, visual) conditions.
Modifiable
- Practiced in seated or chair assisted
Scalable
- Practiced in home, community, or clinical settings

12. tjqmbb.org tjqmbb.org/TookKit.html On-line program information:
Program toolkit:
Introducing the program website and what it contains – show next page
tjqmbb.org/TookKit.html