Tai Chi Exercise to Improve Physical Capabilities in Elderly With Sarcopenia

This study aims to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi exercise on the physical performance of elderly individuals diagnosed with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is characterized by a progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, which often leads to decreased physical function, mobility issues, and a higher risk of falls in older adults. Specifically, the research investigates the impact of an eight-week Tai Chi program on four key functional areas: handgrip strength measured by a dynamometer, balance evaluated through the 5-times Sit-to-Stand (5xSTS) test, mobility measured by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and daily physical activity levels assessed via the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) questionnaire. The primary question this study seeks to answer is how Tai Chi exercise influences the physical performance of elderly patients with sarcopenia. Furthermore, it aims to determine whether practicing Tai Chi yields significant improvements in their handgrip strength, balance, mobility, and overall activity levels when compared to a control group participating in standard elderly gymnastics.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 60 years or older * Meets the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS). * Willing to participate in the study, capable of understanding the informed consent, and physically able to perform Tai Chi movements. * Must be a resident of Makassar. * Has either never participated in Tai Chi, or has previous experience with Tai Chi but stopped practicing for more than 4 weeks (ensuring they are not currently active practitioners). Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive impairment, indicated by a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 23 or lower. * Hearing and/or speech impairments that make communication difficult. Presence of severe chronic diseases, such as heart failure, end-stage chronic kidney disease, malignancy, or the use of a pacemaker. * Presence of edema (fluid retention/swelling). * Experiencing lower extremity (leg) pain with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score of 5 or greater.