Pengaruh Senam Tai Chi terhadap Fungsi Kognitif dan Keseimbangan Dinamis pada Lansia di Panti Sosial Tresna Werdha Abdi Binjai

Abstract

Introduction. The aging process can reduce cognitive function and dynamic balance in the elderly. Dynamic balance disorders can increase the risk of falls. Previous studies have shown that exercise can improve cognitive function, and Tai Chi gymnastics can improve flexibility and dynamic balance in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Tai Chi gymnastics on cognitive function and dynamic balance in the elderly. Methods. This study was an experimental study conducted at Panti Tresna Wherda Abdi Binjai. The subjects were elderly aged 60-90 years who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Elderly who met the criteria had their blood pressure checked with a sphygmomanometer, cognitive function with the MMSE questionnaire, and dynamic balance checked with TUGT before and after the exercise intervention. The exercise intervention was Tai Chi gymnastics for 8 weeks. The Wilcoxon test (p <0.05) was used to analyze the effect of Tai Chi gymnastics on both variables. Results. Most of the elderly were in the elderly category 81.1%, and the old criteria 18.9%. The gender of the respondents was mostly female, 24 out of 37 respondents. The median pretest MMSE score increased from 23 +/- (13-29) to 24 +/- (10-30) after 8 weeks of Tai Chi exercise intervention (p=0.148). Meanwhile, the median pretest TUGT score of 13.00 seconds +/- (7 seconds – 28 seconds) changed significantly to 12.00 seconds +/- (6 seconds – 26 seconds) after 8 weeks of Tai Chi exercise intervention (p=0.002). Conclusion. The results of this study indicate that Tai Chi exercise can improve dynamic balance in the elderly so that it can reduce the risk of falls.