Guest guest Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 OR DCs, (esp the “yogis”) Phys Ther. 2006 Feb;86(2):215-22. Related Articles, Links Characteristics of foot movement in Tai Chi exercise. Mao de W, Hong Y, Li JX. Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The concept of proper foot movement is always emphasized in practicing Tai Chi (TC). The purposes of this study were to describe the foot movement characteristics of TC and to compare duration of single- and double-limb support time during TC and during walking. SUBJECTS: Sixteen experienced TC practitioners participated in the study. METHODS: The participants' performance of a whole set of 42-form TC movements was recorded with 2 cameras. A motion analysis system was used to identify the supporting and stepping characteristics of the foot during the practice. RESULTS: Seven foot support patterns and 6 step directions were identified. The results revealed that, compared with normal walking, TC movement had more double-limb support and less single-limb support in terms of total duration. The duration of each support pattern was longer, and movement from one pattern to the next was slow. The duration of each step direction was short, and changes of direction were frequent. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Support patterns changed slowly, and, combined with various step directions, they were found to be better than those of walking in simulating the gait challenges that may be encountered in daily activities. A. Simpson, DC Vice President, Medical Director Complementary Healthcare Plans 6600 SW 105th Avenue, Suite 115 Beaverton, OR 97008 503-619-2041 csimpson@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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