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This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health R21AT00553 (Altern Ther Health Med. 11 (2): 60-66.)
The vestibular system, along with visual and proprioceptive feedback, is responsible for balance and postural control. The vestibular system provides the most rapid information to the brain regarding head position, velocity, and acceleration. Although some individuals with vestibulopathy experience spontaneous resolution of their condition due to central nervous system compensation, many experience long-term whole body dynamic postural control impairments, functional limitations in locomotor activities, limitations in many typical role activities, and decreased quality of life.1,2 Findings from vestibular rehabilitation research provide an understanding of the benefits and limits of vestibular rehabilitation for this patient population.3 Tai chi, which purports to improve overall body control, mind-body focus, and psychological well-being, may offer an alternative or complementary approach to treating vestibulopathy-induced balance dysfunction, but to date, little evidence exists to support tai chi as an effective intervention for this population.4
Tai chi, also referred to as Tai Chi Chuan and Taijiquan, has its roots in the martial arts; yet for centuries millions of Chinese have practiced tai chi's flowing, meditative movements to cultivate and maintain health and well-being. Considered one of the treasures of Chinese medicine, tai chi employs detailed regimens of physical movement, breathing techniques, and cognitive tools (both visualization and focused internal awareness) to strengthen the body, relax the mind, and balance the flow of internal energy.5 Tai chi's reputed health benefits and its apparent safety profile and low cost have resulted in this exercise becoming more prominent as a preventative and rehabilitative therapeutic tool by the western, allopathic medical community.4,6,7 Because falls and unsteady gait are critical problems in older adults,8 Tai chi has been studied and used extensively as a means to improve postural control in this population,9-11 but the benefits of tai chi for vestibulopathy-related postural instability are largely unknown. This case report characterizes the application of tai chi for vestibulopathy and highlights the potential use of computerized human motion analysis of activities of daily living as an objective outcome measurement tool for characterizing the effects on mind-body interventions such as tai chi on dynamic postural control. The data presented here represent preliminary analyses for a single patient enrolled in a randomized controlled trial...