本研究目的為探討經八週密集太極拳訓練對女性老年人下肢肌力與平衡能力的影響，以30位女性老年人(平均66.1 ± 4.02歲)為研究對象，隨機分配於太極拳訓練組與控制組(每組各十五名)，訓練組接受每週五次，每次60分鐘，運動強度約為最大心跳率之55%~65%的太極拳訓練，同時也探討多久的訓練才能對肌力及平衡能力有顯著的改善效果，本研究以多面向福樂進階平衡量表（Fullerton Advanced Balance scale , FAB scale）進行全面性的評估。受試者於訓練前、中（第4週）及後（第8週），接受下肢等速肌力測驗及各項平衡能力測驗，所得之資料採混合設計二因子變異數分析（mixed design two-way ANOVA）進行統計分析。結果發現：一、八週密集的訓練後，太極拳組在下肢總等速肌力、膝關節伸肌及髖關節內收肌有顯著的改善(p <.05)，但與對照組比較則沒有顯著差異。二、太極拳組的10個項目總平衡能力在四週與八週訓練後皆有顯著改善(p <.05)，其中六個項目(前傾取筆、原地轉圈、直線走、開眼單腳站立、擺頭行走及後傾反應等)均有顯著差異，與對照組比較有顯著的改善(p <.05)。結論：八週密集太極拳訓練後，對女性老年人在多面向平衡能力及下肢肌力皆有顯著的改善。

Objectives: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 8-week intense Tai Chi exercise training (5 days per week, 60 min each session, with intensity of 55% and 65% MHR) on lower extremity isokinetic strength and balance in the female older adults. Methods: Thirty community-residing women (average age was 66.10 ± 4.02 yr) were recruited as subjects and randomly assigned to Tai Chi Chuan group (TCG, 15 subjects) and control group (CG, 15 subjects) equally. Additionally, how long the intensive Tai Chi training could significantly improve lower extremity strength and balances also been investigated. A more dimensional Fullerton Advanced Balance scale, FAB scale, and the isokinetic torque of eight lower extremity strength were administered before, at 4-week and 8-week during training. The collected data were analyzed by mixed design two-way ANOVA. Results: 1) the sum isokinetic torque of eight lower extremity strength, the knee extensor and hip adductor of TCG were significantly improved (p<.05) after 8 weeks of training. 2) the total score of 10 FAB items of TCG were significantly improved after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of intensive Tai Chi training (p＜.05), and 6 items of FAB, including reaching forward to retrieve an object, turning in a full circle to right and left, tandem walk, standing on one leg(eyes open), walk with head turns, reactive postural control, were also significantly improved after training (p<.05). Conclusions: Eight-week intensive Tai Chi training can both significantly improve multiple dimensions of balance performances and the lower extremity strength of female older adults.

一、中文部分
行政院主計處。（2006）。中華民國統計月報，483，9-10。
李惠蘭（1998）。鄉村老年人太極拳運動教導的身心健康評估。長庚
大學護理學研究所碩士論文，未出版。
呂韶鈞（2001）。二十四式太極拳快速提高捷徑。北京：北京體育大學。
林世昌（2001）。太極拳運動對中老年人健康促進的功效。中華體育，14(4)，89-96。
林作慶（1996）。十週運動介入計畫對糖尿病患者健康狀況影響之研究。國立台灣師範大學體育研究所碩士論文，未出版。
吳貴琍、武為瓊（2004）。太極拳對中老年人平衡能力的影響。運動生理暨體能學報，1，90-98。
陳清惠（2004）。推展社區老人關節保健--太極拳運動之經驗。國民體育季刊，33(3)58-63。
黃永任（1997）。柔軟度與伸展操。載於方進隆（主編），教師體適能指導
手冊（頁140-153）。台北市：教育部體育司。
黃永任（2001）。老年人的運動處方。國民體育季刊，30（2），13-20。
張嚴仁（2001）。不同拳齡太極拳練拳者之健康體能評估。弘光學報，37，67-73。
劉文禎、薛福財、陳文泰與趙峻鬱（2004，10月）。太極拳運動對中老年人
體重、體脂肪、血壓及骨質密度影響之研究（摘要）。第三屆「華人
運動生理與體適能學者學會」年會論文集（68），中國：蘇州。
謝伸裕（1997）。規律運動的生理適應。載於方進隆（主編），教師體適能
指導手冊（頁60-73）。台北市：教育部體育司。
藍孝勤（2001）。論太極拳對老人之健身、修心價值，國民體育季刊，30（2），50-55。
藍青（1996）。高齡者運動醫學。國民體育季刊，25（1），84-90。
藍青（2000）。老祖宗的養生法-太極拳的健身效果及臨床應用。健康世界，292，75-80。
二、英文部分
American College of Sports Medicine. (1998). Exercise and physical activity for older adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 30,(6) 992-1008.
Aoyagi, Y., & Shephard, R. J. (1992). Aging and function. Sports Medicine, 14, 376-396.
Brook, G. A., & Fahey, T. K. (1984). Exercise physiology-Human bioenergetics and its application. New York.
Bachner, D. M., & Wagner, E. H. (1992). Preventing frail health. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 8(1), 1-17.
Carter, N. D., Kannus, P., Khan, K. M. (2001). Exercise in the prevention of falls in older people. Sports Medicine（Auckland N Z）, 31（6）, 427-438 .
Christou, E. A., Yang, Y., & Rosengren, K. S. (2003). Taiji training improves knee extensor strength and force control in older adults. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 58(8), 763-766.
Daubney, M. E., & Culham, E. G. (1999). Lower-extremity muscle force and balance performance in adults aged 65 years and older. Physical Therapy, 79(12),1177-1185.
DeOreo, K., & Keoch, J. (1980). Performance of fundamental motor tasks. In C.B. Corbin(Ed.), A text book of motor development. Dubuque, IA: W.C. Brown.
Hain, T. C., Fuller, L., Weil, L., & Kotsias, J. (1999). Effects of Tai Chi on balance. Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery, 125(11), 1191-1195.
Hill, K., Choi, W., Smith, R., & Condron, J. (2005). Tai Chi in Australia: acceptable and effective approach to improve balance and mobility in older. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 24(1), 9-13.
Hong ,Y., Li, J. Xian., & Robinson, P. D. (2005). Balance control, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory fitness among older Tai Chi practitioners. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 34, 29–34.
Jacobson, B. H., Chen, H. C., Cashel, C., Guerrero, L. (1997). The effect of T'ai Chi Chuan training on balance, kinesthetic sense, and strength. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 84(1), 27-33.
Jones, A. Y., Dean, E., Scudds, R. J. (2005). Effectiveness of a community-based Tai Chi program and implications for public health initiatives. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 86(4), 619-625.
Jones, G. R., Vandervoort, A. A., & Overend, T. J. (2005). Laboratory-Based Physiological Assessment of Older Adults. In C. J. Jones, & D. J. Rose (Eds.), Physical activity instruction of older adults (pp. 96 - 109). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Lan, C, et al. (2000). Tai Chi Chuan to improve muscular strength and endurance in elderly individuals: a pilot study. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 81, 604-607.
Lai, J. S., Lan, C.,Wong, M. K., et al. (1995). Two-year trends in cardiorespiratory function among older Tai Chi Chuan practitioners and sedentary subjects. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 43, 1222-1227.
Lai, J. S., Wong, M. K,. Lan, C., et al. (1993). Cardiorespiratory responses of Tai Chi Chuan practitioners and sedentary subjects during cycle ergometry. Journal of the Formosan Medical Association：Taiwan yi zhi. 92, 894-899.
Lan, C., Lai, J. S., Wong, M. K., et al. (1996). Cardiorespiratory function, flexibility, and body composition among geriatric Tai Chi Chuan practitioners. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 77, 612-616.
Lan, C., Lai, J. S., Chen, S.Y., & Wong, M. K. (1998). 12-month Tai Chi training in the elderly: its effect on health fitness. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 30(3), 345-351.
Li, F. et al. (2005). Tai Chi and Fall Reductions in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 60,187-194.
Li, J. X., Hong, Y., & Chan, K. M. (2001). Tai chi: physiological characteristics and beneficial effects on health. The British Journal of Sports Medicine, 35,148-156.
Lin, Y. C., Wong, A. M., Chou, S. W., Tang, F. T., & Wong, P. Y. (2000). The effects of Tai Chi Chuan on postural stability in the elderly: preliminary report. Chang Gung Medical Journal, 23(4), 197-204.
Qin, L., Choy, Wingyee., Leung, Kwoksui., Leung, P. C., Au, Szeki., & Hung, W. (2005). Beneficial effects of regular Tai Chi exercise on musculoskeletal system. Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism, 23, 186-190.
Rose, D. (2003). FallProof: A comprehensive balance and mobility program. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Ross, M. C., Bohannon, A. S., Davis, D. C., & Gurchiek, L. (1999). The Effects of a Short-Term Exercise Program on Movement, Pain, and Mood in the Elderly: Results of a Pilot Study. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 17(2), 139-147.
Sattin, R. W. (1992). Falls among older persons: A public health perspective. Annual Review of Public Health, 13, 489-508.
Schaller, K. J. (1996). Tai Chi Chih: an exercise option for older adults. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 22(10), 12-17.
Shih J. (1997). Basic Beijing twenty-four forms of T'ai Chi exercise and average velocity of sway. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 84(1), 287-290.
Spirduso, W. Ｗ. (1995). Physical Dimensions of Aging. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Taggart, H. M. (2002). Effects of Tai Chi exercise on balance, functional mobility, and fear of falling among older women. Applied Nursing Research, 15(4), 235-242.
Thornton, E. W., Sykes, K. S., & Tang, W. K. (2004). Health benefits of Tai Chi exercise: improved balance and blood pressure in middle-aged women. Health Promotion International, 19(1), 33-38.
Tsang, W. W. N., & Hui-Chan, C. W. Y. (2004). Effect of 4- and 8-wk Intensive Tai Chi Training on Balance Control in the Elderly. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 36(4), 648-657.
Tse, S.K., & Bailey, D. M. (1992). Tai chi and postural control in the well elderly. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 46(4), 295-300.
William, J. E. (1999). Exercise training guideline for the elder. Medical and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31, 12-17.
Wolf, S. L., Barnhart, HX., Ellison, G. L., & Coogler, C. E. (1997). The effect of Tai Chi Quan and computerized balance training on postural stability in older subjects. Atlanta FICSIT Group. Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies on Intervention Techniques. Physical Therapy, 77(4), 371-381.
Wolf, S. L., Barnhart, H.X., Kutner, N. G., McNeely, E., Coogler, C., & Xu, T. (1996). Reducing frailty and falls in older persons: an investigation of Tai Chi and computerized balance training. Atlanta FICSIT Group. Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 44(5), 489-497.
Wolfson, L., Whipple, R., Derby, C., Judge, J., King, M., & Amerman, P., et al. (1996). Balance and strength training in older adults: intervention gains and Tai Chi maintenance. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 44(5), 498-506.
Wong, A. M., Lin, Y. C., Chou, S. W., Tang, F. T., & Wong, P.Y. (2001). Coordination exercise and postural stability in elderly people: Effect of Tai Chi Chuan. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 82(5), 608-612.
Wu, G. (2002). Evaluation of the effectiveness of Tai Chi for improving balance and preventing falls in the older population-A review. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 50(4), 746-754.
Wu, G., Liu, W., Hitt, J., & Millon, D. (2004). Spatial, temporal and muscle action patterns of Tai Chi gait. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology 14, 343–354.
Xu, D., Hong, Y., Li J., & Chan, K. (2004). Effect of tai chi exercise on proprioception of ankle and knee joints in old people. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 38, 50-54.
Xu, D. Q., Li, J. X., Hong, Y. (2005). Effect of regular Tai Chi and jogging exercise on neuromuscular reaction in older people. Age and Ageing, 34, 439-444.
Young, D. R., Appel, L. J., Jee, S., & Miller, E. R. (1999). The effects of aerobic exercise and Tai Chi on blood pressure in older people: results of a randomized trial. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 47(3), 277-284.