Body posture and postural stability of people practicing qigong

Introduction: Correct and stable posture is essential for the implementation of the majority of voluntary movements and locomotion. The study of postural stability is an element of clinical trials evaluating physical activity in order to determine the optimal therapeutic procedures. Qigong exercises are not only a form of prevention, helpful in maintaining wellbeing, but also a means of therapy in many diseases, including disorders of postural stability.

Aim of the research: To analyse the association between the quality of posture and postural stability of people practicing qigong.

Material and methods: The study involved 32 people. The mean age of those tested was 54 years. Posture study used optoelectronic method Diers formetric III 4D. Postural stability was tested on the platform Biodex Balance System. The studies were performed at the Posture Laboratory of the Institute of Physiotherapy at Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce.

Results and conclusions: Spearman rank order correlation showed a positive correlation of relative rotation of the spine area with a general indicator of stability (p = 0.0206) at an average level (R = 0.4075) and with the index of the stability A/P (p = 0.0310), although at a lower level (R = 0.3819). With the increase in the relative rotation of the spine area the overall stability indicator and stability indicator A/P also increased. Significant positive correlations were also seen for the surface rotation (+max) and a general indication of the stability and the stability index A/P. With the increase of surface rotation (+max) of the spine the overall stability indicator and stability indicator A/P also increased.