Abstract: Objective The purpose of this study is to assess the static and dynamic balance ability of older women who have 10 years of Taiji exercise experience and compare their characteristics with those of their sedentary counterparts. Methods The static and dynamic balance of both groups (Taiji 19; control 26) are measured through three methods 1) counting the time of single-leg stance time with eyes open (SLO) and closed (SLC), 2) measuring sway of the center of pressure (COP) during static standing on Good Balance (Mertitus, Finland) platform with eyes open and closed, and 3) measuring sway of COP during static standing on Good Balance platform while leaning body in three specific directions. Results 1) the Taiji group shows a longer time of SLO and SLC than the control group (P = 0.000, P = 0.010). 2). The sway velocity of COP in mediolateral and anterioposterior direction is slower (P = 0.030, P = 0.06) and the sway distance in both directions are shorter (P = 0.030, P = 0.06) in Taiji than in the control group. 3) Compared with control group, the Taiji group indicates shorter total and anterioposterior and mediolateral route (P = 0.008, P = 0.004, P = 0.027) and shorter time spent ((P = 0.048) during dynamic balance test. Conclusion Long-term Taiji exercise improves balance ability, especially dynamic balance, in older women.

Key words: Taiji, balance ability, elderly women, Good Balance, center of pressure