Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative exercise program
on muscle strength, balance, and gait kinematics in elderly community-dwellers. The exercise
program included strength and balance training and the 8-form Tai Chi Chuan. The measurements
were carried out at baseline and 12 weeks, and consisted of four physical performance
tests, joint isokinetic strength tests, and three-dimensional gait analysis. Fifty-six communitydwelling
older adults aged 60–80 years old were randomly assigned to an intervention or control
group. After 12 weeks, the intervention group showed a 17.6% improvement in the timed up and
go test, accompanied by a 54.7% increase in the 30-second chair stand test score. Significant
increases in the score of star excursion balance tests, and the strength of the extensor and flexor
muscles at knee and ankle joints were also observed. In addition, the intervention group walked
at a faster speed with a longer step length, shorter support phase, and a greater sagittal plane
range of motion at the hip and ankle joints. No statistical improvements were seen in the control
group. This study provided an effective, evidence-based falls prevention program that can be
implemented in community settings to improve physical fitness and reduce fall risks among
community-dwelling older adults. The star excursion balance test could be a sensitive measure
of physical performance for fall risk assessment in older people