Elder Chinese martial art practitioners have higher radial bone strength, hand-grip strength, and better standing balance control

This study explored the feasibility of using Ving Tsun (VT) martial art as a fall-prevention exercise for male seniors. We compared the radial bone strength, hand-grip strength, and standing balance control of senior VT practitioners and nonpractitioners under various sensory environments. Sixteen male VT practitioners (mean age ± SD: 51.3±7.8 years) and 17 sex- and age-matched control adults (mean age ± SD: 53.7 ± 5.9 years) participated in the study. The bone strength of the distal radius, hand-grip strength, and standing balance control were assessed using an ultrasound bone sonometer, a Jamar dynamometer, and sensory organization test (SOT) on the NeuroCom Balance Master, respectively. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to compare the outcome variables between the two groups. Results revealed that VT practitioners had significantly higher radial bone strength (T-score) on the dominant side (P = 0.015), hand-grip strength (dominant side, P = 0.034; nondominant side, P = 0.026), and standing balance control (SOT composite equilibrium score, P = 0.005) than the control participants. Male elder VT practitioners had higher radial bone strength, hand-grip strength, and better standing balance control than nonpractitioners. Our findings shed light on the use of VT exercise to prevent falls and fall-related fractures of the distal radius in male elders.