Identifying sub-health symptom clusters among urban older adults
Exploring associations with Tai Chi exercise and risk of falling
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22073168 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Tongtong Hao (Beijing Sport University), Juntong Yuan (Beijing Sport University), Ying He (0009-0006-0613-2292, Beijing Sport University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 14 |
| Publication date | 2026-06-29 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1827783 |
| OpenAlex | W7166550878 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 39 |
Background Sub-health status in urban older adults is multidimensional and heterogeneous, potentially influencing fall risk. This study identifies sub-health symptom clusters and explores how Tai Chi’s benefits vary across these groups. Methods From December 2025 to February 2026, 612 sub-healthy older adults in Beijing were analyzed. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) identified symptom patterns. Differences in demographics and fall risk indicators (fall rate and ABC scale) were compared across clusters. Stratified analysis assessed the association between Tai Chi exercise and fall risk within each cluster. Results Three clusters were identified: Low Physical-Psychological (C1, 21.6%), Balanced Average (C2, 43.9%), and Cognitive-Social Advantage (C3, 34.5%). Significant demographic gradients existed across groups (all p < 0.001). Fall risk also showed a significant gradient: C1 had the highest fall rate (67.4%) and lowest ABC score (56.8 ± 9.6), while C3 had the lowest fall rate (7.6%) and highest ABC score (88.9 ± 6.5). Stratified analysis revealed that Tai Chi practitioners across all clusters had significantly lower fall rates and higher ABC scores than non-practitioners. Notably, C1 showed the greatest benefits, with the largest mean difference in ABC scores (14.6 points) and the most pronounced disparity in fall rates (12.2% vs. 92.3%). Conclusion Sub-health status in urban older adults exhibits significant heterogeneity, with gradient differences in fall risk and Tai Chi benefits. Older adults in the Low Physical-Psychological group face the highest risk but derive the most significant gains from Tai Chi. Community health management should integrate sub-health profiling to develop personalized interventions. Prioritizing Tai Chi for health-impaired individuals can ensure precise resource allocation and maximize fall prevention outcomes
Beijing · Demographics · Fall prevention · Fear of falling · Injury prevention · Occupational safety and health · Poison control · Balance, Gait, and Falls Prevention · Frailty in Older Adults · Health and Wellbeing Research
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| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |