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Ottobock Sports – meditation and building strength with tai chi

Tai chi

A Tai chi instructor teaches amputees different poses
A Tai chi instructor teaches amputees different poses
A Tai chi instructor teaches amputees different poses
Summary

Tai chi for amputees

Tai chi (also known as taiji) is an ancient art of movement from China. Tai chi was originally a martial art. While appearing simple and gentle, tai chi offers personal training that is equivalent to an energising, full-body workout to improve health and fitness.
When practised regularly, tai chi helps build strength, improves balance and coordination, and can promote a deep sense of relaxation and well-being. You can practise tai chi alone or with a group of like-minded people. Qigong complements the art and means "Working on the life force". The social aspects of practising tai chi in a group can prove particularly beneficial for older adults living with an amputation or limb changes. Especially for older adults living with an amputation or limb changes, the social aspects of practising tai chi in a group are a great motivation to become more active again, thereby improving their quality of life.
The extra motivation they receive from regular social contacts has proven to be one of the main reasons people enjoy tai chi.

Positive effects for body and mind

Training improves balance, physical control and motor activity as well as the ability to relax and concentrate, and lifts your inner mood. It's particularly suitable for people with movement disorders or limitations and is a perfect complement to conventional physical therapy.

With the friendly support of the Bundesverband für Menschen mit Arm- oder Beinamputation e.V. (Germany's federal association for people with arm or leg amputations) we collaborated with tai chi instructor Mirko Lorenz to put together a comprehensive tai chi training programme that's ideal for training on your own at home.

Who is tai chi suitable for?

Who is tai chi suitable for?

There are various ways to individually adapt tai chi to your personal fitness level, which makes it suitable for everyone, with or without a disability. Our training videos are great for people with limited mobility in particular, since Mirko Lorenz supports a needs-based approach with his "Keep Moving" training programme, for example, by training while sitting down.

Tai chi instructor Mirko Lorenz assists an amputee with training
Videos

Tai chi exercise series for training at home

Anyone – from beginners to pros – can do these five tai chi exercises on their own at home.

Tai chi for amputees

Introduction to tai chi | Training videos with Mirko Lorenz

I'm a real bundle of energy, but the tai chi exercises helped me relax in no time and focus my thoughts. I definitely recommend doing it every day! In particular, the fact that tai chi exercises can be adapted as needed makes them especially suitable for amputees with low mobility as well.

Elena Kratter
Amputee Elena Kratter engages in tai chi exercises
Keep Moving therapy

Keep Moving tai chi therapy

Mirko Lorenz is a certified tai chi instructor who created his own therapeutic training programme called "Keep Moving", tailored especially to people with movement disorders and Parkinson's disease.

Tai chi instructor Mirko Lorenz practices the 7-step form
FAQ

FAQ about tai chi