Purpose:Proprioceptors,along with visual and vestibular centers,contribute to the bodys information on position and balance.However,the elderlydepend more heavily on proprioception than on any other means for maintaining balance.Thus,ankle proprioception is crucial for maintaining proper postural control in adults.Training,as well as detraining,can affect ankle proprioception.The purpose of thisstudy is to determine the effects of Tai chi exercise on ankle proprioception among the elderly during training and detraining.Methods:A total of 60 aged women(aged more than 60years old)with irregular training experience wasrandomly assigned to three groups,namely,Tai Chi Group(TG),Brisk Walking Group(BG),and ControlGroup(CG).Each groupunderwent a 24-week training–detraining program,with reassessment every four weeks.The training program was conducted during the first 16 weeks,withat least five 60-minute sessions per week.TG participants were trained in the 24-form TC by a qualified TC instructor.BG participants engaged inbriskwalking.CG participants were organized to either watch TV or read newspapers for 24 weeks.The proprioception of ankle plantar flexion,dorsiflexion,inversion,and eversion were measured at 0.2 °/s usinga custom-made device.Result:After 16 weeks of training,the degree plantar flexion and dorsiflexion in TG decreased earlier and more significantly compared with BG.The degree of plantar flexion and dorsiflexion declined in all groups during the eight-week detraining,but the results for TG demonstrated a significant difference compared with its pre-training data.The degree of inversion and eversion remained almost unchanged.Conclusion:Tai chi can effectively improve and maintain ankle proprioception and prevent falls among the elderly.However,the extent of the benefits depends on the regularity of the elderlys training.