Building understanding between fascia and Tàijíquán

Insight between Tàijíquán & Fascia

Many Tai Chi teachers utilize fascia research to explain various aspects of the art. These explanations are sometimes in conflict with each other and tend to lean on single aspects of Tàijíquán and fascia. Still, this shows the power of fascial research that helps bring a deeper understanding of Tàijíquán. These understandings can help teachers train beginners for more consistent health benefits and to reduce injuries that can occur in Tai Chi training. 

I am not aware of much utilization of Tàijíquán principles to advance fascia research. This is only beginning to happen as advancements in biomechanical measurements provide deeper insights into how Tai Chi manipulates the body. This also requires studies done with advanced practitioners of the art.

Computer Modeling of Tàijíquán

There are several approaches for modeling the human body. Because of high demands for computations, a balance needs to be found between the complexity of the model and an ability to provide useful information. 

Part of the issue in modeling is that the whole body is active in movement. When developing new approaches to modeling a system,  the model needs to be simplified for testing before larger and more complex models can be developed. Models need to be developed because current biomechanical models will fail.

The approach currently being developed is a hybrid of the various biomechanical models that have been proposed plus additional supplemental models as place holders for experiential qualities of tàijíquán and qi in the body. 

The first models are focused on the elbows with simple connections to the rest of the body. The axial region is treated as a black box with the capability to transfer and supply forces to the appendicular region. The lower limbs are represented by the bones and the superficial fascia with simple models. The modeling is done in Mathematica utilizing its anatomy data.

There are several styles of Tàijíquán with various branches. Each has emphasis that exhibit distinct differences in the movements and possibly how traditional concepts are applied. The movements of the Wù style of Wang Peisheng will be utilized because of the specific alignments used in his training methods. Regardless, the models can provide insight into Tai Chi in general.

Figure 1: Comparative computer models of different types of motions found in tàijíquán can be generated to study the impact of different variations of positions

Biomechanics for Advancing Modeling 

Although the modeling concepts have been developed, there is a need for appropriate biometric data to guide these models. Praneeth Namburi has started doing some measurements that can be useful. He is presenting a separate poster on his work.

Index: Science of Tai Chi Poster Info