Combined Balance and Stepping TrainingUsing a motor-skill training approach,20 CBST participantsworked on dynamic balance and stepping responsesthrough structured practice with a focus on speed of stepinitiation and appropriate toe clearance and step length. Acircuit of progressive challenges to upright static and dynamic balance were presented by narrowing the base ofsupport (bipedal to tandem to unipedal), moving fromTai ChiAs per previous studies, the TC group performed a series ofstandard movements and positions that focused on bodyalignment (including upright and rotated trunk), weightshifts (up to and including unipedal stance), and reciprocalarm movements. The movements and positions includedtypical TC forms: weight shifts in multiple directions; hipand ankle rotations; ankle and knee flexion; trunk rotation;and stepping motions forward, backward, and laterally.Emphasis was on awareness of body alignment, distributionof weight, and relaxation. To simplify task complexity andto address participant safety concerns initially, the lowerbody movements were taught first. When correct lowerbody movements were achieved, participants were encouraged to add arm movements, visual focus, and breathingtechniques. Arm motions were usually asymmetrical andlower than shoulder height. Twelve unique sequences selected from the TC Yang Short Form were progressivelypracticed, including three variations of unipedal stance