Yang Family Tai Chi
Search
  • info@yangfamilytaichi.com
Facebook Youtube
Member Area
Latest Newsletter
My Shop  Account
SEMINARS WITH MASTER YANG JUN

Links to Research on Tai Chi

Welcome to this section that summarizes the evidence on the health benefits of Tai Chi. For the last twenty plus years, there is increasing randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence that Tai Chi has many health benefits – although this is not yet widely known. Often RCTs are summarized into systematic reviews. There are now hundreds of systematic reviews summarizing the health benefits of Tai Chi.

Below is a list of Tai Chi’s health benefits by topic; each topic below is hyperlinked to a one-to two-page summary of the evidence from systematic reviews. It begins with a quote of what someone might say who has experienced these benefits. There is then a short description of the evidence that evaluates the evidence as excellent, good, fair or preliminary. Reviews that have been published in the last 10 years are listed. Each review is hyperlinked to a 300-word Abstract from PubMed – the database of scientific studies maintained by the United States National Library of Medicine. From there you can retrieve the whole article if you want to learn more.

You may want to share some of these one-pagers with your students or bring one or two of these to your physician for information and discussion. This way more people will learn about Tai Chi’s health benefits.

Following the list of health benefits is a link to a few General Resources, including two recent overviews of the evidence on Tai Chi for chronic diseases and some information for the general public on Tai Chi’s health benefits from Harvard Medical School. This is followed by a list of Clinical Practice Guidelines that include Tai Chi in their recommendations.

Please note: This is for information purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. This is not a complete list. Some reviews were not included if they were too incomplete. A few Cochrane reviews were included even if they were slightly over 10 years old, due to their high quality. New evidence and guidelines are coming out all the time. I will endeavor to update this every spring.

 

Patricia Huston MD, MPH

               April 2021

Table of Contents

PROMOTES HEALTH

“I have more energy now.”

 

Evidence 

The evidence is preliminary. One review looked at multiple interventions, including Tai Chi. The other looked only at Tai Chi studies, but some of the studies were not very large. It appears Tai Chi is helpful for cancer-related fatigue.

 

References

  1. Ho LYW, Ng SSM. Non-pharmacological interventions for fatigue in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Age Ageing. 2020 Apr 27;49(3):341-351. doi:10.1093/ageing/afaa019. PubMed
  2. Xiang Y, Lu L, Chen X, Wen Z. Does Tai Chi relieve fatigue? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS One. 2017 Apr 5;12(4):e0174872. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174872. PMID: 28380067; PMCID: PMC5381792. PubMed

Cancer-related fatigue

  1. Song S, Yu J, Ruan Y, Liu X, Xiu L, Yue X. Ameliorative effects of Tai Chi on cancer-related fatigue: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Support Care Cancer. 2018 Jul;26(7):2091-2102. doi: 10.1007/s00520-018-4136-y.  PubMed

“Tai Chi helped me moderate my weight.”

 

Evidence 

The evidence is preliminary although the one systematic review that was found was based on 24 studies. Overall a small to medium effect was found in decreasing participants’ Body Mass Index (BMI) and this was statistically significant. It appears Tai Chi is helpful for obese people with diabetes. 

 

References

  1. Larkey LK, James D, Belyea M, Jeong M, Smith LL. Body Composition Outcomes of Tai Chi and Qigong Practice: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Int J Behav Med. 2018 Oct;25(5):487-501. doi: 10.1007/s12529-018-9725-0. PubMed

Diabetes

  1. Qin J, Chen Y, Guo S, You Y, Xu Y, Wu J, Liu Z, Huang J, Chen L, Tao J. Effect of Tai Chi on Quality of Life, Body Mass Index, and Waist-Hip Ratio in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021 Jan 19;11:543627. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2020.543627. PubMed

“I can walk further and feel stronger.”

 

Evidence

There is a fair amount of evidence for fitness. Most of the evidence for increasing aerobic capacity is more than 10 years, however it seems Tai Chi is especially useful in helping people who are deconditioned (by illness or a prolonged period of inactivity) improve their aerobic capacity. Muscle strength is increased in the lower limbs (more than upper limbs) and the least amount of evidence is on flexibility.

 

References

 

Aerobic capacity

  1. Kim TH, Eke Dogra S, Al-Sahab B, Tamim H. Comparison of functional fitness outcomes in experienced and inexperienced older adults after 16-week tai chi program. Altern Ther Health Med 2014;20(3):20-5. PubMed

Previous: Escalante Y (2011), Lee MS (2009), Taylor-Piliae RE (2008), Taylor-Piliae RE (2004). 

 

Muscle strength

  1. Wehner C, Blank C, Arvandi M, Wehner C, Schobersberger W. Effect of Tai Chi on muscle strength, physical endurance, postural balance and flexibility: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2021 Feb 5;7(1):e000817. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000817. PubMed
  2. Qi M, Moyle W, Jones C, Weeks B. Tai Chi Combined With Resistance Training for Adults Aged 50 Years and Older: A Systematic Review. J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2020 Jan/Mar;43(1):32-41. doi: 10.1519/JPT.0000000000000218. Pub Med
  3. Zhou M, Peng N, Dai Q, Li HW, Shi RG, Huang W. Effect of tai chi on muscle strength of the lower extremities in the elderly. Chin J Integr Med 2015 May 27. PubMed
  4. Lin SF, Sung HC, Li TL, Hsieh TC, Lan HC, Perng SJ, et al. The effects of tai‐chi in conjunction with thera‐band resistance exercise on functional fitness and muscle strength among community‐based older people. J Clin Nurs 2015;24(9-10):1357-66. PubMed 
  5. Manson J, Rotondi M, Jamnik V, Ardern C, Tamim H. Effect of tai chi on musculoskeletal health-related fitness and self-reported physical health changes in low income, multiple ethnicity mid to older adults. BMC Geriatr 2013;13:114. PubMed

Previous: Liu B (2011) 

 

Flexibility

  1. Wehner C, Blank C, Arvandi M, Wehner C, Schobersberger W. Effect of Tai Chi on muscle strength, physical endurance, postural balance and flexibility: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2021 Feb 5;7(1):e000817. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000817. PubMed

“I feel more stable on my feet.”

Evidence 

There is excellent evidence that Tai Chi has a beneficial effect on balance. Overall, there is a high degree of evidence that Tai Chi will reduce the rate of falls and the risk of serious falls in adults over 65 years of age. (See also Fall Prevention studies) 

References

  1. McLaughlin EC, El-Kotob R, Chaput JP, Janssen I, Kho ME, Poitras VJ, Ross R, Ross-White A, Saunders TJ, Sherrington C, Giangregorio LM. Balance and functional training and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2020 Oct;45(10 (Suppl. 2)):S180-S196. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2020-0279. PubMed 
  2. Huang HW, Nicholson N, Thomas S. Impact of Tai Chi Exercise on Balance Disorders: A Systematic Review. Am J Audiol. 2019 Jun 10;28(2):391-404. doi: 10.1044/2018_AJA-18-0115. PubMed
  3. Song R, Ahn S, So H, Lee EH, Chung Y, Park M. Effects of t’ai chi on balance: a population-based meta-analysis. J Altern Complement Med 2015;21(3):141-51. PubMed
  4. Huang Y, Liu X. Improvement of balance control ability and flexibility in the elderly tai chi chuan (TCC) practitioners: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2015;60(2):233-8. PubMed
  5. Alsubiheen A, Petrofsky J, Daher N, Lohman E, Balbas E. Effect of tai chi exercise combined with mental imagery theory in improving balance in a diabetic and elderly population. Med Sci Monit 2015;21:3054-61. PubMed
  6. Howe TE, Rochester L, Neil F, Skelton DA, Ballinger C. Exercise for improving balance in older people. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011;(11):CD004963. PubMed

Previous: Leung DP (2011), Liu H (2010), Wooton AC (2010), Maciaszek J (2010), Komagata S (2003), Wu G (2002)

Lower limb proprioception

  1. Zou L, Han J, Li C, Yeung AS, Hui SS, Tsang WWN, Ren Z, Wang L. Effects of Tai Chi on Lower Limb Proprioception in Adults Aged Over 55: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2019 Jun;100(6):1102-1113. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.07.425. PubMed

”I sleep more deeply now.”

 

Evidence 

There is good evidence that Tai Chi improves sleep, with three systematic reviews published in 2020, and three others before that. One of the 2020 reviews compared different physical activity programs, such as aerobic based exercises (e.g. cycling and walking), stretching exercises and mind-body exercises (such as Tai Chi and Silver Yoga). The Tai Chi and Silver Yoga were found to be more effective than the aerobic or stretching exercises in improving the quality of sleep in the elderly.  

 

References

  1. Li H, Chen J, Xu G, Duan Y, Huang D, Tang C, Liu J. The Effect of Tai Chi for Improving Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Affect Disord. 2020 Sep 1;274:1102-1112. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.05.076. PubMed
  2. Si Y, Wang C, Yin H, Zheng J, Guo Y, Xu G, Ma Y. Tai Chi Chuan for Subjective Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2020 Aug 11;2020:4710527. doi: 10.1155/2020/4710527. PubMed
  3. Vanderlinden J, Boen F, van Uffelen JGZ. Effects of physical activity programs on sleep outcomes in older adults: a systematic review. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2020 Feb 5;17(1):11. doi: 10.1186/s12966-020-0913-3. PubMed
  4. Wang X, Li P, Pan C, Dai L, Wu Y, Deng Y. The Effect of Mind-Body Therapies on Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019 Feb 13;2019:9359807. PubMed 
  5. Wang F, Eun-Kyoung Lee O, Feng F, Vitiello MV, Wang W, Benson H, Fricchione GL, Denninger JW. The effect of meditative movement on sleep quality: A systematic review. Sleep Med Rev. 2016 Dec;30:43-52. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2015.12.001. PubMed
  6. Du S, Dong J, Zhang H, Jin S, Xu G, Liu Z, et al. Taichi exercise for self-rated sleep quality in older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Nurs Stud 2015;52(1):368-79. PubMed

Previous: Sarris J (2011)

“Tai Chi has helped me get through menopause.”

 

Evidence 

There is preliminary evidence that Tai Chi can relieve some of the symptoms that arise with menopause by alleviating bodily pain, improving general health, mental health as well as bone mineral density (see also evidence on Osteoporosis). 

 

References

  1. Wang Y, Shan W, Li Q, Yang N, Shan W. Tai Chi Exercise for the Quality of Life in a Perimenopausal Women Organization: A Systematic Review. Worldviews Evid Based Nurs. 2017 Aug;14(4):294-305. doi: 10.1111/wvn.12234. Erratum in: Worldviews Evid Based Nurs. 2017 Oct;14 (5):424. PubMed

“I get fewer colds now.”

Evidence 

There is fair evidence that Tai Chi (and other mind-body therapies) are associated with a decrease in some inflammatory markers produced by immune cells. TC exercise also appears to improve both cell-mediated immunity and antibody response, but studies have not directly demonstrated protection from infections.

References

1.     Corless B, Clarke S, Yeung A, Rosenthal D, Schapira L, Back M. The Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on Immune Responses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Medicines (Basel). 2020 Jun 30;7(7):39. doi: 10.3390/medicines7070039. PubMed

2.     Morgan N, Irwin MR, Chung M, Wang C. The effects of mind-body therapies on the immune system: meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2014 Jul 2;9(7):e100903. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100903.  PubMed

3.     Ho RT, Wang CW, Ng SM, Ho AH, Ziea ET, Wong VT, et al. The effect of t’ai chi exercise on immunity and infections: a systematic review of controlled trials. J Altern Complement Med 2013;19(5):389-96. PubMed

“I feel better about myself.”

 

Evidence 

There is a fair amount of evidence on Tai Chi and well-being although this is a difficult area to quantify and it overlaps with other concepts, such as self-efficacy and quality of life. But overall, it appears that Tai Chi improves one’s sense of well-being, especially for those with chronic disease conditions. 

 

References

  1. Cocchiara RA, Dorelli B, Gholamalishahi S, Longo W, Musumeci E, Mannocci A, La Torre G. Tai Chi and Workplace Wellness for Health Care Workers: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jan 3;17(1):343. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17010343. PubMed
  2. Wang F, Lee EO, Wu T, Benson H, Fricchione G, Wang W, et al. The effects of tai chi on depression, anxiety, and psychological well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Behav Med 2014;21(4):605-17. PubMed

Previous: Wang C (2010), Wang C (2009), Dechamps A (2007) and many others…. 

 

People with chronic disease conditions

  1. Taylor-Piliae RE, Finley BA. Tai Chi exercise for psychological well-being among adults with cardiovascular disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2020 Oct;19(7):580-591. doi: 10.1177/1474515120926068. PubMed
  2. Liu T, Chan AW, Liu YH, Taylor-Piliae RE. Effects of Tai Chi-based cardiac rehabilitation on aerobic endurance, psychosocial well-being, and cardiovascular risk reduction among patients with coronary heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2018 Apr;17(4):368-383. doi: 10.1177/1474515117749592. PubMed
  3. Ćwiękała-Lewis KJ, Gallek M, Taylor-Piliae RE. The effects of Tai Chi on physical function and well-being among persons with Parkinson’s Disease: A systematic review. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2017 Apr;21(2):414-421. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.06.007.PubMed

 

Self-efficacy

  1. Tong Y, Chai L, Lei S, Liu M, Yang L. Effects of Tai Chi on Self-Efficacy: A Systematic Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Aug 15; 2018: 1701372. doi: 10.1155/2018/1701372. PubMed

IMPROVES MENTAL HEALTH

“Tai chi lifts my spirits and gives me the energy to face the day.”

 

Evidence :

There is good evidence on the effectiveness of tai chi for depression. Although many trials had small numbers, the findings were consistently positive. Tai Chi helped improve depressive severity and treatment remission rates. It seems to be helpful for those who are depressed and have chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. In >2000 depressed college students one review compared Tai Chi against six other physical activities for its effectiveness in decreasing depressive symptoms and found: Tai chi > Yoga > Volleyball > Dance > Running > Basketball > Badminton.

 

References 

  1. Zhang S, Zou L, Chen LZ, Yao Y, Loprinzi PD, Siu PM, Wei GX. The Effect of Tai Chi Chuan on Negative Emotions in Non-Clinical Populations: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Aug 21;16(17):3033. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16173033. PubMed 
  2. Zou L, Yeung A, Li C, Wei GX, Chen KW, Kinser PA, Chan JSM, Ren Z. Effects of Meditative Movements on Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Clin Med. 2018 Aug 1;7(8):195. doi: 10.3390/jcm7080195. PubMed
  3. Liu X, Clark J, Siskind D, Williams GM, Byrne G, Yang JL, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of qigong and tai chi for depressive symptoms. Complement Ther Med 2015;23(4):516-34. Epub 2015 May 27. PubMed
  4. Wang F, Lee EO, Wu T, Benson H, Fricchione G, Wang W, et al. The effects of tai chi on depression, anxiety, and psychological well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Behav Med 2014;21(4):605-17. PubMed
  5. Rosenbaum S, Tiedemann A, Sherrington C, Curtis J, Ward PB. Physical activity interventions for people with mental illness: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Psychiatr 2014;75(9):964-74. PubMed
  6. Chi I, Jordan‐Marsh M, Guo M, Xie B, Bai Z. Tai chi and reduction of depressive symptoms for older adults: a meta‐analysis of randomized trials. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013;13(1):3-12. PubMed
  7. Bridle C, Spanjers K, Patel S, Atherton NM, Lamb SE. Effect of exercise on depression severity in older people: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Br J Psychiatry 2012;201(3):180-5. PubMed

 

Previous: Tsang HW (2008)

Depression in college students 

  1. Guo S, Liu F, Shen J, Wei M, Yang Y. Comparative efficacy of seven exercise interventions for symptoms of depression in college students: A network of meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Nov 20;99(47):e23058. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000023058. PubMed



Depression and chronic disease conditions

  1. Song R, Grabowska W, Park M, Osypiuk K, Vergara-Diaz GP, Bonato P, Hausdorff JM, Fox M, Sudarsky LR, Macklin E, Wayne PM. The impact of Tai Chi and Qigong mind-body exercises on motor and non-motor function and quality of life in Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2017 Aug;41:3-13. doi: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2017.05.019. PubMed
  2. Liu X, Vitetta L, Kostner K, Crompton D, Williams G, Brown WJ, et al. The effects of tai chi in centrally obese adults with depression symptoms. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2015; 2015: 879712. PubMed
  3. Van der Heijden MM, van Dooren FE, Pop VJ, Pouwer F. Effects of exercise training on quality of life, symptoms of depression, symptoms of anxiety and emotional well-being in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review. Diabetologia 2013;56(6):1210-25. PubMed
  4. Woltz PC, Chapa DW, Friedmann E, Son H, Akintade B, Thomas SA. Effects of interventions on depression in heart failure: a systematic review. Heart Lung 2012;41(5):469-83. PubMed 

 

Previous: Yohannes AM (2010)

“I feel calmer after a Tai Chi class.”

 

Evidence 

There is fair evidence that Tai Chi is helpful for those with anxiety disorders although a lot of trials have been small. One review identified that this may be linked to decreasing the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) response. There is preliminary evidence that Tai Chi may be helpful for those with anxiety and substance use disorders. 

 

References

  1. Zou L, Sasaki JE, Wei GX, Huang T, Yeung AS, Neto OB, Chen KW, Hui SS. Effects of Mind⁻Body Exercises (Tai Chi/Yoga) on Heart Rate Variability Parameters and Perceived Stress: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Clin Med. 2018 Oct 31;7(11):404. doi: 10.3390/jcm7110404. PubMed
  2. Sharma M, Haider T. Tai chi as an alternative and complimentary therapy for anxiety: a systematic review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2015;20(2):143-53. PubMed
  3. Wang F, Lee EO, Wu T, Benson H, Fricchione G, Wang W, et al. The effects of tai chi on depression, anxiety, and psychological well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Behav Med 2014;21(4):605-17. PubMed

 

Anxiety with other conditions

  1. Liu F, Cui J, Liu X, Chen KW, Chen X, Li R. The effect of tai chi and Qigong exercise on depression and anxiety of individuals with substance use disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020 May 29;20(1):161. doi: 10.1186/s12906-020-02967-8. PubMed
  2. Van der Heijden MM, van Dooren FE, Pop VJ, Pouwer F. Effects of exercise training on quality of life, symptoms of depression, symptoms of anxiety and emotional well-being in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review. Diabetologia 2013;56(6):1210-25. PubMed

“I can stay on task better now.”

 

Evidence 

There is only very preliminary evidence for Tai Chi and ADD. There is a trial and another systematic review that is currently underway. 

 

References

 

Ni X, Zhang-James Y, Han X, Lei S, Sun J, Zhou R. Traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ADHD: a review. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2014;23(4):853-81. PubMed

“I am finding I have a little less baseline stress.”

 

Evidence 

There is only very preliminary evidence for Tai Chi and PTSD. PTSD is known to be very difficult to treat. There is only one review. It looked at multiple body-mind practices, including Tai Chi, and found overall a moderate effect from mind-body interventions that lasted at least 8 weeks. It was generally used as an adjunctive (or additional to routine) therapy. More studies are underway. 

 

References

  1. Taylor J, McLean L, Korner A, Stratton E, Glozier N. Mindfulness and yoga for psychological trauma: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Trauma Dissociation. 2020 Oct-Dec;21(5):536-573. doi: 10.1080/15299732.2020.1760167. PubMed

“There is less static in my brain now and I feel like I am back on my feet again.”

 

Evidence 

Overall, the currently available evidence on Tai Chi and schizophrenia is preliminary. Study sizes have been small and most of the reviews looked at mind-body therapies, including Tai Chi. It appears there is a potential for mind-body therapies to decrease stress and anxiety and improve social/occupational functioning in people with schizophrenia, and has generally been assessed as an addition to routine treatment. More studies are needed. 

 

References

  1. Wang X, Beauchemin J, Liu C, Lee MY. Integrative Body-Mind-Spirit (I-BMS) Practices for Schizophrenia: An Outcome Literature Review on Randomized Controlled Trials. Community Ment Health J. 2019 Oct;55(7):1135-1146. doi: 10.1007/s10597-019-00409-5.PubMed 
  2. Sabe M, Sentissi O, Kaiser S. Meditation-based mind-body therapies for negative symptoms of schizophrenia: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis. Schizophr Res. 2019 Oct;212:15-25. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.07.030. PubMed
  3. Li J, Shen J, Wu G, Tan Y, Sun Y, Keller E, Jiang Y, Wu J. Mindful exercise versus non-mindful exercise for schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018 Aug;32:17-24. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.04.003.PubMed
  4. Zheng W, Li Q, Lin J, Xiang Y, Guo T, Chen Q, Cai D, Xiang Y. Tai Chi for Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review. Shanghai Arch Psychiatry. 2016 Aug 25;28(4):185-194. doi: 10.11919/j.issn.1002-0829.216051. PubMed

“Tai Chi may be one of the things that helps me deal with my drug abuse.”

 

Evidence: 

The evidence on Tai Chi for substance use disorder is preliminary. There has been one systematic review done. Initial results suggest Tai Chi may help people who are experiencing anxiety and depression with their substance use disorder, but more studies are needed. 

 

References

  1. Liu F, Cui J, Liu X, Chen KW, Chen X, Li R. The effect of tai chi and Qigong exercise on depression and anxiety of individuals with substance use disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020 May 29;20(1):161. doi: 10.1186/s12906-020-02967-8. PubMed

EFFECTIVE IN INJURY PREVENTION AND RECOVERY

“I definitely feel more stable on my feet and more confident to go outside.”

 

Evidence 

There is excellent evidence that Tai Chi helps to prevent falls in older adults. Practicing Tai Chi has been found repeatedly to decrease fall rates in older adults by up to 50%. Falls may be benign, but they can also be serious. Fractured hips, for example, may mark a turning point for an elderly person as it may mean they can no longer live at home and need to go into a long-term care facility. The protective effect appears to increase with the frequency that Tai Chi is practiced (so doing Tai Chi 3-4 times a week is more protective than 1-2 times a week). After one fall, people are often afraid of falling again. Tai Chi decreases the fear of falling – and helps elderly people regain their confidence. See clinical practice guideline on fall prevention in older adults.

 

References

  1. Sherrington C, Fairhall N, Wallbank G, Tiedemann A, Michaleff ZA, Howard K, Clemson L, Hopewell S, Lamb S. Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community: an abridged Cochrane systematic review. Br J Sports Med. 2020 Aug;54(15):885-891. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2019-101512. PubMed
  2. Sherrington C, Fairhall NJ, Wallbank GK, Tiedemann A, Michaleff ZA, Howard K, Clemson L, Hopewell S, Lamb SE. Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Jan 31;1(1):CD012424. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD012424.pub2. PubMed
  3. Lomas-Vega R, Obrero-Gaitán E, Molina-Ortega FJ, Del-Pino-Casado R. Tai Chi for Risk of Falls. A Meta-analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2017 Sep;65(9):2037-2043. doi: 10.1111/jgs.15008. PubMed
  4. Huang ZG, Feng YH, Li YH, Lv CS. Systematic review and meta-analysis: Tai Chi for preventing falls in older adults. BMJ Open. 2017 Feb 6;7(2):e013661. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013661. PubMed
  5. Del-Pino-Casado R, Obrero-Gaitán E, Lomas-Vega R. The Effect of Tai Chi on Reducing the Risk of Falling: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Chin Med. 2016;44(5):895-906. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X1650049X. PubMed
  6. Mat S, Tan MP, Kamaruzzaman SB, Ng CT. Physical therapies for improving balance and reducing falls risk in osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review. Age Ageing 2015;44(1):16-24. PubMed
  7. El-Khoury F, Cassou B, Charles MA, Dargent-Molina P. The effect of fall prevention exercise programmes on fall-induced injuries in community dwelling older adults: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ 2013;347:f6234. PubMed
  8. Winter H, Watt K, Peel NM. Fall prevention interventions for community dwelling older persons with cognitive impairment: a systematic review. Int Psychogeriatr 2013;25(02):215-27. PubMed
  9. Gillespie LD, Robertson MC, Gillespie WJ, Sherrington C, Gates S, Clemson LM, et al. Interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012;(9):CD007146. PubMed
  10. Schleicher MM, Wedam L, Wu G. Review of tai chi as an effective exercise on falls prevention in elderly. Res Sports Med 2012;20(1):37-58. PubMed

Previous: Fairhall (2011), Church J (2011) Michael Y (2010), Logghe IH (2010), Low S (2009), Gregory H (2009), Harling A (2008), Sherrington C (2008).

 

Other chronic conditions

Diabetes

  1. Gu Y, Dennis SM. Are falls prevention programs effective at reducing the risk factors for falls in people with type-2 diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review with narrative synthesis. J Diabetes Complications. 2017 Feb;31(2):504-516. doi: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2016.10.004. PubMed

Parkinson’s disease 

  1. Liu HH, Yeh NC, Wu YF, Yang YR, Wang RY, Cheng FY. Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Reducing Falls and Improving Balance Performance in Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis. Parkinsons Dis. 2019 Feb 21;2019:9626934. doi: 10.1155/2019/9626934. PubMed

Decrease fear of falling: 

  1. Kumar A, Delbaere K, Zijlstra GA, Carpenter H, Iliffe S, Masud T, Skelton D, Morris R, Kendrick D. Exercise for reducing fear of falling in older people living in the community: Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis. Age Ageing. 2016 May;45(3):345-52. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afw036. PubMed
  2. Kendrick D, Kumar A, Carpenter H, Zijlstra G, Skelton DA, Cook JR, et al. Exercise for reducing fear of falling in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014;(11):CD009848. PubMed 
  3. Gleeson M, Sherrington C, Keay L. Exercise and physical training improve physical function in older adults with visual impairments but their effect on falls is unclear: a systematic review. J Physiother 2014;60(3):130-5. PubMed

Previous review: Zijlstra (2007)

“Now that I am doing Tai Chi, I find I sleep better, I feel better and I am more apt to do things.”

 

Evidence 

There is good evidence for the beneficial effects of Tai Chi for cancer patients. Studies have looked at a number of different types of cancer and measured a number of different effects. Sometimes the study size has not been that big, or the length of the study too long but studies have consistently found Tai Chi has been linked to improved sleep, decreased fatigue, often a decrease in depressive symptoms and an increase in quality of life. One of the adverse effects of breast cancer treatment is lymphedema (swelling) and decreased range of motion of the arm on the side of the cancer. Tai Chi is associated with decreased swelling and increased range of motion of the affected arm. 

 

References

  1. Zeng Y, Xie X, Cheng ASK. Qigong or Tai Chi in Cancer Care: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Curr Oncol Rep. 2019 Apr 6;21(6):48. doi: 10.1007/s11912-019-0786-2. PMID: 30955106. PubMed
  2. Wayne PM, Lee MS, Novakowski J, Osypiuk K, Ligibel J, Carlson LE, Song R. Tai Chi and Qigong for cancer-related symptoms and quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Cancer Surviv. 2018 Apr;12(2):256-267. doi: 10.1007/s11764-017-0665-5. PubMed

Breast cancer 

  1. Liu L, Tan H, Yu S, Yin H, Baxter GD. The effectiveness of tai chi in breast cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020 Feb;38:101078. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.101078. PubMed 
  2. Luo XC, Liu J, Fu J, Yin HY, Shen L, Liu ML, Lan L, Ying J, Qiao XL, Tang CZ, Tang Y. Effect of Tai Chi Chuan in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Oncol. 2020 Apr 23;10:607. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00607. Pub Med
  3. Kreutz C, Schmidt ME, Steindorf K. Effects of physical and mind-body exercise on sleep problems during and after breast cancer treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2019 Jul;176(1):1-15. doi: 10.1007/s10549-019-05217-9. PubMed
  4. Pan Y, Yang K, Shi X, Liang H, Zhang F, Lv Q. Tai chi chuan exercise for patients with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2015;2015:535237. PubMed

Quality of life 

  1. Ni X, Chan RJ, Yates P, Hu W, Huang X, Lou Y. The effects of Tai Chi on quality of life of cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Support Care Cancer. 2019 Oct;27(10):3701-3716. doi: 10.1007/s00520-019-04911-0. Epub 2019 Jun 24. PMID: 31236699. PubMed
  2. Mishra SI, Scherer RW, Geigle PM, Berlanstein DR, Topaloglu O, Gotay CC, et al. Exercise interventions on health-related quality of life for people with cancer during active treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012;(8):CD008465. PubMed
  3. Yan JH, Pan L, Zhang XM, Sun CX, Cui GH. Lack of efficacy of tai chi in improving quality of life in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2014;15(8):3715-20. PubMed

Previous: Brown JC (2011), Lee MS (2007) Lee MS (2010)

 

Fatigue

  1. Song S, Yu J, Ruan Y, Liu X, Xiu L, Yue X. Ameliorative effects of Tai Chi on cancer-related fatigue: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Support Care Cancer. 2018 Jul;26(7):2091-2102. doi: 10.1007/s00520-018-4136-y. PubMed

“I have less pain now that I do Tai Chi regularly.”

Evidence 

The evidence for Tai Chi and chronic pain is generally good but consists largely of areas that have already been covered, namely: Osteoarthritis (especially knee pain), Fibromyalgia, Low back pain and osteoporosis (post fracture). In some studies, Tai Chi was found to be more effective for pain control than usual care. 

References

Chronic pain

  1. Geneen LJ, Moore RA, Clarke C, Martin D, Colvin LA, Smith BH. Physical activity and exercise for chronic pain in adults: an overview of Cochrane Reviews. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Apr 24;4(4):CD011279. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011279.pub3. PubMed
  2. Hall A, Copsey B, Richmond H, Thompson J, Ferreira M, Latimer J, Maher CG. Effectiveness of Tai Chi for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions: Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phys Ther. 2017 Feb 1;97(2):227-238. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20160246. PubMed
  3. Kong LJ, Lauche R, Klose P, Bu JH, Yang XC, Guo CQ, Dobos G, Cheng YW. Tai Chi for Chronic Pain Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Sci Rep. 2016 Apr 29;6:25325. doi: 10.1038/srep25325. PubMed
  4. Nahin RL, Boineau R, Khalsa PS, Stussman BJ, Weber WJ. Evidence-Based Evaluation of Complementary Health Approaches for Pain Management in the United States. Mayo Clin Proc. 2016 Sep;91(9):1292-306. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.06.007.  PubMed

Previous: Hall (2009)

PREVENTS AND MITIGATES THE EFFECTS OF CHRONIC DISEASE

“Tai Chi helps me manage my risk factors, including my cholesterol and triglycerides.”

 

Evidence 

The evidence for Tai Chi and cholesterol is fair. There are two reviews that looks at lipid profiles (which includes cholesterol and triglycerides) and found Tai Chi decreased triglycerides. Other reviews have looked at this in specific groups of people, such as those with high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic disease and looked at lipids and other outcomes, such as blood sugar control and other cardiovascular risk factors. In these populations, Tai Chi was often found to decrease total cholesterol, including LDL and HDL cholesterol as well as triglycerides. More trials have been done in the last few years; a more up-to-date systematic review is needed to summarize this new evidence. 

 

References

  1. Alenazi AM, Alshehri MM, Hoover JC, Yabroudi MA, Kachanathu SJ, Liu W. The Effect of T’ai Chi Exercise on Lipid Profiles: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. J Altern Complement Med. 2018 Mar;24(3):220-230. doi: 10.1089/acm.2017.0104. PubMed
  2. Pan XH, Mahemuti A, Zhang XH, Wang YP, Hu P, Jiang JB, Xiang MX, Liu G, Wang JA. Effect of Tai Chi exercise on blood lipid profiles: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2016 Aug;17(8):640-8. doi: 10.1631/jzus.B1600052. PubMed

Previous: Dalusung-Angosta (2011)

 

Adults with hypertension

  1. Liang H, Luo S, Chen X, Lu Y, Liu Z, Wei L. Effects of Tai Chi exercise on cardiovascular disease risk factors and quality of life in adults with essential hypertension: A meta-analysis. Heart Lung. 2020 Jul-Aug;49(4):353-363. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2020.02.041. PubMed

Adults with diabetes

  1. Guo S, Xu Y, Qin J, Chen Y, You Y, Tao J, Liu Z, Huang J. Effect of tai chi on glycaemic control, lipid metabolism and body composition in adults with type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis and systematic review. J Rehabil Med. 2021 Mar 22;53(3):jrm00165. doi: 10.2340/16501977-2799. PubMed

Adults with chronic disease

  1. Lin CL, Lin CP, Lien SY. [The effect of tai chi for blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipid control for patients with chronic diseases: a systematic review]. Hu Li Za Zhi. 2013 Feb;60(1):69-77. Chinese. doi: 10.6224/JN.60.1.69. PubMed

“I can breathe a little easier and walk further now.”

 

Evidence 

There is very good evidence that Tai Chi is helpful for those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Studies have consistently shown improved lung function and walking capacity. Many have also shown decreased shortness of breath, decreased fatigue and increased quality of life. One systematic review also identified that this could be performed by those with COPD and other chronic conditions, such as heart failure and osteoarthritis. There is a clinical practice guideline on COPD that includes Tai Chi in its recommendations. 

 

References

  1. Guo C, Xiang G, Xie L, Liu Z, Zhang X, Wu Q, Li S, Wu Y. Effects of Tai Chi training on the physical and mental health status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Thorac Dis. 2020 Mar;12(3):504-521. doi: 10.21037/jtd.2020.01.03. PubMed
  2. Chuatrakoon B, Ngai SPC, Sungkarat S, Uthaikhup S. Balance Impairment and Effectiveness of Exercise Intervention in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-A Systematic Review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2020 Sep;101(9):1590-1602. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2020.01.016. PubMed
  3. Reychler G, Poncin W, Montigny S, Luts A, Caty G, Pieters T. Efficacy of yoga, tai chi and qi gong on the main symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review. Respir Med Res. 2019 May;75:13-25. doi: 10.1016/j.resmer.2019.04.002. PubMed
  4. Wu LL, Lin ZK, Weng HD, Qi QF, Lu J, Liu KX. Effectiveness of meditative movement on COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2018 Apr 17;13:1239-1250. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S159042. PubMed
  5. Gendron LM, Nyberg A, Saey D, Maltais F, Lacasse Y. Active mind-body movement therapies as an adjunct to or in comparison with pulmonary rehabilitation for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 Oct 10;10(10):CD012290. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD012290.pub2. PubMed
  6. Ngai SP, Jones AY, Tam WW. Tai Chi for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Jun 7;(6):CD009953. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009953.pub2.  PubMed
  7. Guo JB, Chen BL, Lu YM, Zhang WY, Zhu ZJ, Yang YJ, et al. Tai chi for improving cardiopulmonary function and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil 2016;30(8):750-64. PubMed
  8. Ngai SP, Jones AY, Tam WW. Tai Chi for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Jun 7;(6):CD009953. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009953.pub2. PubMed
  9. Chen YW, Hunt MA, Campbell KL, Peill K, Reid WD. The effect of tai chi on four chronic conditions—cancer, osteoarthritis, heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analyses. Br J Sports Med 2016;50(7):397-407. PubMed
  10. Ng BH, Tsang HW, Ng BF, So CT. Traditional Chinese exercises for pulmonary rehabilitation: evidence from a systematic review. J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev 2014;34(6):367-77. PubMed
  11. Wu W, Liu X, Wang L, Wang Z, Hu J, Yan J. Effects of tai chi on exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis doi: 10.2147/COPD.S70862 2014;9:1253-63. PubMed
  12. Andrianopoulos V, Klijn P, Franssen FM, Spruit MA. Exercise training in pulmonary rehabilitation. Clin Chest Med 2014;35(2):313-22. PubMed
  13. Ding M, Zhang W, Li K, Chen X. Effectiveness of t’ai chi and qigong on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Altern Complement Med 2014;20(2):79-86. doi: 10.1089/acm.2013.0087. PubMed
  14. Yan J, Guo Y, Yao H, Pan L. Effects of tai chi in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: preliminary evidence. PLoS One 2013;8(4):e61806. PubMed

 

For anxiety/depression in COPD patients

  1. Li Z, Liu S, Wang L, Smith L. Mind-Body Exercise for Anxiety and Depression in COPD Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Dec 18;17(1):22. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17010022. PubMed

“Tai Chi has helped me keep my mind sharp.”

 

Evidence 

The evidence for Tai Chi to preserve cognitive function and improve mild cognitive impairment in the elderly is good. The reviews consistently found improved global cognitive function, executive function and memory in those who did Tai Chi. A number of studies also found improved verbal fluency and mental speed. One review identified that that effect size was larger for the “young old” (60-70) compared to those over 75 years of age. The evidence regarding improving dementia is preliminary. 

 

References

 

Preserves cognitive function in older adults

  1. Chen FT, Etnier JL, Chan KH, Chiu PK, Hung TM, Chang YK. Effects of Exercise Training Interventions on Executive Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Med. 2020 Aug;50(8):1451-1467. doi: 10.1007/s40279-020-01292-x. PubMed
  2. Wu C, Yi Q, Zheng X, Cui S, Chen B, Lu L, Tang C. Effects of Mind-Body Exercises on Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2019 Apr;67(4):749-758. doi: 10.1111/jgs.15714. PubMed
  3. Northey JM, Cherbuin N, Pumpa KL, Smee DJ, Rattray B. Exercise interventions for cognitive function in adults older than 50: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2018 Feb;52(3):154-160. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-096587. PubMed
  4. Zheng G, Liu F, Li S, Huang M, Tao J, Chen L. Tai chi and the protection of cognitive ability: a systematic review of prospective studies in healthy adults. Am J Prev Med 2015;49(1):89-97. doi:10.3390/ijerph15122791. PubMed
  5. Wayne PM, Walsh JN, Taylor‐Piliae RE, Wells RE, Papp KV, Donovan NJ, et al. Effect of tai chi on cognitive performance in older adults: systematic review and meta‐analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc 2014;62(1):25-39. doi: 10.1111/jgs.12611. PubMed 
  6. Kelly ME, Loughrey D, Lawlor BA, Robertson IH, Walsh C, Brennan S. The impact of exercise on the cognitive functioning of healthy older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev 2014; 16:12-31. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2014.05.002. PubMed
  7. Miller SM, Taylor-Piliae RE. Effects of tai chi on cognitive function in community dwelling older adults: a review. Geriatr Nurs 2014;35(1):9-19. doi: 10.1016/jgerinurse.2013.10.013. PubMed

 

Improves mild cognitive impairment 

  1. Li C, Zheng D, Luo J. Effects of traditional Chinese exercise on patients with cognitive impairment: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis. Nurs Open. 2021 Feb 19. doi: 10.1002/nop2.799. PubMed
  2. Cai Z, Jiang W, Yin J, Chen Z, Wang J, Wang X. Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic and Meta-Analytic Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2020 Dec 28; 2020:6683302. doi: 10.1155/2020/6683302. PubMed
  3. Yang J, Zhang L, Tang Q, Wang F, Li Y, Peng H, Wang S. Tai Chi is Effective in Delaying Cognitive Decline in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2020:3620534. doi: 10.1155/2020/3620534. PubMed
  4. Wei L, Chai Q, Chen J, Wang Q, Bao Y, Xu W, Ma E. The impact of Tai Chi on cognitive rehabilitation of elder adults with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Disabil Rehabil. 2020 Oct 12:1-10. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1830311. PubMed
  5. Lim KH, Pysklywec A, Plante M, Demers L. The effectiveness of Tai Chi for short-term cognitive function improvement in the early stages of dementia in the elderly: a systematic literature review. Clin Interv Aging. 2019 May 8;14:827-839. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S202055. PubMed
  6. Zou L, Loprinzi PD, Yeung AS, Zeng N, Huang T. The Beneficial Effects of Mind-Body Exercises for People With Mild Cognitive Impairment: a Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2019 Aug;100(8):1556-1573. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2019.03.009. PubMed
  7. Wang S, Yin H, Jia Y, Zhao L, Wang L, Chen L. Effects of Mind-Body Exercise on Cognitive Function in Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2018 Dec;206(12):913-924. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000000912. PubMed
  8. Zheng W, Xiang YQ, Ungvari GS, Chiu HFK, Ning YP, Yu X, Forester BP, Xiang YT. Tai chi for mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review. Psychogeriatrics. 2017 Nov;17(6):514-516. doi: 10.1111/psyg.12269. PubMed

 

Improves dementia

  1. Wayne PM, Walsh JN, Taylor‐Piliae RE, Wells RE, Papp KV, Donovan NJ, et al. Effect of tai chi on cognitive performance in older adults: systematic review and meta‐analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc 2014;62(1):25-39. doi: 10.1111/jgs.12611. PubMed 
  2. Forbes D, Thiessen EJ, Blake CM, Forbes SC, Forbes S. Exercise programs for people with dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;(12):CD006489. PubMed



“I can get around better now without getting short of breath.”

 

Evidence 

The evidence for Tai Chi and heart failure is good. Reviews have consistently shown increase in exercise capacity and quality of life. Some have shown decreased depression and improved left ventricular function. It is often recommended as an alternative to cardiac rehabilitation.

 

References

 

  1. Chen X, Savarese G, Cai Y, Ma L, Lundborg CS, Jiang W, Wen Z, Lu W, Marrone G. Tai Chi and Qigong Practices for Chronic Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2020 Dec 14; 2020:2034625. doi: 10.1155/2020/2034625. PubMed
  1. Taylor-Piliae R, Finley BA. Benefits of Tai Chi Exercise Among Adults With Chronic Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2020 Sep/Oct;35(5):423-434. doi: 10.1097/JCN.0000000000000703. PubMed
  2. Gu Q, Wu SJ, Zheng Y, Zhang Y, Liu C, Hou JC, Zhang K, Fang XM. Tai Chi Exercise for Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2017 Oct;96(10):706-716. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000000723. PubMed
  3. Chen YW, Hunt MA, Campbell KL, Peill K, Reid WD. The effect of tai chi on four chronic conditions—cancer, osteoarthritis, heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analyses. Br J Sports Med 2016;50(7):397-407. PubMed
  4. Pan L, Yan J, Guo Y, Yan J. Effects of tai chi training on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure: a meta‐analysis. Eur J Heart Fail 2013;15(3):316-23. Doi:10.1093/eurjhf/hfs170. PubMed

“I am more confident to exercise now.”

 

Evidence 

There is good evidence that Tai Chi has a beneficial effect on those who have had a heart attack (myocardial infarction), bypass surgery or angina and has been used as an effective alternative to cardiac rehabilitation to improve cardiovascular fitness. Some reviews have also found an increase in psychosocial well-being. 

 

References

  1. Wu B, Ding Y, Zhong B, Jin X, Cao Y, Xu D. Intervention Treatment for Myocardial Infarction With Tai Chi: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2020 Dec;101(12):2206-2218. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2020.02.012. PubMed
  2. Yang YL, Wang YH, Wang SR, Shi PS, Wang C. The Effect of Tai Chi on Cardiorespiratory Fitness for Coronary Disease Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Physiol. 2018 Jan 4;8:1091. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2017.01091. :PubMed
  3. Liu T, Chan AW, Liu YH, Taylor-Piliae RE. Effects of Tai Chi-based cardiac rehabilitation on aerobic endurance, psychosocial well-being, and cardiovascular risk reduction among patients with coronary heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2018 Apr;17(4):368-383. doi: 10.1177/1474515117749592. PubMed
  4. Wang XQ, Pi YL, Chen PJ, Liu Y, Wang R, Li X, Chen BL, Zhu Y, Yang YJ, Niu ZB. Traditional Chinese Exercise for Cardiovascular Diseases: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Am Heart Assoc. 2016 Mar 9;5(3):e002562. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.115.002562. PubMed
  5. Nery RM, Zanini M, Ferrari JN, Silva CA, Farias LF, Comel JC, et al. Tai chi chuan for cardiac rehabilitation in patients with coronary arterial disease. Arq Bras Cardiol 2014;102(6):588-92. PubMed  
  6. Ng SM, Wang C, Ho RT, Ziea T, Wong V, Chan CL. Tai chi exercise for patients with heart disease: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Altern Ther Health Med 2012;18(3):16-22. Erratum in: Altern Ther Health Med 2012;18(6):79. PubMed

Previous: Dalusung‐Angosta A (2011)  Yeh (2009), Lee (2007),



“Tai Chi gave me the energy to deal with my diabetes.”

 

Evidence 

The evidence for Tai Chi and diabetes is good. Early evidence suggested it had no effect, more recent studies found Tai Chi helped to normalize fasting blood glucose and HbA1C (a marker of glucose control). One challenge with summarizing the studies that had variable effects is they also had different training programs of different durations and styles. Two reviews identified Tai Chi helped those with diabetes lose weight (decrease body mass index or BMI) and two reviews found that Tai Chi helped to improve balance in diabetic people who had peripheral neuropathy (a complication of diabetes where people have increasing difficulty feeling their feet). 

 

References

  1. Xia TW, Yang Y, Li WH, Tang ZH, Li ZR, Qiao LJ. Different training durations and styles of tai chi for glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019 Mar 14;19(1):63. doi: 10.1186/s12906-019-2475-y. PubMed
  2. Zhou Z, Zhou R, Li K, Zhu Y, Zhang Z, Luo Y, Luan R. Effects of tai chi on physiology, balance and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Rehabil Med. 2019 Jun 18;51(6):405-417. doi: 10.2340/16501977-2555. PubMed
  1. Chao M, Wang C, Dong X, Ding M. The Effects of Tai Chi on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis. J Diabetes Res. 2018 Jul 5; 2018:7350567. doi: 10.1155/2018/7350567. PubMed
  2. Song G, Chen C, Zhang J, Chang L, Zhu D, Wang X. Association of traditional Chinese exercises with glycemic responses in people with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Sport Health Sci. 2018 Oct;7(4):442-452. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2018.08.004. PubMed
  3. Yu X, Chau JPC, Huo L. The effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine-based lifestyle interventions on biomedical, psychosocial, and behavioral outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Int J Nurs Stud. 2018 Apr;80:165-180. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2018.01.009. PubMed
  4. Lee MS, Jun JH, Lim HJ, Lim HS. A systematic review and meta-analysis of tai chi for treating type 2 diabetes. Maturitas 2015;80(1):14-23. PubMed
  5. Yan JH, Gu WJ, Pan L. Lack of evidence on tai chi-related effects in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes2013;121(5):266-71. PubMed 

 

Previous: Lee (2011)

Glycemic control and lipid metabolism

  1. Guo S, Xu Y, Qin J, Chen Y, You Y, Tao J, Liu Z, Huang J. Effect of tai chi on glycaemic control, lipid metabolism and body composition in adults with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis and systematic review. J Rehabil Med. 2021 Feb 17. doi: 10.2340/16501977-2799. PubMed

 

Quality of Life and BMI

  1. Qin J, Chen Y, Guo S, You Y, Xu Y, Wu J, Liu Z, Huang J, Chen L, Tao J. Effect of Tai Chi on Quality of Life, Body Mass Index, and Waist-Hip Ratio in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021 Jan 19;11:543627. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2020.543627. PubMed

 

Improves balance

  1. Palermi S, Sacco AM, Belviso I, Marino N, Gambardella F, Loiacono C, Sirico F. Effectiveness of Tai Chi on Balance Improvement in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Aging Phys Act. 2020 Mar 3:1-11. doi: 10.1123/japa.2019-0242. PubMed
  2. Gu Y, Dennis SM. Are falls prevention programs effective at reducing the risk factors for falls in people with type-2 diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review with narrative synthesis. J Diabetes Complications. 2017 Feb;31(2):504-516. doi: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2016.10.004. PubMed

“Tai Chi decreases my pain and helps me function.”

 

Evidence 

The evidence on Tai Chi for fibromyalgia is fair. The most recent review that looked only at fibromyalgia and Tai Chi found Tai Chi decreased pain, fatigue and symptoms of depression, and increased sleep and quality of life. The other reviews done earlier comparing multiple modalities, including Tai Chi, noted only small differences. Overall studies have been small. Although there is one guideline for fibromyalgia, confirmatory evidence from larger trials is warranted. 

 

References

  1. Cheng CA, Chiu YW, Wu D, Kuan YC, Chen SN, Tam KW. Effectiveness of Tai Chi on fibromyalgia patients: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2019 Oct;46:1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.07.007. PubMed 
  2. Lauche R, Cramer H, Häuser W, Dobos G, Langhorst J. A systematic overview of reviews for complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of the fibromyalgia syndrome. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2015;2015:610615. PubMed
  3. Bidonde J, Busch AJ, Bath B, Milosavljevic S. Exercise for adults with fibromyalgia: an umbrella systematic review with synthesis of best evidence. Curr Rheumatol Rev 2014;10(1):45-79. PubMed
  4. Mist SD, Firestone KA, Jones KD. Complementary and alternative exercise for fibromyalgia: a meta-analysis. J Pain Res 2013;6:247-60. PubMed
  5. Langhorst J, Klose P, Dobos GJ, Bernardy K, Häuser W. Efficacy and safety of meditative movement therapies in fibromyalgia syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Rheumatol Int 2013;33(1):193-207. PubMed 

“Tai Chi helped me control my blood pressure.”

 

Evidence 

There is good evidence that Tai Chi helps to lower blood pressure in people with essential hypertension. This is an area of active research – there were six systematic reviews published in 2020 and already one in 2021. It was estimated that the change in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure could lower the risk of coronary artery disease by 40% – but this has not yet been confirmed in trials. Most of the studies reviewed were short-term so there is a call for more definitive long-term studies. Generally Tai Chi is used in addition to medication. Tapering off medication should only be done in careful consultation with a physician. 

 

References

  1. Song Y, Li J, István B, Xuan R, Wei S, Zhong G, Gu Y. Current Evidence on Traditional Chinese Exercises for Quality of Life in Patients with Essential Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2021 Jan 20;7:627518. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2020.627518 PubMed
  2. Liu D, Yi L, Sheng M, Wang G, Zou Y. The Efficacy of Tai Chi and Qigong Exercises on Blood Pressure and Blood Levels of Nitric Oxide and Endothelin-1 in Patients with Essential Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2020 Jul 30;2020: 3267971. doi: 10.1155/2020/3267971. PubMed
  3. Zhong D, Li J, Yang H, Li Y, Huang Y, Xiao Q, Liu T, Jin R. Tai Chi for Essential Hypertension: a Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Curr Hypertens Rep. 2020 Mar 2;22(3):25. doi: 10.1007/s11906-020-1031-y. PubMed
  4. Guan Y, Hao Y, Guan Y, Wang H. Effects of Tai Chi on essential hypertension and related risk factors: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Rehabil Med. 2020 May 11;52(5):jrm00057. doi: 10.2340/16501977-2683. PubMed
  5. Liang H, Luo S, Chen X, Lu Y, Liu Z, Wei L. Effects of Tai Chi exercise on cardiovascular disease risk factors and quality of life in adults with essential hypertension: A meta-analysis. Heart Lung. 2020 Jul-Aug;49(4):353-363. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2020.02.041.  PubMed 
  6. Wu Y, Johnson BT, Chen S, Chen Y, Livingston J, Pescatello LS. Tai Ji Quan as antihypertensive lifestyle therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sport Health Sci. 2020 May 1:S2095-2546(20)30038-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2020.03.007. PubMed
  7. Dong X, Ding M, Yi X. Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of the Effects of Tai Chi on Blood Pressure. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2020 Oct 7;2020:8503047. doi: 10.1155/2020/8503047. PubMed
  8. Wang J, Feng B, Yang X, Liu W, Teng F, Li S, et al. Tai chi for essential hypertension. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2013:215254. PubMed
  9. Lee MS, Pittler MH, Taylor-Piliae RE, Ernst E. Tai chi for cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. J Hypertension 2007;25(9):1974-7. PubMed

Previous: Lee (2010), Yeh (2008)

“Tai Chi helps calm my digestive system.”

 

Evidence 

The evidence on Tai Chi for irritable bowel syndrome is preliminary. Although 14 randomized controlled trials have been done, they generally were small and of a preliminary nature. So more definitive trials are needed. 

 

References

  1. Zhou C, Zhao E, Li Y, Jia Y, Li F. Exercise therapy of patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2019 Feb;31(2):e13461. doi: 10.1111/nmo.13461. PubMed
  2. Wang W, Wang F, Fan F, Sedas AC, Wang J. Mind-Body Interventions for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients in the Chinese Population: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Behav Med. 2017 Apr;24(2):191-204. doi: 10.1007/s12529-016-9589-0. PubMed

“Tai Chi really helped my low back pain.”

 

Evidence 

The evidence on Tai Chi and low back pain is very good. All reviews noted that those who did Tai Chi had a marked change in their pain intensity and improved function. One noted Tai Chi was more effective in decreasing pain than either core training or physical therapy. There is now one guideline for low back pain that recommends Tai Chi.

 

References

  1. Qin J, Zhang Y, Wu L, He Z, Huang J, Tao J, Chen L. Effect of Tai Chi alone or as additional therapy on low back pain: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Sep;98(37):e17099. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000017099. PubMed
  2. Zou L, Zhang Y, Yang L, Loprinzi PD, Yeung AS, Kong J, Chen KW, Song W, Xiao T, Li H. Are Mindful Exercises Safe and Beneficial for Treating Chronic Lower Back Pain? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Clin Med. 2019 May 8;8(5):628. doi: 10.3390/jcm8050628.PubMed 
  3. Zhang Y, Loprinzi PD, Yang L, Liu J, Liu S, Zou L. The Beneficial Effects of Traditional Chinese Exercises for Adults with Low Back Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Medicina (Kaunas). 2019 Apr 29;55(5):118. doi: 10.3390/medicina55050118. PubMed
  4. Chou R, Deyo R, Friedly J, Skelly A, Hashimoto R, Weimer M, Fu R, Dana T, Kraegel P, Griffin J, Grusing S, Brodt ED. Nonpharmacologic Therapies for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review for an American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline. Ann Intern Med. 2017 Apr 4;166(7):493-505. doi: 10.7326/M16-2459. PubMed
  5. Yuan QL, Guo TM, Liu L, Sun F, Zhang YG. Traditional Chinese medicine for neck pain and low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2015;10(2):e0117146. PubMed

“Since I started Tai Chi I have better balance.”

 

Evidence 

The evidence on Tai Chi for multiple sclerosis is preliminary. Although two reviews have been done that report better balance, gait and flexibility, these have been early trials with small sample sizes and were of short duration. More definitive trials are needed. 

 

References

  1. Zou L, Wang H, Xiao Z, Fang Q, Zhang M, Li T, Du G, Liu Y. Tai chi for health benefits in patients with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review. PLoS One. 2017 Feb 9;12(2):e0170212. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170212. PubMed
  2. Taylor E, Taylor-Piliae RE. The effects of Tai Chi on physical and psychosocial function among persons with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review. Complement Ther Med. 2017 Apr;31:100-108. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2017.03.001. PubMed

“I no longer have pain in my knees.”

 

Evidence 

The evidence on Tai Chi for osteoarthritis of the knee is excellent. Trials and systematic reviews have now been published for over 20 years and there is consistent evidence that Tai Chi decreases pain and stiffness and increases function. There are now two clinical practice guidelines on osteoarthritis that include Tai Chi in their recommendations. 

 

References

  1. Hu L, Wang Y, Liu X, Ji X, Ma Y, Man S, Hu Z, Cheng J, Huang F. Tai Chi exercise can ameliorate physical and mental health of patients with knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil. 2021 Jan;35(1):64-79. doi: 10.1177/0269215520954343. PubMed
  2. Chang WD, Chen S, Lee CL, Lin HY, Lai PT. The Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on Improving Mind-Body Health for Knee Osteoarthritis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.2016:1813979. doi: 10.1155/2016/1813979. PubMed
  3. Ye J, Cai S, Zhong W, Cai S, Zheng Q. Effects of tai chi for patients with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review. J Phys Ther Sci 2014;26(7):1133-7. doi: 10.1589/jpts.26.1133. PubMed
  4. Shengelia R, Parker SJ, Ballin M, George T, Reid MC. Complementary therapies for osteoarthritis: are they effective? Pain Manag Nurs 2013;14(4):e274-88. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2012.01.001. PubMed
  5. Uthman OA, van der Windt DA, Jordan JL, Dziedzic KS, Healey EL, Peat GM, et al. Exercise for lower limb osteoarthritis: systematic review incorporating trial sequential analysis and network meta-analysis. BMJ 2013;347:f5555. doi: 10.1136/bmj.f5555. PubMed
  6. Lauche R, Langhorst J, Dobos G, Cramer H. A systematic review and meta-analysis of tai chi for osteoarthritis of the knee. Complement Ther Med 2013;21(4):396-406. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2013.06.001 PubMed
  7. Yan J, Gu W, Sun J, Zhang W, Li B, Pan L. Efficacy of tai chi on pain, stiffness and function in patients with osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis. PLoS One 2013;8(4):e61672. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061672. PubMed


Previous: Kang JW (2011), Escalante Y (2010), Selfe TK (2009), Hall (2009)

“After doing Tai Chi for a few years I regained some of the height I had lost after menopause.”

 

Evidence 

Evidence on Tai Chi and osteoporosis is fair. Early trials did not show a difference, but they included small numbers of people and were short-term. Some larger and longer trials did show that Tai Chi attenuates bone loss to some degree and can decrease pain. More confirmatory research is needed to more carefully assess the effect size. 

 

References

  1. Anupama DS, Norohna JA, Acharya KK, Ravishankar, George A. Effect of exercise on bone mineral density and quality of life among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis without fracture: A systematic review. Int J Orthop Trauma Nurs. 2020 Nov;39:100796. doi: 10.1016/j.ijotn.2020.100796. PubMed
  2. Zhang Y, Chai Y, Pan X, Shen H, Wei X, Xie Y. Tai chi for treating osteopenia and primary osteoporosis: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. Clin Interv Aging. 2019 Jan 3;14:91-104. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S187588. PubMed
  3. Liu F, Wang S. Effect of Tai Chi on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials. J Chin Med Assoc. 2017 Dec;80(12):790-795. doi: 10.1016/j.jcma.2016.06.010. PubMed
  4. Chow TH, Lee BY, Ang ABF, Cheung VYK, Ho MMC, Takemura S. The effect of Chinese martial arts Tai Chi Chuan on prevention of osteoporosis: A systematic review. J Orthop Translat. 2017 Jun 26;12:74-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jot.2017.06.001. PubMed
  5. Zou L, Wang C, Chen K, Shu Y, Chen X, Luo L, Zhao X. The Effect of Taichi Practice on Attenuating Bone Mineral Density Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017 Sep 1;14(9):1000. doi: 10.3390/ijerph14091000. PubMed
  6. Sun Z, Chen H, Berger MR, Zhang L, Guo H, Huang Y. Effects of tai chi exercise on bone health in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Osteoporos Int. 2016 Oct;27(10):2901-11. doi: 10.1007/s00198-016-3626-3. PubMed
  7. Wayne PM, Kiel DP, Krebs DE, Davis RB, Savetsky-German J, Connelly M, et al. The effects of tai chi on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a systematic review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2007;88(5):673-80. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2007.02.012. PubMed
  8. Chang TJ, Ting YT, Sheu SL, Chang HY. Effects of tai chi in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: a systematic review [article in Chinese]. Hu Li Za Zhi 2014;61(5):75-84. PubMed

Previous: Lee M (2008)

“I can move more easily with my Parkinson’s disease now.”

 

Evidence: There is excellent evidence that Tai Chi is effective when added to medical treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Reviews have consistently found that after doing Tai Chi, people with Parkinson’s disease have increased motor function and balance.  Most studies have found a decreased risk of falls and some have found an increased quality of life and less depression. As is typical these findings were stronger in the later, more definitive trials, than the early trials of short duration. How long these effects last if Tai Chi is stopped, has not yet been assessed. 

 

References 

  1. Yu X, Wu X, Hou G, Han P, Jiang L, Guo Q. The Impact of Tai Chi on Motor Function, Balance, and Quality of Life in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021 Jan 11;2021:6637612. doi: 10.1155/2021/6637612. PubMed
  2. Chen K, Tan Y, Lu Y, Wu J, Liu X, Zhao Y. Effect of Exercise on Quality of Life in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Parkinsons Dis. 2020 Jul 9;2020:3257623. doi: 10.1155/2020/3257623. PubMed
  3. Kedzior KK, Kaplan I. Tai Chi and Parkinson’s disease (PD): A systematic overview of the scientific quality of the past systematic reviews. Complement Ther Med. 2019 Oct;46:144-152. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.08.008. PubMed
  4. Song R, Grabowska W, Park M, Osypiuk K, Vergara-Diaz GP, Bonato P, Hausdorff JM, Fox M, Sudarsky LR, Macklin E, Wayne PM. The impact of Tai Chi and Qigong mind-body exercises on motor and non-motor function and quality of life in Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2017 Aug;41:3-13. doi: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2017.05.019. PubMed
  5. Ćwiękała-Lewis KJ, Gallek M, Taylor-Piliae RE. The effects of Tai Chi on physical function and well-being among persons with Parkinson’s Disease: A systematic review. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2017 Apr;21(2):414-421. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.06.007.PubMed
  6. Zhou J, Yin T, Gao Q, Yang XC. A meta-analysis on the efficacy of tai chi in patients with Parkinson’s disease between 2008 and 2014. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2015; 593263. PubMed
  7. Yang Y, Qiu WQ, Hao YL, Lv ZY, Jiao SJ, Teng JF. The efficacy of traditional Chinese medical exercise for Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2015;10(4):e0122469. PubMed
  8. Bega D, Gonzalez-Latapi P, Zadikoff C, Simuni T. A review of the clinical evidence for complementary and alternative therapies in Parkinson’s disease. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2014;16(10):1-19. PubMed
  9. Yang Y, Li X, Gong L, Zhu Y, Hao Y. Tai chi for improvement of motor function, balance and gait in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2014;9(7):e102942. PubMed
  10. Ni X, Liu S, Lu F, Shi X, Guo X. Efficacy and safety of tai chi for Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS One 2014;9(6):e99377. PubMed

 

Improves balance and decreases falls 

  1. Zhong D, Xiao Q, Xiao X, Li Y, Ye J, Xia L, Zhang C, Li J, Zheng H, Jin R. Tai Chi for improving balance and reducing falls: An overview of 14 systematic reviews. Ann Phys Rehabil Med. 2020 Nov;63(6):505-517. doi: 10.1016/j.rehab.2019.12.008. PubMed
  2. Liu HH, Yeh NC, Wu YF, Yang YR, Wang RY, Cheng FY. Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Reducing Falls and Improving Balance Performance in Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis. Parkinsons Dis. 2019 Feb 21;2019:9626934. doi: 10.1155/2019/9626934.PubMed
  3. Winser SJ, Tsang WW, Krishnamurthy K, Kannan P. Does Tai Chi improve balance and reduce falls incidence in neurological disorders? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil. 2018 Sep;32(9):1157-1168. doi: 10.1177/0269215518773442. PubMed

 

Quality of life 

  1. Fidan O, Seyyar GK, Aras B, Colak E, Aras O. The effect of Tai Chi and Qigong on health-related quality of life in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of systematic reviews. Int J Rehabil Res. 2019 Sep;42(3):196-204. doi: 10.1097/MRR.0000000000000358. PubMed

 

Psychological benefit and relief of depression

  1. Wu PL, Lee M, Huang TT. Effectiveness of physical activity on patients with depression and Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review. PLoS One. 2017 Jul 27;12(7):e0181515. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181515. PubMed
  2. Jin X, Wang L, Liu S, Zhu L, Loprinzi PD, Fan X. The Impact of Mind-body Exercises on Motor Function, Depressive Symptoms, and Quality of Life in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Dec 18;17(1):31. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17010031. PubMed
  3. Šumec R, Filip P, Sheardová K, Bareš M. Psychological benefits of nonpharmacological methods aimed for improving balance in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review. Behav Neurol 2015;2015:620674. PubMed

Previous: Lee MS (2008)

“I think I have less pain now from my rheumatoid arthritis.”

 

Evidence 

The evidence for Tai Chi and rheumatoid arthritis as adjunctive therapy is preliminary. It appears the trials were only 8-12 weeks, which may not have been enough time to show meaningful changes. The trials were small and of short duration (8-12 weeks) and although they did find less pain and increased function in the Tai Chi group compared to controls, the trials were often not blinded, which may be a source of bias. More definitive trials are needed. 



References

  1. Mudano AS, Tugwell P, Wells GA, Singh JA. Tai Chi for rheumatoid arthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Sep 25;9(9):CD004849. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004849.pub2. PubMed
  2. Macfarlane GJ, Paudyal P, Doherty M, Ernst E, Lewith G, MacPherson H, et al. A systematic review of evidence for the effectiveness of practitioner-based complementary and alternative therapies in the management of rheumatic diseases: rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2012;51(9):1707-13. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/kes133. PubMed

 

Previous: Lee (2007), Han (2004)

“Tai Chi has helped me recover from stroke.”

Evidence 

There is very good evidence that Tai Chi can decrease the risk factors of stroke and decrease the incidence of non-fatal stroke. There has been a lot of interest in Tai Chi for stroke rehabilitation with have 10 reviews published just in the last 4 years. There is excellent evidence that, in people who have had stroke, Tai Chi helps to improve their balance, function of their upper and lower limbs and increase their activities of daily living. There is some evidence it may also improve their mental health. In trials that compared Tai Chi with other mind-body therapies, Tai Chi was found to be better than pilates or yoga. 

 

References

 

Prevention

  1. Lauche R, Peng W, Ferguson C, Cramer H, Frawley J, Adams J, Sibbritt D. Efficacy of Tai Chi and qigong for the prevention of stroke and stroke risk factors: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Nov;96(45):e8517. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000008517.  PubMed (looked at 21 studies)
  2. Zheng G, Huang M, Liu F, Li S, Tao J, Chen L. Tai chi chuan for the primary prevention of stroke in middle-aged and elderly adults: a systematic review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2015; 2015:742152. PubMed (looked at 36 studies)

Rehabilitation

  1. Lyu D, Wang J, Yang F, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Liu H, Lyu X, Fang B. Effect of Tai Chi on post-stroke non-motor disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Rehabil. 2021 Jan;35(1):26-38. doi: 10.1177/0269215520951020. PubMed
  2. Walter AA, Van Puymbroeck M, Bosch P, Schmid AA. Complementary and integrative health interventions in post-stroke rehabilitation: a systematic PRISMA review. Disabil Rehabil. 2020 Oct 12:1-10. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1830440. PubMed
  3. Love MF, Sharrief A, Chaoul A, Savitz S, Beauchamp JES. Mind-Body Interventions, Psychological Stressors, and Quality of Life in Stroke Survivors. Stroke. 2019 Feb;50(2):434-440. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.118.021150. PubMed
  4. Wu S, Chen J, Wang S, Jiang M, Wang X, Wen Y. Effect of Tai Chi Exercise on Balance Function of Stroke Patients: A Meta-Analysis. Med Sci Monit Basic Res. 2018 Dec 3;24:210-215. doi: 10.12659/MSMBR.911951. PubMed
  5. Lyu D, Lyu X, Zhang Y, Ren Y, Yang F, Zhou L, Zou Y, Li Z. Tai Chi for Stroke Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Front Physiol. 2018 Jul 25;9:983. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00983. PubMed
  6. Zou L, Yeung A, Zeng N, Wang C, Sun L, Thomas GA, Wang H. Effects of Mind-Body Exercises for Mood and Functional Capabilities in Patients with Stroke: An Analytical Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Apr 11;15(4):721. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040721. PubMed
  7. Zou L, Yeung A, Li C, Chiou SY, Zeng N, Tzeng HM, Wang L, Ren Z, Dean T, Thomas GA. Effects of Mind⁻Body Movements on Balance Function in Stroke Survivors: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Jun 20;15(6):1292. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15061292. PubMed
  8. Zou L, Sasaki JE, Zeng N, Wang C, Sun L. A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis of Mindful Exercises on Rehabilitative Outcomes Among Poststroke Patients. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2018 Nov;99(11):2355-2364. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.04.010. PubMed
  9. Li Y, Zhang Y, Cui C, Liu Y, Lei M, Liu T, Meng L, Jin C. The effect of Tai Chi exercise on motor function and sleep quality in patients with stroke: A meta-analysis. Int J Nurs Sci. 2017 Jul 5;4(3):314-321. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2017.06.001. PubMed
  10. Ge L, Zheng QX, Liao YT, Tan JY, Xie QL, Rask M. Effects of traditional Chinese exercises on the rehabilitation of limb function among stroke patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2017 Nov;29:35-47. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.08.005. PubMed
  11. Chen BL, Guo JB, Liu MS, Li X, Zou J, Chen X, Zhang LL, Yue YS, Wang XQ. Effect of Traditional Chinese Exercise on Gait and Balance for Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One. 2015 Aug 20;10(8):e0135932. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135932. PubMed
  12. Ding M. Tai chi for stroke rehabilitation: a focused review. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2012;91(12):1091-6. PubMed

 

Previous: Rabadi (2011) 

GENERAL TOPICS

  1. Zou L, Xiao T, Cao C, Smith L, Imm K, Grabovac I, Waldhoer T, Zhang Y, Yeung A, Demurtas J, Veronese N, Ekelund U, Park Y, Yang L. Tai Chi for Chronic Illness Management: Synthesizing Current Evidence from Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Med. 2021 Feb;134(2):194-205.e12. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.08.015.

 

  1. Easwaran K, Gopalasingam Y, Green DD, Lach V, Melnyk JA, Wan C, Bartlett DJ. Effectiveness of Tai Chi for health promotion for adults with health conditions: a scoping review of Meta-analyses. Disabil Rehabil. 2020 Feb 18:1-12. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1725916. PubMed

BOOK: Wayne PM. The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi: 12 weeks to a healthy body, strong heart, and sharp mind. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications Inc; 2012.


REPORT: Harvard Medical School. An Introduction to Tai Chi. Harvard Health Publishing. (print or ebook)  Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/an-introduction-to-tai-chi

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

  1. Morris NR, Hill K, Walsh J, Sabapathy S. Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) position statement on exercise and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J Sci Med Sport. 2021 Jan;24(1):52-59. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2020.08.007. 

 

Fall prevention in older people

  1. Summary of the Updated American Geriatrics Society/British Geriatrics Society clinical practice guideline for prevention of falls in older persons J Am Geriatr Soc. 2011 Jan;59(1):148-57. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2010.03234.x.

Fibromyalgia

  • Langhorst J, Heldmann P, Henningsen P, Kopke K, Krumbein L, Lucius H, Winkelmann A, Wolf B, Häuser W. Komplementäre und alternative Verfahren beim Fibromyalgiesyndrom : Aktualisierte Leitlinie 2017 und Übersicht von systematischen Übersichtsarbeiten [Complementary and alternative procedures for fibromyalgia syndrome : Updated guidelines 2017 and overview of systematic review articles]. Schmerz. 2017 Jun;31(3):289-295. German. doi: 10.1007/s00482-017-0206-1.PubMed

Low back pain

  1. Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA; Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2017 Apr 4;166(7):514-530. doi: 10.7326/M16-2367. 

Osteoarthritis

  1. Kolasinski SL, Neogi T, Hochberg MC, Oatis C, Guyatt G, Block J, Callahan L, Copenhaver C, Dodge C, Felson D, Gellar K, Harvey WF, Hawker G, Herzig E, Kwoh CK, Nelson AE, Samuels J, Scanzello C, White D, Wise B, Altman RD, DiRenzo D, Fontanarosa J, Giradi G, Ishimori M, Misra D, Shah AA, Shmagel AK, Thoma LM, Turgunbaev M, Turner AS, Reston J. 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2020 Feb;72(2):149-162. doi: 10.1002/acr.24131.

 

  1. Brosseau L, Taki J, Desjardins B, Thevenot O, Fransen M, Wells GA, Imoto AM, Toupin-April K, Westby M, Gallardo ICÁ, Gifford W, Laferrière L, Rahman P, Loew L, Angelis G, Cavallo S, Shallwani SM, Aburub A, Bennell KL, Van der Esch M, Simic M, McConnell S, Harmer A, Kenny GP, Paterson G, Regnaux JP, Lefevre-Colau MM, McLean L. The Ottawa panel clinical practice guidelines for the management of knee osteoarthritis. Part one: introduction, and mind-body exercise programs. Clin Rehabil. 2017 May;31(5):582-595. doi: 10.1177/0269215517691083. PubMed



Dr. Patricia Huston

Dr. Patricia Huston

Dr. Huston has compiled the above research on the health benefits of tai chi.

BIO:  Dr. Huston studied anthropology at McGill, medicine at the University of Calgary and then did a Masters in Public Health at Harvard University. She has worked in preventive cardiology, immunization and respiratory infectious diseases and was the Editor-in Chief of the Canada Communicable Disease
Report for a number of years. Her current public health work is providing advisory support to the COVID-19 Evidence and Modelling Teams for the Public Health Agency of Canada. Her academic research is increasingly focused on the health effects of Tai Chi, its mechanism of action and the process of knowledge uptake. She has been practicing Tai Chi since 2013.