Wellness Tai Chi

Maximize The Benefits of Tai Chi

In recent years, studies have shown that taking up tai chi may be beneficial to people with certain health conditions.

In a research review published in Canadian Family Physician in 2016, for example, researchers analyzed previously published studies and found "excellent evidence" that tai chi appears to helpful for Parkinson's disease, osteoarthritis, preventing falls, improving cognitive function in older adults, and rehabilitation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Here's a look at several key findings from the available research on tai chi and its potential health benefits:

Cognitive Functioning

For a research review published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society in 2014, investigators sized up 20 previously published studies testing the effects of tai chi on cognitive function in older adults. The reviewed studies demonstrated that tai chi may have beneficial effects on cognitive function, particularly in older adults without existing cognitive impairment. The effect size in adults without cognitive impairment was large compared to no intervention and moderate when compared to exercise.

Preventing Falls in Older Adults

Tai chi may help older adults improve their balance and prevent falls, according to a research review published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society. In their analysis of 10 previously published studies, the review's authors found that tai chi practiced for 12 to 26 weeks one to three times weekly reduced the incidence of falls by 43 percent (compared to other interventions) in those who were followed for 12 months or less. There was no effect of tai chi on the time until an older adult first has a fall.

Parkinson's Disease

Tai chi might benefit people with Parkinson's disease, suggests a research review published in Clinical Rehabilitation in 2018. After reviewing 10 previously published studies, the authors found that tai chi significantly reduced falls in people with Parkinson's disease and stroke. Tai chi also improved balance in those with Parkinson's disease.

More Benefits

Emerging research suggests that tai chi may also help treat several other health conditions, including back pain and cancer-related fatigue.

There's also some evidence that tai chi may be an effective cardiac rehabilitation method for people with chronic heart failure. There are tons of other benefits.............