Clinical research on Tai Chi:a review of health benefits

Tai Chi,a traditional Chinese martial art and health exercise,has gained significant global attention and recognition.The clinical benefits of Tai Chi have been studied extensively in recent decades.We conducted a systematic search of PubMed,Web of Science,EMBASE databases,and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure,identifying and reviewing 241 clinical trials on the benefits of Tai Chi from their inception to June 1,2023.Most of these studies have consistently demonstrated the positive impact of Tai Chi on balance,cognitive function,mood regulation,sleep quality,pain relief,cardiorespiratory function,and overall health.In the future,the key to fostering the ongoing development of this field lies in comprehensive research on standardized study designs and reporting,the scope of Tai Chi applications,and the core factors influencing its efficacy.

The Impact and Intervention of Handheld Tai Chi Water-Resistance Fitness Ball on Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Through the use of a survey and statistical methods, this study explores the effects and interventions of handheld Tai Chi water resistance fitness balls on the elderly with Parkinson’s disease. Firstly, a questionnaire on exercise compliance for patients with Parkinson’s disease was developed, and its reliability and validity were tested. Then, a survey was conducted to investigate the current status of exercise compliance among Parkinson’s disease patients, including general information, scoring status, and single and multiple factor analyses of influencing factors [1]. The results of the study show that through qualitative research, the dimensions and item pools of the questionnaire were initially constructed, and the reliability analysis of the questionnaire was conducted through Delphi expert consultation, with favorable results in terms of its reliability and validity [2]. Regarding the current status of exercise compliance among Parkinson’s disease patients, the study found that the level of exercise compliance needs improvement, and there are significant differences in exercise compliance levels among patients under different circumstances. Finally, the research results were discussed and conclusions were drawn. The innovation of this study lies in the development of a questionnaire on exercise compliance for patients with Parkinson’s disease and the preliminary qualitative research and Delphi expert consultation conducted on it, providing new ideas and methods for the study of exercise compliance. However, the study also has limitations as it did not examine the effects of other interventions on Parkinson’s disease, so further research should be conducted [3].

Effects of Tai Chi in diabetes patients: Insights from recent research

Tai Chi,a practice that combines elements of both exercise and mindfulness,offers a wide range of health benefits.The body of evidence concerning the impact of Tai Chi on diabetes has recently been growing.This editorial aims to provide a concise summary of the current state of evidence for Tai Chi's effects on individuals with type 2 diabetes(T2D).The review includes 3 randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and 5 systematic reviews and meta-analyses,all of which investigate the effectiveness of Tai Chi on various health outcomes in individuals with T2D.Tai Chi demonstrates a significant effect to enhance glycemic control,lower blood pressure,improve serum lipid profiles,reduce insulin resistance,positively influence obesity-related indices,and improve overall quality of life in individuals with T2D.However,it is noteworthy that recent RCTs have reported inconsistent findings regarding the effects of Tai Chi on glycemic control and insulin resistance.The author also delves into potential mechanisms by which Tai Chi may exert its influence on the human body.Finally,the editorial highlights the critical issues that warrant further exploration in the future.

2024 World Tai Chi Day in Singapore

On April 27,the World Tai Chi Day-Tai Chi lecture and experience event,sponsored by China Cultural Center in Singapore and supported by the Bank of China Singapore Branch,ICBC Singapore Branch,Singapore International Wushu Cultural Centre,and Singapore Youth Culture&Arts Centre,was successfully held at China Cultural Center in Singapore.

2024 World Tai Chi Day in Malta

April 27 coincided with 2024 World Tai Chi Day.The Spring Temple Fair organized by China Cultural Center in Malta in Jingyuan,a classical Chinese garden located in Santa Lucjia,Malta,attracted more than 1,ooo Maltese people to enjoy Tai Chi performances,Hanfu show,Chinese folk music and song and dance performances,to appreciate the Chinese calligraphy,tea art and Chinese food,achieving in having them immerse themselves in the unique charm of the Chinese culture.

Effects of 16-week Tai Chi intervention on postural stability and associated physiological factors in older people

Objectives:To examine the effects of 16-week Tai Chi(TC) training on postural stability and associated physiological factors in older subjects,forty elderly individuals(aged ≥ 60 years) living in the community were randomly placed into either the TC intervention group(n=22) or the control group(n=18).The former underwent a supervised TC exercise program for 16 weeks,while the latter received general education for a comparable time period.Measurements:Postural stability was assessed by timed stance tests in single-leg stance with the eyes open(SLO) or closed(SLC),and tandem stance with the eyes closed(TSC).Proprioceptive function was evaluated by measuring ankle and knee kinesthesia.The maximum concentric strength of the knee flexors and extensors,ankle plantarflexors and dorsiflexors was measured by isokinetic dynamometer.Moreover,the reaction time of different muscles in the lower extremity was also examined by measuring the onset latency of the muscles to perturbations on the ankle joint using an electromyography system.Results:After the 16-week TC intervention,significant TC training effects were gained on knee kinesthesia,knee flexor strength,latency of semitendinous muscle,and postural stability in SLO.For the other measures,no significant training effects were found.Conclusions:The 16-week TC intervention was found to be beneficial for the improvement of postural stability and associated physiological factors.However,there are discrepancies in TC training effects on different factors in the sensorimotor system.

Effects of Tai Ji Quan training on gait kinematics in older Chinese women with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Although Tai Ji Quan has been shown to relieve pain and improve functional mobility in people with knee osteoarthritis(OA), little is known about its potential benefits on gait characteristics among older Chinese women who have a high prevalence of both radiographic and symptomatic knee OA. This study aims to assess the efficacy of a tailored Tai Ji Quan intervention on gait kinematics for older Chinese women with knee OA.Methods: A randomized controlled trial involving 46 older women in Shanghai, China, with clinically diagnosed knee OA. Randomized(1:1)participants received either a 60 min Tai Ji Quan session(n = 23) 3 times weekly or a 60 min bi-weekly educational session(n = 23) for 24 weeks.Primary outcomes were changes in gait kinematic measures from baseline to 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes included changes in scores on the Western Ontario and Mc Master University Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC) and Short Physical Performance Battery(SPPB).Results: After 24 weeks the Tai Ji Quan group demonstrated better performance in gait velocity(mean difference, 8.40 cm/s, p = 0.01), step length(mean difference, 3.52 cm, p = 0.004), initial contact angle(mean difference, 2.19°, p = 0.01), and maximal angle(mean difference, 2.61°,p = 0.003) of flexed knees during stance phase compared to the control group. In addition, the Tai Ji Quan group showed significant improvement in WOMAC scores(p < 0.01)(mean difference,-4.22 points in pain, p = 0.002;-2.41 points in stiffness, p < 0.001;-11.04 points in physical function, p = 0.006) and SPPB scores(mean difference, 1.22 points, p < 0.001).Conclusion: Among older Chinese women with knee OA, a tailored Tai Ji Quan intervention improved gait outcomes. The intervention also improved overall function as indexed by the WOMAC and SPPB. These results support the use of Tai Ji Quan for older Chinese adults with knee OA to both improve their functional mobility and reduce pain symptomatology.

The effect of Tai Chi intervention on balance in older males

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a 24-week Tai Chi exercise intervention on balance and other physical changes such as flexibility and reaction time(RT)among healthy older males.Methods:Thirty-eight male subjects aged 55-65 years without prior Tai Chi experience were recruited from a local community in Shanghai,China.A 60-min Tal Chi exercise session was performed three times a week for 24 weeks.Changes in RT,sit-and-reach flexibility and balance (static balance with eyes open and closed respectively)were measured before and after the Tal Chi intervention.Results:After the 24-week Tai Chi intervention,the choice RT(P ＜ 0.05)decreased,and sit-and-reach flexibility improved (P ＜ 0.01)over the pre-test(7.8 ±6.2 vs.7.1 ±3.0cm).Sway length,area,X-axis deviation amplitude and Y-axis deviation amplitude performance decreased significantly after the intervention with a double-foot stance with eyes open(P ＜ 0.05).Sway length,area and average sway speed showed a statistically significant decrease after the intervention with the double-foot stance with eyes closed.In the single-footstance with eyes open condition,sway length and average swayspeed showed a statistically significant decrease(P＜0.05).Conclusion:The 24-week Tai Chi exercise intervention had a positive influence on balance control in older males.Copyright(C)2012,Shanghai University of Sport.Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.All rights reserved.

The effect of Tai Chi exercise on motor function and sleep quality in patients with stroke:A meta-analysis

Objective:The meta-analysis is to objectively evaluate the efficacy of Tai Chi exercise for motor function and sleep quality in patients with stroke.Methods:Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)about the effects of Tai Chi versus a non-exercise or conventional rehabilitation exercise control group on motor function and sleep quality in patients with stroke were searched from multiple electronic databases(PubMed,Web of Science,the Cochrane Library,EMBASE,AMED,CBM,CNKI,Wanfang and VIP)until August 2016.Two investigators independently screened eligible studies,extracted data,and assessed the methodological quality by using the quality evaluation criteria for RCTs recommended by Cochrane Handbook.Then meta-analysis was performed by RevMan5.3 software.Results:A total of 17 RCTs with 1209 participants were included.The meta-analysis indicated that there was a significant difference on improving the balance function(P<0.001)and ability of daily activity(P=0.0003)of patients with stroke between Tai Chi group and control group.However,no significant effect was found on Tai Chi for walking function and sleep quality(P>0.05).Conclusion:Tai Chi exercise can significantly improve the balance function and ability of daily activities of patients with stroke,and there are no significant differences in walking function and sleep quality.Therefore,lots of multicenter,large-sample,higher quality randomized controlled trials are needed to verify the effects of Tai Chi exercise in improving walking function and sleep quality for patients with stroke.

Effects of Tai Chi Chuan training on cellular immunity in post-surgical non-small cell lung cancer survivors:A randomized pilot trial

Background： Although emerging evidence points to benefits from Tai Chi Chuan （TCC） in improving immune system function, its effects on cellular immune responses remain under-studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of TCC training on cellular immunity in non-small cell lung cancer patients. Methods： A 2-group randomized trial design in which post-surgical, non-small cell lung cancer survivors were randomly assigned to a TCC training group （n = 16） or a control group （n = 16）. The participants in the TCC group completed a 16-week intervention. The main immune response outcome measures assayed included the ratio of T-helper cells/T-suppressor cells （CD4＋：CD8＋ ratio） and complement regulatory proteins status （CRPs; CD55 and CD59）. Using repeated measures ANOVA, the data were analyzed for the participants who completed the study （n = 27）. Results： At 16 weeks, the TCC participants showed a significantly lower increment in the expression of CD55 （p 〈 0.05） as compared to the control group. No significant between-group differences were found in the CD4＋：CD8＋ ratio or CD59 expression. There were also no significant correlations among the changes in CRPs or T lymphocyte subpopulations, either. Conclusion： A 16-week TCC intervention caused no alterations in CD4＋：CD8＋ ratio, but significantly attenuated CD55 expression among post- surgical non-small cell lung cancer survivors.

Tai Chi in Parkinson’s Disease: A Preliminary Randomized, Controlled, and Rater-Blinded Study

Background: Given the limited benefits of current treatments for Parkinson’s disease (PD), inter-ventions that might provide supplementary benefits would be of value. The traditional Chinese medicine practice of Tai Chi has been said to improve some aspects of PD, particularly imbalance. Methods: Preliminary randomized, controlled, and rater-blinded clinical trial of Tai Chi, focusing on its effects on global motor, daily function, mood and quality of life. Subjects continued their standard medical therapy and were randomly assigned to Tai Chi (16 weekly classes, expert trainer, practice at home between classes) or no Tai Chi (control group) in a 2:1 ratio. The primary outcome measure was the total motor score of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and this was scored by an experienced rater who was blinded to the treatment assignment. The same rater scored the Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living Scale. The patient-completed Geriatric Depression Scale, PD (quality of life) Questionnaire-39, and fall diary were also analyzed. Results: 44 subjects participated with 29 assigned to Tai Chi and 15 serving as controls. Tai Chi was well-tolerated. Seven subjects withdrew prior to completion (2 from Tai Chi, 5 from control). We found no significant difference between treatment groups in the change in scores from baseline to end of intervention for any of the scales. Trends toward a benefit of Tai Chi were observed for individual UPDRS items (depression, finger tapping, hand movements, posture). Conclusions: Tai Chi does not appear to improve global measures in patients with PD. The practice may have benefits for PD, but these appear to be largely restricted to specific motor tasks and perhaps mood rather than being a global functional response. More study is needed to clarify and establish efficacy.

The association between Tai Chi exercise and safe driving performance among older adults： An observational study

Background: Age-related cognitive and physical decline can impair safe driving performance. Tai Chi exercise benefits cognitive and physical function and may influence safe driving performance in older adults. The primary aim of this observational study was to compare cognitive processes and physical function related to safe driving performance among older adult Tai Chi practitioners to normative reference values.Secondary aims were to examine relationships between Tai Chi exercise habits, cognitive processes, and physical function related to safe driving performance and to explore potential predictors of safe driving performance.Methods: The Driving Health Inventory, the Driving Scenes Test, other driving-related cognitive and physical measures, and self-reported measures including the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale(MAAS) and the Vitality Plus Scale(VPS) were collected from current Tai Chi practitioners(n = 58; age 72.9 ± 5.9 years, mean ± SD) with median >3 years Tai Chi practice.Results: Compared to normative reference values, participants performed better on numerous cognitive measures including the Driving Scenes Test(p < 0.001, d = 1.63), maze navigation(p = 0.017, d = 0.27), the Useful Field of View Test(p < 0.001, r = 0.15), and on physical measures including the Rapid Walk Test(p < 0.001, r = 0.20), and the Right Foot Tapping Test,(p < 0.001, r = 0.35). Participants scored higher than normative reference values on MAAS and VPS(p < 0.001, d = 0.75; p = 0.002, d = 0.38, respectively). Statistically significant correlations were found between several study measures. The digit span backward test was the strongest predictor of safe driving performance(β = 0.34,p = 0.009).Conclusion: Tai Chi exercise has the potential to impact cognitive processes and physical function related to safe driving performance. Further study using randomized controlled trials, structured Tai Chi exercise doses, and driving simulator or on-road driving performance as outcome measures are warranted.

Comparing the rhythm and frequency of heart,breathing and knee movement in Tai Chi Chuan

Background:The basic exercise involved in TCC is a series of individual movements that are linked together in a continuous manner and that flow smoothly from one movement to another.Deep breathing and mental concentration are also required to achieve harmony

Tai Chi:a new star for the administration of chronic diseases?

Tai Chi Quan(Tai Chi),a traditional Chinese martial art,has become increasingly popular in western countries.Tai Chi integrates deep diaphragmatic breathing with body movements to achieve a harmonious balance between the body and mind,which facilitates the flow of internal energy(Qi).An increasing number of studies have reported that Tai Chi significantly benefits aerobic capacity,muscular strength,balance,and psychological well-being.In addition,Tai Chi offers unique advantages for physical fitness and the treatment of chronic diseases.This paper reviews the existing literatures on Tai Chi,introduces its health-promotion effects and the potential clinical applications,and summarizes recent studies that prove Tai Chi is safe and effective for patients with neurological diseases,rheumatological diseases,musculoskeletal diseases,cardiovascular diseases,chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases,and cancers.After reviewing the literatures in this field,we conclude that the long-term results of practicing Tai Chi may benefit the cardiovascular system,motor system,respiratory system,and nervous system.However,the potential role and mechanism of Tai Chi has not yet been determined.Further studies with long follow-up periods are necessary to meet the standards of clinical applications.

Current trends in tai chi for stroke rehabilitation

Background:There are an increasing number of studies focusing on the effect of tai chi for different diseases.As a special form of physical activity,tai chi may be beneficial for the rehabilitation of stroke,a leading cause of disability worldwide.Objective:This review summarizes the existing literature on the potential benefits of tai chi for stroke rehabilitation and offers recommendations for future research.Methods:Studies on the biomechanics and physiology of tai chi for stroke rehabilitation are reviewed.Research on tai chi for stroke rehabilitation and related diseases are summarized.Finally,the shortcomings of existing studies and recommendations for future studies are discussed.Conclusions:Tai chi appears to be beneficial for stroke rehabilitation.But reporting quality of existing studies are sub-optimal.Future trials should define tai chi style,apply rigorous methodology to sample size calculation,randomization,recruiting criteria,and outcome measures.To avoid inadequacies during the research and reporting processes,investigators may wish to follow CONSORT guidelines and refer to well-conducted clinical studies on tai chi.

Effects of Tai Chi on health outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:To explore the effects and dose-response relationship of Tai Chi for type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and to evaluate the methodological quality of the included trials and evidence quality of the outcomes.Methods:Nine major English and Chinese databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of Tai Chi for T2DM from inception to December 2021.The effects and dose-response relationships were assessed with a meta-analysis and meta-regression using Stata.16.The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the risk of bias tool.The evidence quality of the outcomes was assessed using the GRADE tool.Results:A total of 24 studies with 1314 patients were included.Compared with the usual care,Tai Chi improved HbA1c(MD¼0.80%,95%CI[1.05,0.54],P<.001,I2¼18.29%,very low-quality evidence),FBG(SMD¼0.58,95%CI[0.86,0.31],P<.001,I2¼53.2%,low-quality evidence),fasting insulin(FIN),diastolic blood pressure,BMI,and the outcomes of quality of life(QoL)in patients with T2DM.However,when Tai Chi was compared with other exercise,there was no between-group difference in the HbA1c,FBG,TC,TG,HDL,LDL,BMI,and waist circumference(WC).Furthermore,the findings showed that an increase at every 18 weeks in length or an 823-h increase in the total time of Tai Chi intervention resulted in approximately a one unit reduction in the SMD of FBG.Conclusion:Compared with usual care,Tai Chi may improve HbA1c(with clinical significance),FBG,FIN,BMI,diastolic blood pressure,and outcomes of QoL in T2DM patients.The effects of Tai Chi were similar to those of other exercises on the HbA1c,FBG,TC,TG,HDL,LDL,BMI,and WC.Given the overall poor methodological quality and evidence quality,these findings should be treated cautiously.

Making Sense of an Ancient Discipline in a Modern Time:How Tai Chi(太极)Practice Benefits the Body-Mind

Tai chi(太极)is an ancient Chinese traditional martial art that,today,is also practiced as a graceful and multifaceted form of exercise.It involves a series of movements performed in a slow,focused manner accompanied by deep breathing and expanded awareness of the body,mind,and surrounding environment.There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice has value in treating or preventing many health problems and you can get started even if you are not in top shape or the best of health.This paper is a review of the research that has been conducted internationally on the health-enhancing aspects of Tai Chi practice over the past few years.It is not possible to cover all areas of research in one paper;therefore,three important areas are chosen and discussed,namely,improving balance,strengthening the bones,reducing pain and the rest will be referred to in a future article.

Gait, posture and transfer assessment among elderly practitioners and non-practitioners of Tai Chi Chuan

Falls may be devastating events among elderly people. Tai Chi Chuan is a type of moderate sports exercise that demonstrates improvements in balance, gait and posture. The aim here was to assess the influence of this method on the balance, gait and posture of healthy active elderly people. A controlled cross-sectional study was conducted on 76 volunteers, divided into two groups: 51 volunteers Tai Chi Chuan group mean age 76.8 years and 25 volunteers control group mean age 70.3 years. Both groups underwent the Modified Clinical Test on Sensory Interaction for Balance (mCTSIB), Walking Test (WT), Sit-to-Stand Transfer Test (SSTT) and Unipedal Assessment Test (UT), using the Neurocom Balance Master system. Result: In conditions Static balance tests: the mCTSIB-Tai-Chi Group had a lower sway velocity (°/s) on a firm surface with eyes open and medio-lateral direction, Foam Surface with eyes open medio-lateral and anteroposterior direction. Unilateral Stance Tai-Chi Group had a lower mean sway velocity (°/s) with open eyes (right and left), but with eyes closed. The Control Group showed a lower sway velocity. Under Dynamic Balance: Walk Across Test Tai-Chi Group presented a walking speed greater than the Control Group. In Sit to Stand Transfer Test, Tai-Chi Group showed a better index rising to lift up and lower oscillation in the final standing position. Conclusion: The Tai Chi Group was shown to be a protection factor for preserving and maintaining the static and dynamic positions of posture and gait.

A Pilot Study to Assess the Effects of Tai Chi on Health Indicators in Type 1 Diabetes Patients

Objective: Previous studies have shown that Tai Chi may have a role in the management of type 2 diabetes. However, to date, no studies have focused specifically on the effects of Tai Chi in people with type 1 diabetes. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of a Tai Chi program on health indicators in adults with type 1 diabetes. Methods: This was a two-group quasi-randomised controlled trial with 13 participants (six men and seven women, aged 24 - 63 years) with type 1 diabetes. This trial was conducted from May to November 2016. The intervention group attended Tai Chi exercise training for 1 to 1.5 hours, twice a week for 12 weeks, and the control group continued with their usual medical care. Indicators of glycaemic control (HbA1c), depressive symptoms, physical measures (body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure and leg strength), and health-related quality of life (physical and mental components summary scores) were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks’ post-intervention. Results: There were significant or borderline significant between-group differences in changes over time in favour of the intervention group in depressive symptoms (p Conclusion: In conclusion, there were improvements in mental health and leg strength in these adults with type 1 diabetes. Large studies are needed to further investigate the effects of Tai Chi in people with Type 1 diabetes.

Investigating the circulatory-respiratory response of elderly people during Tai Chi Yuttari-exercise

The purpose of this study was to examine the circulatory-respiratory dynamics in elderly people during Tai Chi Yuttari-exercise. The subjects were females with an average age of 74 years who had been continuously practicing Tai Chi Yuttari-exercise for at least six months. The heart rate and blood pressure were measured before and after the subjects performed four different versions of Tai Chi Yuttari-exercise. The perceived exertion was evaluated using the Borg scale. The respiratory rate, oxygen uptake and respiratory quotient (RQ) were measured using an expired gas analyzer. The results showed an increase in heart rate during exercise, but confirmed that the rise in HR was below the safety limit. The blood pressure tended to be low post-exercise. Regarding perceived exertion, the maximum heart-lungs Borg scale response was 9 (very light). A slight increase in the respiratory rate was observed while exercising, but no abnormal breathing patterns were observed. The average metabolic equivalents (METs) of the exercise ranged from 1.34 to 1.87, and the average RQ ranged from 0.82 to 0.90. The circulatory-respiratory dynamics observed in this study verified that elderly females with an average age of 70 years could safely perform the Tai Chi Yuttari-exercise. This study helped obtain basic data for expanding the indications for this exercise.