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.

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.

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].

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Effects of Tai Chi on telomerase activity and gerotranscendence in middle aged and elderly adults in Chinese society

Introduction:Telomeres are DNA protein structures at the end of chromosomes and are linked to the physical aging process.The improvement of quality of life is closely associated with aerobic exercise,and thedynamic effects of exerciseonphysiology and psychology are evident with aging.Tai Chi is popularly practiced in China.However,findings on the effects of Tai Chi on telomerase activity(TA)in peripheral blood mononuclear cells,and gerotranscendence(GT),as well as the association of TA and GT with Tai Chi,have been inconsistent.Purpose:This study aims to assess TA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells,GT,and the associations between them.The associations among these variables are determined during six months of Tai Chi intervention among Chinese middle aged and elderly adults.Methods:TA assessment was obtained by TE-ELISA(human telomeraseeenzyme linked immunosorbent assay),and GT was measured at the baseline level after six months of Tai Chi intervention.Results:TA increased significantly in the Tai Chi group from 23.75±3.78 u/mmol(preintervention)to 26.31±2.93 u/mmol(after 6 months)(p<0.05).Compared with the TA in the control group,the TA in the intervention group was statistically significant after six months(p<0.05).Compared with the GT in the control group,the GT in the intervention group improved significantly after six months(p<0.05).TA and GT had a positive correlation(r=0.325,p<0.01).Conclusion:Our data illustrated that Tai Chi had a protective effect on TA and might improve the GT in Chinese middle aged and elderly adults.The TA increased with the increasing GT in Chinese middle aged and elderly adults.

Meta-analysis of Tai chi's fall prevention effect in the elderly

Objective:This study was intended to assess the effect of Tai Chi on the prevention of fall among the elderly.Methods:Relevant randomized controlled trials published since inception up to 6 January 2019 were selected in the electronic databases(PubMed,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,EMBASE,CBM,CNKI and Wan fang).Two researchers independently screened the literature,extracted data and evaluated the literature quality.Publication bias was assessed by Forest plot,Begg's test and Egger's test.STATA 14.0 software was used to do meta-analysis on the relationship between TAI Chi and fall.This study was registered at international prospective register of systematic Reviews(number:CRD42019122958).Results:A total of 6 RCTs were included.The results showed that,the incidence of fall among the elderly in Tai Chi group is less than that of blank group[RR=0.44(0.21-0.90)],but no statistical difference in the comparison of Tai Chi plus education and education[RR=0.96(0.76-1.22)],which was also supported by subgroup analysis.Meanwhile,similar result also appeared in the comparison of Tai Chi group and education group[RR=0.73(0.51-1.06)].Conclusion:Tai Chi could reduce the incidence of falls among the elderly,but the effect of Tai Chi plus education/Tai Chi on the incidence of falls is consistent with education alone.Therefore,we should pay attention to fall-related education among the elderly.

On the Tai Chi Spatial Pattern in Ursula Le Guin＇s The Left Hand of Darkness

On the basis of Gabriel Zoran＇s theory of spatial pattern, particularly the 3 levels of world reconstruction, the pattern of narrative space in Ursula Le Guin＇s The Left Hand of Darkness is figured out. A spatial pattern of Tai Chi diagram is established on the textual level, the chronotopic level and the topographical level simultaneously. To demonstrate the validity of this Tai Chi spatial pattern, the stylistic feature of ＂shfgrethor＂ is analyzed in accordance with the Tai Chi spatial pattern, thereby proves the pattern＇s reliability. As an effect, this Tai Chi spatial pattern functions as Le Guin＇s fitting shape of carrier bag in science fiction containing both mythology and realist elements into a cyclic narrative.

Randomized control study in the influence of different training methods of Tai Chi on Chinese medicine constitution of international students with depression or depression tendency

Objective： To evaluate the effect of different training methods of Tai Chi on Chinese medicine constitution of international students with depression or depression tendency. Methods： Thirty-eight Africa international students were randomly divided into the physical exercise group who receiving the simple physical exercise of simplified 24-form Tai Chi （physical exercise group） and the breathing group who receiving both deep breathing method plus simple physical exercise （breathing group）. The average scores of Chinese medicine gentleness and various biased constitutional types in the two groups were compared. Results： The average score of thirty-eight students with biased constitution in both groups decreased significantly compared with that before training （P 〈 0.05）. Compared with that before training, the average scores of biased constitutional types in the breathing group, including Qi deficiency, Yang deficiency, phlegm-dampness and Qi stagnation, were significantly decreased （P 〈 0.05）. The average scores of Yang deficiency, blood stasis and Qi stagnation constitutional types of students in simple physical group after training were also significantly decreased after training （P 〈 0.05）. Moreover, the average scores of biased constitutional types, including Qi deficiency, Yang deficiency, Yin deficiency, phlegm and dampness, Qi-stagnation, in the breathing group were significantly lower than those of the simple exercise group, suggesting the superior therapeutic effect of breathing training method （P 〈 0.01）. Conclusion： When combines with the deep breathing method, Tai Chi training achieves better effect on improving the biased constitutional types which may be related to depression or depression tendency, including Qi deficiency, Yang deficiency, Yin deficiency, phlegm and dampness, Qi-stagnation.

The Situation Analysis on Cognitive Level and Participation of Tai Chi in the Institutes of Higher Learning

with the vigorous development of education, the requirement to the higher education, especially to the improving college students’ physical quality, should be higher and strict in the new stage. In the improvement of Sunshine Sports background, the institutes of higher learning began to spread Tai Chi widely, inheriting Chinese traditional culture and in the meanwhile, to improve students’ physical quality and healthy. However, according to their cognitive level and participation of Tai Chi, the limits still wide, which need a further improvement. Thus, this article will do analysis on the cognitive level and participation of Tai Chi in the institutes of higher learning, the main target people is these students. According to the reality, through various analysis method and calibration, we investigate the cognitive level and participation of Tai Chi in the higher education learners and confirm the defects and deficiency within. From this, we can see that cognitive level is not that high, and their participation is not enough, and the positivity to it is not so active. In a word, the wide and deep spread of Tai Chi will help their physical and metal both healthy,firming a base for the future.

The study of effects of tai chi chuan on physical health and mental health of college students

Tai chi chuan as a compulsory course of college sports elective courses, having a strong sense of Chinese traditional culture, is one kind of boxing which is most affected by Chinese traditional philosophy. In addition to having offensive and defensive skills, it also absorbs the Chinese classical philosophy, traditional Chinese meridian theory and theory of health keeping. Cultural connotation of Tai chi chuan helps harmonious campus culture and mental health education. After years of research, the theory and practice shows that ： health effects of tai chi chuan on college students have positive significance, including the physical health and mental health.

Management of Geriatric Low Back Pain with Tai Chi

Introduction:Chronic low back pain(cLBP)among older adults is a complex,biopsychosocial condition that despite research efforts and innovative interventions remains a prevalent,disabling and costly condition.This case highlights the use of tai chi(TC)for persistent geriatric LBP.Case Presentation:A 68-year-old Caucasian female with cLBP,neuromuscular imbalances,leg weakness and fall risk was treated with a walking program(aerobic),manual therapy(mobility),lumbar stabilization(strength)and group TC class(neuromuscular function).Discussion:Research validates TC for a variety of older adult health conditions,but few studies demonstrated effectiveness for cLBP.This case outlines the use of a simplified Yang-style TC for management of persistent geriatric LBP.Conclusion:The addition of group TC to standard treatment for cLBP resulted in improved functional outcomes,decreased pain ratings and improved leg strength,flexibility and balance as compared to standard treatment for cLBP.Following the group TC class the client reported significant self-perception of recovery,and these functional and confidence gains eliminated the need for physiotherapy services for cLBP for three subsequent years.Level of Evidence:Therapy,level 4.

Tai Chi:Let the Magic Carry You Away

"Unbelievable!"That’s what the crowd whispered in aweafter watching Tai Chi, a revolutionaryspectacular of acrobatics and kungfu, whichmade its debut in Shanghai in April.