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Tiffany Field - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Tai Chi research review
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2011Co-Authors: Tiffany FieldAbstract:This review briefly summarizes recent Tai Chi research on physical benefits including balance and muscle strength and psychological benefits including attentiveness, sleep and anxiety. Cardiovascular changes following Tai Chi include decreased heart rate and blood pressure, increased vagal activity and decreased cholesterol. Pain syndromes that have been affected include fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Autoimmune and immune conditions recently researched and reviewed here include osteoporosis, diabetes and HIV. Methodological problems with this research include the variability in forms (series of postures) used across studies as well as the intensity of the Tai Chi schedule. Further, most of the studies are based on within group changes rather than attention control group comparisons. Nonetheless, significant clinical improvements have been noted.
Chenchen Wang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Effects of Tai Chi versus Physical Therapy on Mindfulness in Knee Osteoarthritis
Mindfulness, 2017Co-Authors: Augustine C. Lee, William F. Harvey, John B. Wong, Lori Lyn Price, Xingyi Han, Mei Chung, Jeffrey B. Driban, Lucas P. K. Morgan, Nani L. Morgan, Chenchen WangAbstract:Tai Chi mind–body exercise is widely believed to improve mindfulness through incorporating meditative states into physical movements. A growing number of studies indicate that Tai Chi may improve health in knee osteoarthritis (OA), a chronic pain disease and a primary cause of global disability. However, little is known about the contribution of mindfulness to treatment effect of Tai Chi practice. Therefore, our purpose was to investigate the effect of Tai Chi mind–body practice compared to physical therapy (PT) on mindfulness in knee OA. Adults with radiographic-confirmed, symptomatic knee OA were randomized to 12 weeks (twice weekly) of either Tai Chi or PT. Participants completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) before and after intervention along with commonly used patient-reported outcomes for pain, physical function, and other health-related outcomes. Among 86 participants (74% female, 48% white, mean age 60 years, 85% at least college educated), mean total FFMQ was 142 ± 17. Despite substantial improvements in pain, function, and other health-related outcomes, each treatment group’s total FFMQ did not significantly change from baseline (Tai Chi = 0.76, 95% CI −2.93, 4.45; PT = 1.80, 95% CI −2.33, 5.93). The difference in total FFMQ between Tai Chi and PT was not significant (−1.04 points, 95% CI −6.48, 4.39). Mindfulness did not change after Tai Chi or PT intervention in knee OA, which suggests that Tai Chi may not improve health in knee OA through cultivating mindfulness. Further study is needed to identify underlying mechanisms of effective mind–body interventions among people with knee OA.
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Tai Chi and Rheumatic Diseases
Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America, 2010Co-Authors: Chenchen WangAbstract:Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia consist of complex interplay between psychological and biologic aspects. Many patients with these chronic rheumatic illnesses experience high levels of pain and psychological distress that are incompletely relieved by current pharmacologic or physical interventions. Tai Chi, a complex multi-component mind-body therapy, may be particularly applicable for promoting overall quality of life for patients with these chronic rheumatic conditions. Over the past two decades, clinical trials and observational studies have provided encouraging evidence that Tai Chi, both short and long-term, has great benefits for patients with a variety of chronic conditions. As a form of physical exercise, Tai Chi enhances cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, balance, coordination, and physical function. In addition, Tai Chi appears to be associated with improvements in psychological well-being including reduced stress, anxiety, depression and mood disturbance, and increased self-esteem. Thus, despite the noted limitations in the evidence, and the need for further methodologically rigorous studies, Tai Chi mind-body exercise can be safely recommended to patients with OA and FM as a primary form of treatment, or an adjective therapy for RA and its comorbidities to promote both physical and psychological wellbeing. Further exploring the mechanisms of successful mind-body medicine is important to better inform clinical decision-making for our rheumatic patients.
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A randomized trial of Tai Chi for fibromyalgia.
The New England journal of medicine, 2010Co-Authors: Chenchen Wang, Christopher H Schmid, Ramel Rones, Robert A Kalish, Janeth Yinh, Don L Goldenberg, Timothy E McalindonAbstract:Previous research has suggested that Tai Chi offers a therapeutic benefit in patients with fibromyalgia. We conducted a single-blind, randomized trial of classic Yang-style Tai Chi as compared with a control intervention consisting of wellness education and stretChing for the treatment of fibromyalgia (defined by American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria). Sessions lasted 60 minutes each and took place twice a week for 12 weeks for each of the study groups. The primary end point was a change in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) score (ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms) at the end of 12 weeks. Secondary end points included summary scores on the physical and mental components of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). All assessments were repeated at 24 weeks to test the durability of the response. Of the 66 randomly assigned patients, the 33 in the Tai Chi group had clinically important improvements in the FIQ total score and quality of life. Mean (+/-SD) baseline and 12-week FIQ scores for the Tai Chi group were 62.9+/-15.5 and 35.1+/-18.8, respectively, versus 68.0+/-11 and 58.6+/-17.6, respectively, for the control group (change from baseline in the Tai Chi group vs. change from baseline in the control group, -18.4 points; P<0.001). The corresponding SF-36 physical-component scores were 28.5+/-8.4 and 37.0+/-10.5 for the Tai Chi group versus 28.0+/-7.8 and 29.4+/-7.4 for the control group (between-group difference, 7.1 points; P=0.001), and the mental-component scores were 42.6+/-12.2 and 50.3+/-10.2 for the Tai Chi group versus 37.8+/-10.5 and 39.4+/-11.9 for the control group (between-group difference, 6.1 points; P=0.03). Improvements were mainTained at 24 weeks (between-group difference in the FIQ score, -18.3 points; P<0.001). No adverse events were observed. Tai Chi may be a useful treatment for fibromyalgia and merits long-term study in larger study populations. (Funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00515008.)
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a randomized trial of Tai Chi for fibromyalgia
The New England Journal of Medicine, 2010Co-Authors: Chenchen Wang, Christopher H Schmid, Ramel Rones, Robert A Kalish, Janeth Yinh, Don L Goldenberg, Timothy E McalindonAbstract:Background Previous research has suggested that Tai Chi offers a therapeutic benefit in patients with fibromyalgia. Methods We conducted a single-blind, randomized trial of classic Yang-style Tai Chi as compared with a control intervention consisting of wellness education and stretChing for the treatment of fibromyalgia (defined by American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria). Sessions lasted 60 minutes each and took place twice a week for 12 weeks for each of the study groups. The primary end point was a change in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) score (ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms) at the end of 12 weeks. Secondary end points included summary scores on the physical and mental components of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). All assessments were repeated at 24 weeks to test the durability of the response. Results Of the 66 randomly assigned patients, the 33 in the Tai Chi group had clinically important improvements in the FIQ total score and quality of life. Mean (±SD) baseline and 12-week FIQ scores for the Tai Chi group were 62.9±15.5 and 35.1±18.8, respectively, versus 68.0±11 and 58.6±17.6, respectively, for the control group (change from baseline in the Tai Chi group vs. change from baseline in the control group, −18.4 points; P<0.001). The corresponding SF-36 physical-component scores were 28.5±8.4 and 37.0±10.5 for the Tai Chi group versus 28.0±7.8 and 29.4±7.4 for the control group (between-group difference, 7.1 points; P = 0.001), and the mentalcomponent scores were 42.6±12.2 and 50.3±10.2 for the Tai Chi group versus 37.8±10.5 and 39.4±11.9 for the control group (between-group difference, 6.1 points; P = 0.03). Improvements were mainTained at 24 weeks (between-group difference in the FIQ score, −18.3 points; P<0.001). No adverse events were observed. Conclusions Tai Chi may be a useful treatment for fibromyalgia and merits long-term study in larger study populations. (Funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00515008.)
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A randomized trial of Tai Chi for fibromyalgia.
The New England Journal of Medicine, 2010Co-Authors: Chenchen Wang, Christopher H Schmid, Ramel Rones, Robert A Kalish, Janeth Yinh, Don L Goldenberg, Timothy E McalindonAbstract:Background Previous research has suggested that Tai Chi offers a therapeutic benefit in patients with fibromyalgia. Methods We conducted a single-blind, randomized trial of classic Yang-style Tai Chi as compared with a control intervention consisting of wellness education and stretChing for the treatment of fibromyalgia (defined by American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria). Sessions lasted 60 minutes each and took place twice a week for 12 weeks for each of the study groups. The primary end point was a change in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) score (ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms) at the end of 12 weeks. Secondary end points included summary scores on the physical and mental components of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). All assessments were repeated at 24 weeks to test the durability of the response. Results Of the 66 randomly assigned patients, the 33 in the Tai Chi group had clinically important improvements in the FIQ total score and quality of life. Mean (±SD) baseline and 12-week FIQ scores for the Tai Chi group were 62.9±15.5 and 35.1±18.8, respectively, versus 68.0±11 and 58.6±17.6, respectively, for the control group (change from baseline in the Tai Chi group vs. change from baseline in the control group, −18.4 points; P
Peter M. Wayne - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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functional benefits of Tai Chi training in senior housing facilities
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2014Co-Authors: Brad Manor, Peter M. Wayne, Matt Lough, Margaret Gagnon, Adrienne L Cupples, Lewis A LipsitzAbstract:OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of Tai Chi training on functional performance and walking with and without the addition of the performance of a cognitive task, in older adults living in supportive housing facilities. DESIGN: Secondary data analysis comparing a single-blind, randomized controlled trial of Tai Chi training with an attention-matched educational control intervention with crossover to Tai Chi. SETTING: Two supportive housing facilities. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-six men and women living in supportive housing facilities entered the study, and 57 aged 87 ± 7 completed all study procedures. INTERVENTION: Interventions consisted of two 1-hour-long instructor-led group sessions per week for 12 weeks. Tai Chi training consisted of movements based upon the Yang-style short form. Educational sessions consisted of lectures and discussions of age-related health topics. MEASUREMENTS: Subjects were tested for physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery, SPPB), balance (Berg Balance Scale, BBS), mobility (timed up-and-go, TUG), and walking speed under normal and cognitive dual-task conditions. RESULTS: The Tai Chi group exhibited greater improvement in SPPB scores (baseline 8.1 ± 2.9, follow-up 9.0 ± 2.6) than controls (baseline 8.2 ± 2.6, follow-up 8.2 ± 2.6) (P = .005). Tai Chi also increased normal and dual-task walking speed (P CONCLUSION: Tai Chi training may be a safe and effective therapy to help improve physical function and dual-task walking in very old adults living in supportive housing facilities. Language: en
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Tai Chi treatment for depression in Chinese americans a pilot study
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 2012Co-Authors: Albert Yeung, Peter M. Wayne, Veronique Lepoutre, Lauren E Slipp, Maurizio Fava, John W Denninger, Herbert Benson, Gregory L FricchioneAbstract:Objective This study examined the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of using Tai Chi for treating major depressive disorder. Design Thirty-nine Chinese Americans with major depressive disorder were randomized into a 12-wk Tai Chi intervention or a waitlisted control group in a 2:1 ratio. The key outcome measurement was the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Positive response was defined as a decrease of 50% or more on the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and remission was defined as a score of 7 or lower on the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Results Of the participants (n = 39), 77% were women, and mean (SD) age was 55 (10) years. There were 26 (67%) participants in the Tai Chi intervention group and 13 (33%) in the control group. Of the participants in the Tai Chi group, 73% completed the intervention; no adverse events were reported. We observed trends toward improvement in the Tai Chi intervention group, compared with the control group, in positive treatment-response rate (24% vs. 0%) and remission rate (19% vs. 0%), although the differences in our small sample did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions A randomized controlled trial of Tai Chi is feasible and safe in Chinese American patients with major depressive disorder. These promising pilot study results inform the design of a more definitive trial.
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the effects of Tai Chi on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women a systematic review
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2007Co-Authors: Peter M. Wayne, David E. Krebs, Douglas P Kiel, Roger B Davis, Jacqueline Savetskygerman, Maureen T Connelly, Julie E BuringAbstract:Abstract Wayne PM, Kiel DP, Krebs DE, Davis RB, Savetsky-German J, Connelly M, Buring JE. The effects of Tai Chi on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a systematic review. Objective To evaluate the evidence for Tai Chi as an intervention to reduce rate of bone loss in postmenopausal women. Data Sources Literature search using Medline, Science Citation Index, Cochrane databases, China Biological Medicine Database, and additional manual reference searches of retrieved articles and personal libraries. Study Selection Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies that included Tai Chi as an intervention, and had at least 1 outcome related to measurement of bone mineral density (BMD). Data Extraction Authors critically reviewed studies, evaluated methodologic quality, and synthesized study results in a summary table. Data Synthesis Six controlled studies were identified by our search. There were 2 RCTs, 2 nonrandomized prospective parallel cohort studies, and 2 cross-sectional studies. The 2 RCTs and 1 of the prospective cohort studies suggested that Tai Chi-naive women who participated in Tai Chi training exhibited reduced rates of postmenopausal declines in BMD. Cross-sectional studies suggested that long-term Tai Chi practitioners had higher BMD than age-matched sedentary controls, and had slower rates of postmenopausal BMD decline. No adverse effects related to Tai Chi were reported in any trial. Conclusions Conclusions on the impact of Tai Chi on BMD are limited by the quantity and quality of research to date. This limited evidence suggests Tai Chi may be an effective, safe, and practical intervention for mainTaining BMD in postmenopausal women. In combination with research that indicates Tai Chi can positively impact other risk factors associated with low BMD (eg, reduced fall frequency, increased musculoskeletal strength), further methodologically sound research is warranted to better evaluate the impact of Tai Chi practice on BMD and fracture risk in postmenopausal women.
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Can Tai Chi improve vestibulopathic postural control
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2003Co-Authors: Peter M. Wayne, David E. Krebs, Steven L. Wolf, Kathleen M Gill-body, Donna Moxley Scarborough, Chris A. Mcgibbon, Ted J. Kaptchuk, Stephen W. ParkerAbstract:Abstract Wayne PM, Krebs DE, Wolf SL, Gill-Body KM, Scarborough DM, McGibbon CA, Kaptchuk TJ, Parker SW. Can Tai Chi improve vestibulopathic postural control? Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:142-52. Objectives To evaluate the rationale and scientific support for Tai Chi as an intervention for vestibulopathy and to offer recommendations for future studies. Data sources A computer-aided search, including MEDLINE and Science Citation Index, to identify original Tai Chi studies published in English; relevant references cited in the retrieved articles were also included. Study selection A preliminary screening selected all randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, case-control studies, and case series that included Tai Chi as an intervention and had at least 1 outcome variable relevant to postural stability. Data extraction Authors critically reviewed studies and summarized study designs and outcomes in a summary table. Data synthesis Twenty-four Tai Chi studies met screening criteria. No studies specifically studying Tai Chi for vestibulopathy were found. Collectively, the 24 studies provide sometimes contradictory but generally supportive evidence that Tai Chi may have beneficial effects for balance and postural impairments, especially those associated with aging. Ten RCTs were found, of which 8 provide support that Tai Chi practiced alone, or in combination with other therapies, can reduce risk of falls, and/or impact factors associated with postural control, including improved balance and dynamic stability, increased musculoskeletal strength and flexibility, improved performance of activities of daily living (ADLs), reduced fear of falling, and general improvement in psychologic well-being. Studies using other designs support the results observed in RCTs. Conclusions At present, few data exist to support the contention that Tai Chi specifically targets the impairments, functional limitations, disability, and quality of life associated with peripheral vestibulopathy. There are, however, compelling reasons to further investigate Tai Chi for vestibulopathy, in part because Tai Chi appears useful for a variety of nonvestibulopathy etiologic balance disorders, and is safe. Especially needed are studies that integrate measures of balance relevant to ADLs with other psychologic and cognitive measures; these might help identify specific mechanisms whereby Tai Chi can remedy balance disorders.
William W N Tsang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Comparison of the kinetic characteristics of standing and sitting Tai Chi forms.
Disability and Rehabilitation, 2009Co-Authors: Eric S. F. Leung, William W N TsangAbstract:PURPOSE: To compare the kinetic characteristics of Tai Chi forms performed in standing and seated positions. METHODS: An experienced Tai Chi master was invited to perform the Tai Chi Qi Qong 18-form while standing and seated. Two force platforms were used to track the centre of pressure (COP) during the Tai Chi movements. Centre of mass (COM) displacement was measured using a video motion analysis system. RESULTS: In standing, the maximum COP displacements in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions ranged from 2.6% to 9.5%, and 0.3% to 29.6% of the subject's height, respectively. The maximum COP displacements in sitting were smaller, with mean displacements of 0.7% and 0.1% of height in the anteroposterior and ML directions, respectively. The subject's COM moved in the vertical direction in slow, coordinated and smooth patterns. CONCLUSIONS: The kinetic data on each of the 18 Tai Chi forms studied can guide the choice of suitable Tai Chi forms for balance training. Sitting Tai Chi is recommended for rehabilitating the balance of frail older adults who have difficulty standing. Because of the minimal demands of sitting Tai Chi for balance control, progressing to practice in standing as quickly as possible is recommended.
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Tai Chi improves standing balance control under reduced or conflicting sensory conditions
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2004Co-Authors: William W N Tsang, Vivian S Wong, Siu N Fu, Christina W Y HuichanAbstract:Abstract Tsang WW, Wong VS, Fu SN, Hui-Chan CW. Tai Chi improves standing balance control under reduced or conflicting sensory conditions. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:129–37. Objective To investigate the effects of long-term Tai Chi practice on balance control when healthy elderly Tai Chi practitioners stood under reduced or conflicting somatosensory, visual, and vestibular conditions, as compared with healthy elderly non-Tai Chi practitioners and young subjects. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting University-based rehabilitation center in Hong Kong. Participants Twenty elderly Tai Chi practitioners (mean experience ± standard deviation, 7.2±7.2y) were compared with 20 elderly non-Tai Chi practitioners and 20 young, healthy university students. Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measures The amplitude of anteroposterior body sway under different somatosensory, visual, and vestibular conditions was measured using computerized dynamic posturography, whereby subjects underwent 6 combinations of visual and support surface conditions. Results The Tai Chi practitioners had significantly better balance control than the non-Tai Chi subjects in the visual and vestibular ratios, but not in the somatosensory ratio. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in any of these 3 sensory ratios when the Tai Chi practitioners were compared with those of the young, healthy subjects. Conclusions Long-term Tai Chi practice improved balance control in the elderly population when there was an increased reliance on the visual and vestibular systems during stance. Of particular interest is that our elderly Tai Chi practitioners atTained the same level of balance control performance as did young, healthy subjects when standing under reduced or conflicting somatosensory, visual, and vestibular conditions.
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Effects of Tai Chi on Joint Proprioception and Stability Limits in Elderly Subjects
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 2003Co-Authors: William W N Tsang, Christina W. Y. Hui-chanAbstract:PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to examine whether elderly Tai Chi practitioners have developed better knee joint proprioception and standing balance control than control subjects. METHODS: Tai Chi and control subjects (N = 21 each, aged 69.4 +/- SD 5.5 and 72.3 +/- 6.1 yr, respectively) were matched with respect to age, sex, and physical activity level. Passive knee joint repositioning was used to test joint proprioceptive acuity. Control of body sway during static standing and subjects' intentional weight shifting to eight different spatial limits of stability within their base of support were conducted using force platform measurements. RESULT: Tai Chi practitioners were found to have better knee joint proprioceptive acuity, in that they made less absolute angle error (2.1 +/- 1.2 degrees ) than control subjects (4.0 +/- 3.4 degrees, with P = 0.023) in passive knee joint repositioning. No significant difference was found in the anteroposterior and mediolateral body sway during static standing (P > 0.05). However, Tai Chi practitioners initiated voluntary weight shifting in the limits of stability test more quickly (reaction time: 0.8 +/- 0.2 s for Tai Chi practitioners) than control subjects (1.1 +/- 0.3 s; P = 0.008). Moreover, they could lean further without losing stability (maximum excursion: 5.2 +/- 0.6% for Tai Chi practitioners and 4.6 +/- 0.5% for control subjects; P = 0.001) and showed better control of their leaning trajectory (directional control: 75.9 +/- 10.0% for Tai Chi practitioners and 68.5 +/- 6.9% for control subjects; P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that long-term Tai Chi practitioners had improved knee joint proprioception and expanded their limits of stability during weight shifting in stance.
Edzard Ernst - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Is Tai Chi beneficial for improving aerobic capacity? : A systematic review
British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2008Co-Authors: Edzard ErnstAbstract:Tai Chi has been claimed to generate beneficial effects with respect to a wide range of diseases. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate evidence from randomised clinical trials (RCTs) testing the effectiveness of Tai Chi for increasing aerobic capacity. Systematic searches were conducted on 14 electronic databases without restrictions on population characteristics or the language of publication. The outcome measures considered for inclusion were changes in maximal oxygen consumption as a test for aerobic capacity. Five RCTs met all inclusion criteria. Three RCTs compared the effects of Tai Chi with no treatment. The meta-analysis failed to show an effect of Tai Chi on aerobic capacity compared with sedentary controls (n = 151, weight mean difference, ml/kg/min, 0.50, 95% CI −1.14 to 2.15, p = 0.55). Two RCTs compared Tai Chi with conventional physical exercise including brisk, low intensity and moderate intensity walking, and aerobic exercise. The results show that Tai Chi was not statistically significantly superior to physical exercise. In conclusion, the existing evidence does not suggest that regular Tai Chi is an effective way of increasing aerobic capacity.
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Effectiveness of Tai Chi for Parkinson's disease: a critical review.
Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, 2008Co-Authors: Edzard ErnstAbstract:Abstract The objective of this review is to assess the effectiveness of Tai Chi as a treatment option for Parkinson's disease (PD). We have searched the literature using 21 databases from their inceptions to January 2008, without language restrictions. We included all types of clinical studies regardless of their design. Their methodological quality was assessed using the modified Jadad score. Of the seven studies included, one randomised clinical trial (RCT) found Tai Chi to be superior to conventional exercise in terms of the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) and prevention of falls. Another RCT found no effects of Tai Chi on locomotor ability compared with qigong. The third RCT failed to show effects of Tai Chi on the UPDRS and the PD Questionnaires compared with wait list control. The remaining studies were either non-randomised (n = 1) or uncontrolled clinical trials (n = 3). Collectively these data show that RCTs of the Tai Chi for PD are feasible but scarce. Most investigations suffer from methodological flaws such as inadequate study design, poor reporting of results, small sample size, and publication without appropriate peer review process. In conclusion, the evidence is insufficient to suggest Tai Chi is an effective intervention for PD. Further research is required to investigate whether there are specific benefits of Tai Chi for people with PD, such as its potential effect on balance and on the frequency of falls.
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Tai Chi for osteoporosis: a systematic review
Osteoporosis International, 2007Co-Authors: Max H Pittler, Byung-cheul Shin, Edzard ErnstAbstract:Introduction Tai Chi may have beneficial effects with respect to balance, falls and non-vertebral fractures. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate evidence from controlled clinical trials testing the effectiveness of Tai Chi for osteoporosis.
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Tai Chi for rheumatoid arthritis: systematic review
Rheumatology, 2007Co-Authors: Max H Pittler, Edzard ErnstAbstract:files. There were no restrictions regarding the language of publication. All controlled trials of Tai Chi for patients with RA were considered for inclusion. Methodological quality was assessed using the Jadad score. The searches identified 45 potentially relevant studies. Two randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and three non-randomized controlled clinical trials (CCTs) met all inclusion criteria. The included RCTs reported some positive findings for Tai Chi on disability index, quality of life, depression and mood for RA patients. Two RCTs assessed pain outcomes and did not demonstrate effectiveness on pain reduction compared with education plus stretChing exercise and usual activity control. The extent of heterogeneity in these RCTs prevented a meaningful meta-analysis. Currently there are few trials testing the effectiveness of Tai Chi in the management of RA. The studies that are available are of low methodological quality. Collectively this evidence is not convincing enough to suggest that Tai Chi is an effective treatment for RA. The value of Tai Chi for this indication therefore remains unproven.
