Systematic reviews of tai chi for specific conditions indicate excellent evidence of benefit for preventing falls, osteoarthritis, Parkinson disease, rehabilitation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and improving cognitive capacity in older adults.
One study of 354 older adults with arthritis found benefits after eight weeks that included pain relief, ability to do more in daily activities, better balance, and feeling better about oneself.
A study with 702 participants on falls prevention for older adults found that after 16 weeks of tai chi the group had reduced their frequency of falls by approximately 67 per cent, and experienced other health benefits.
Get answers to your questions about how tai chi can prevent falls, reduce pain, help with chronic diseases, help with dementia and improve quality of life for older adults.
In this randomized clinical trial that included 342 participants, the mean decrease in systolic blood pressure from baseline to month 12 was significantly greater in the tai chi group compared with the aerobic exercise group.