Health Benefits of Tai Chi

Tai Chi appears to have a beneficial effect on balance, flexibility and cardiovascular health among patients with chronic health conditions, according to a review of previously published studies.

Conducting an analysis of 47 studies reporting on the effects of Tai Chi in patients with various chronic health conditions, the reviewers concluded: ‘Overall, these studies reported that long- term Tai Chi practice had favourable effects on the promotion of balance control, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness and reduced the risk of falls in elders.’

‘Benefits were reported by the authors of these studies in cardiovascular and respiratory function in healthy subjects and in patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery as well as in patients with heart failure, hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

‘Benefit was also found for balance, strength, and flexibility in older subjects; falls in frail elderly subjects; and pain, stress, and anxiety in healthy subjects.’

However, the reviewers found the mechanisms behind the benefits from practicing Tai Chi were not well known.

Reference

Wang, C., Collet, J.P. and Lau, J. The Effect of Tai Chi on Health Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Conditions: A systematic review. Archives of Internal Medicine, 2004, 164, pp.493-501.

Copyright Australian Nursing Federation Oct 2004