Tai Chi Research Articles

The effects of Tai Chi and Baduanjin on breast cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundTai Chi and Baduanjin are nonpharmacological interventions that are widely applied among cancer patients.ObjectiveThis meta-analysis aimed to assess the effect of Tai Chi and Baduanjin on breast cancer patients by summarizing and pooling the results of previous studies.MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library and several databases were searched up to December 1, 2023, to identify high-quality RCTs. Relevant terms such as Tai Chi and Baduanjin were used as keywords. Stata 15.0 software and Review Manager (version 5.3; Cochrane Training) were used to screen the studies, extract the data, code the data, and perform the meta-analysis. The mean differences (MDs) and standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs were used to calculate continuous variables. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias. The PICOS framework was used to develop the following eligibility criteria: (i) population - breast cancer patients; (ii) intervention - Tai Chi and Baduanjin intervention; (iii) comparison - Tai Chi and Baduanjin group and different intervention (e.g., regular intervention, routine rehabilitation training, waiting list, sham Qigong, usual care, no intervention); (iv) outcomes - cognitive ability, shoulder joint function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep quality, quality of life; and (v) study design - randomized controlled trial.ResultsFrom January 2013 to December 2023, we included a total of 16 RCTs involving 1247 patients. A total of 647 patients were in the experimental group and were treated with Tai Chi and Baduanjin, while 600 patients were in the control group and were treated with traditional methods. The results of our meta-analysis indicate that Tai Chi and Baduanjin yield outcomes that are comparable to those of traditional treatment methods. Specifically, Tai Chi and Baduanjin significantly increased cognitive function, increased shoulder joint function, improved sleep quality indicators and improved quality of life indicators. Furthermore, Tai Chi and Baduanjin significantly reduced anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and fatigue symptoms among breast cancer patients. Sensitivity analysis was performed, a funnel plot was constructed. No publication bias was indicated by Egger’s or Begg’s test.ConclusionOverall, Tai Chi and Baduanjin are viable and effective nonpharmacological approaches for treating breast cancer patients, as they yield better results than traditional treatment methods. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of controlled trials, small sample sizes, and low quality of the evidence.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023469301.

Protocol for remote Tai Chi and wellness for PTSD and pain in veterans

ABSTRACT Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychological disorder that is associated with a host of psychosocial and health ailments, including chronic pain. Although evidence-based psychological therapies are recommended as first-line PTSD treatments, a large proportion of individuals either drop out and/or do not achieve a therapeutic response. PTSD is increasingly recognized as a systemic disorder that impacts both physical and mental health, and mind-body approaches, such as Tai Chi, have shown promise. However, to date there have been no randomized clinical trials examining Tai Chi as a treatment for PTSD. Objective: To conduct a fully remote two-phased study designed to adapt, refine, and standardize two group treatments, Tai Chi and a Wellness comparison, for Veterans diagnosed with PTSD and chronic pain. Method: We deploy the project in two phases. In Phase One, we adapt both interventions for delivery via a videoconferencing platform. We then pilot the interventions in a ‘dry run’ with non-random assignment of 12 participants to Tai Chi or a Wellness comparison group. In Phase Two, we randomize 36 participants to one of the two group interventions. The feasibility and acceptability of the two remotely delivered interventions and assessment protocols are evaluated. Conclusions: This is the first study to our knowledge to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, adherence, and participant burden of the Tai Chi and Wellness comparison interventions for PTSD and chronic pain in Veterans. This information will facilitate the development of a future large, randomized control trial to evaluate the efficacy of Tai Chi to address PTSD and chronic pain in Veterans.

Effects of Standard Tai Chi on Exercise Capacity and Mental Health in Exercise-Deprived Overweight/Obese Adults and Assessment of Participant Adherence.

To explore the effects of Tai Chi on body mass index (BMI), exercise capacity, and mental health of overweight/obese adults, and investigate factors influencing adherence to enhance adherence of Tai Chi as a sustainable exercise method. A randomized, controlled, exploratory clinical trial was conducted paired with a qualitative study of adherence management. A total of 20 overweight/obese participants were randomly assigned to a standard Tai Chi group (experimental) and a simplified Tai Chi group (control) for an 8-week intervention, 10 patients in each group, with a 12-month follow-up. BMI was calculated and exercise capacity including an isokinetic muscle strength and balance ability test were evaluated. Mental health was assessed using the General Well-Being Schedule (GWB), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Coping Self Efficacy Scale (CSES) at baseline, 4th week, and 8th week, respectively. The qualitative research included open-interviews with Tai Chi practitioners and semi-structured interviews with subjects. The intervention was conducted in Haidian Park, Beijing, China from October 6, 2022, to January 1, 2023, without dropouts. After an 8-week intervention, the participants in the experimental group exhibited a significant decrease in BMI (P<0.05). Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in exercise capacity (P<0.05). The experimental group exhibited a significant enhancement in the GWB, PSQI and CSES (P<0.05). Only GWB had significant difference in the control group (P<0.05). The experimental group surpassed the control group in GWB and CSES (P<0.05). The adherence rate was 87.5% in the experimental group and 57.9% in the control group after 8 weeks intervention. Analysis on adherence identified 15 themes, the top 3 themes mentioned were as follows: mind-body effects, online and on-site guidance, training schedule (for subjects); mind-body effects, difficulties in practicing, and understanding of Tai Chi (for practitioners). Both interventions were effective in improving exercise capacity. Tai Chi, integrating both physical and mental conditioning, reduced weight, improved exercise capacity and mental happiness, and increased adherence, providing a sustainable exercise program (ChiCTR2200063599).

Unmet Needs in Spondyloarthritis: Pathogenesis, Clinical Trial Design, and Nonpharmacologic Therapy.

A program focused on pathogenesis, clinical trial design, and nonpharmacologic mind-body therapy for of spondyloarthritis (SpA) was presented at the Spondylitis Association of America Unmet Needs Conference IV. SpA pathogenesis is incompletely understood but involves a complex set of drivers, including genetics, biomechanical stress, and microbial factors. Affected tissues may include axial and peripheral joints, entheses, skin, uvea, and intestines. The specific role of key cytokines like interleukin (IL)-23, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor in the phases of this inflammatory process remains unclear. New insights into pathogenesis will continue to generate targets for novel therapeutics. How to optimally evaluate those therapeutics in clinical trials, and for the various manifestations of SpA, remains less clear. Future trials need better generalizability, robust subgroup analyses to assess differential responses for distinct disease manifestations, a focus on comparative efficacy, and outcomes relevant to the clinician and the patient. Additionally, study designs need to leverage available technology to facilitate subject participation in trials. In view of the interplay between biologic, physical, and psychological aspects of disease, there is increasing attention to nonpharmacologic agents, with the aim of maximizing long-term health-related quality of life through the control of symptoms and inflammation. Recent studies provide encouraging evidence that mind-body interventions such as tai chi, qigong, yoga, and meditation have benefits for patients with SpA, particularly those with pain. The advances in our understanding of pathogenesis, novel therapeutics, and nonpharmacologic interventions have revolutionized the management of SpA, but numerous questions around optimal management remain.

A slow limit: Extensive motor training can not overcome a limit on the production of slow and smooth motion.

Previous research from several paradigms indicated that people have difficulty in producing slow and smooth movements (SSM). It is not clear whether these difficulties are due to biomechanical constraints, planning constraints, or lack of experience with moving slowly. Here, we investigated the latter possibility: we empirically tested whether short-term practice and long-term expertise with moving slowly would result in an increased ability to perform SSM. In Study 1, novice participants completed 10 training sessions in which they moved a stylus on a digitizing tablet as they traced an ellipse that moved at different frequency/peak velocity combinations, with frequencies ranging from 0.25 Hz to 0.875 Hz. In Study 2, experts in slow movement (tai chi performers) and fast movement (karate performers) completed the same task in one session. The results indicated that all participants had difficulties in producing SSM, as evidenced by an increase in submovement rate with decreasing frequency. Participants in Study 1 did show a marked improvement in their ability to produce fewer submovements while reducing mean squared jerk (MSJ). These short-term improvements were not evident in long-term slow motor expertise (i.e., tai chi). Taken together, our results suggest that SSM are likely difficult to produce due to a combination of several factors: lack of experience, planning, biomechanical, and neural constraints.

How Bud Craig's Insights Reshape the Research on Pain and Mind-Body Therapies.

With his elegant studies, Bud Craig determined the structural neural basis for interoception and critically expanded our conceptual understanding of it. Importantly, he placed pain in the framework of interoception and redefined pain as a homeostatic emotion. Craig understood emotions and pain as experiences based on inferential brain processes within the theoretical model of prediction processing. This chapter aims to give a brief overview of relevant research. Mind-body therapies, such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga, Tai Chi, and others, are included as first-line non-pharmacological approaches in clinical guidelines for the management of chronic pain. Craig's groundbreaking work provided the background for our contemporary understanding of mind-body therapies and for the key role that interoceptive processes play in these therapies as they apply to a wide range of clinical conditions, including pain. This chapter reviews the tremendous influence that Craig's work had on the current state of research on mind-body therapies for managing chronic pain and how it led to new directions for cutting-edge clinical and neuroscientific research.

Neuromuscular synergy characteristics of Tai Chi leg stirrup movements: optimal coordination patterns throughout various phases

ObjectiveTo investigate the neuromuscular activity characteristics of Tai Chi athletes and identify optimal muscle synergy patterns.MethodData were collected from 12 elite Tai Chi athletes using a Vicon motion capture system, a Kistler 3D force plate, and a Noraxon surface electromyography system. Muscle synergy patterns were extracted using Non-negative Matrix Factorization.ResultsFour muscle synergy patterns were identified in each of the three phases of the leg stirrup movement, with the optimal synergy pattern for each phase determined as follows: knee lift phase: rectus femoris and vastus lateralis of the right leg; extension phase: rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and medial gastrocnemius of the right leg; recovery phase: rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and medial gastrocnemius of the right leg. These patterns explain the muscle coordination activities for each phase.ConclusionThis study identified the optimal muscle synergy patterns for each phase, supporting the fluidity and force generation of the leg stirrup movement. This provides Tai Chi athletes with a more efficient way to exert strength and maintain balance.

Tai Chi training: An effective method to enhance the oneness of mind and body in dance performance

Since the nineteenth century, the primary goal of university dance programmes has been to enhance students' dance skills, while the development of artistic expression has been neglected. Tai Chi training has been shown to be an effective method of exercising the mind and body to enhance perceptivity and body creativity. However, there is still less research on its impact in teaching dance performance in universities. Therefore, this study aims to address two fundamental questions: (1) How does Tai Chi training affect students’ perceptivity and creativity in dance performances? (2) What are the specific effects of enhanced perceptivity and creativity on the state of dance performance? In order to answer these questions, this study utilized a qualitative research methodology involving 43 dance students from Hunan Women's University in China. The research methodology included a 10-week Tai Chi training program at Hunan Women's University in Hunan Province, China, and semi-structured interviews with participants. The findings reveal how Tai Chi training enhances dance students' perceptivity and creativity in dance performance and explains its effectiveness on the state of oneness of mind and body in dance performance. This exploratory study provides preliminary evidence for understanding the impact of Tai Chi training on mind and body awareness in dance and provides a basis for incorporating more mind and body exercises into dance education in the future.

Effects of Balance-Based Recreational Therapy on Postural Stability in Those Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease

Individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have reported increased incidence rates of falling in compari-son to undiagnosed peers. Falls in this population have been found to be related to increasing symptom intensity as well as decreases in overall quality of life. The follow-ing examines the effectiveness of balance-based Recre-ational Therapy within the community setting as part of a multidiscipline treatment team known as the Stillwater Communication, Arts, Nutrition, &amp; Exercise program. A combination of previous data analysis from this longitudinal study have found that participants improved or main-tained their physical functioning and reported less occurrences of falling. Treatment protocol focused on strength, balance, and gait-utilizing modalities such as exercise, obstacle courses, boxing training, and tai chi. Data collection of postural stability, or static balance, occurred throughout the 8-month treatment period on a monthly ba-sis and the month 1 and month 8 mean differences were analyzed for statistical and clinical significance. Assessments revealed the successful increase and/or maintenance of overall postural stability through the 8-month treatment period. Results were not statistically significant, yet provide clinical evidence to the effectiveness of RT com-munity-based balance training for individuals diagnosed with PD. The following study builds upon previous evidence that recreational therapy can be an effective treatment option for those who have been diagnosed with PD and potentially others who are ex-periencing issues with their balance. Implications for future studies and current prac-tice are provided.

Mind-Body Medicine in the Treatment of Depression: A Narrative Review of Efficacy, Safety and Mechanisms.

This narrative review examines the efficacy, mechanisms and safety of mind-body medicine (MBM) in the treatment of depression. We reviewed the potential effects of various MBM interventions such as yoga, tai chi, qigong, mindfulness-based interventions and nutrition on clinical and subthreshold depressive symptoms. Current studies indicate a growing interest in the use of MBM for psychiatric disorders, including depression. MBM interventions demonstrate efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms with fewer adverse effects and costs compared to pharmacological treatments. MBM has significant potential to improve mental health outcomes for depression. These interventions encourage self-care and stress management through behavioural, exercise, relaxation and nutritional approaches. While existing data are promising, further, more rigorous studies are required to confirm long-term effectiveness and to determine the role of MBM in comprehensive depression treatment strategies.

Effectiveness of a 12-week combining tai chi and yoga program on pulmonary function and functional fitness in COPD patients

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) poses significant challenges to both patients and healthcare providers due to its progressive nature and adverse impact on respiratory function and quality of life (QoL). While pulmonary rehabilitation remains a cornerstone of non-pharmacological COPD management, additional interventions are needed to address patients' diverse needs and preferences. AimThis study investigated the feasibility and potential benefits of a 12-week combining Tai Chi and Yoga (TY combining) program on cardiorespiratory and lung functions, functional fitness, and QoL in older males diagnosed with COPD. MethodsTwenty-four male COPD patients (age: 70 ± 6 years) with moderate to severe disease were recruited and randomized into the TY combining group (n = 12) or control group (n = 12). Assessments were conducted at baseline and at week 12, including pulmonary function tests, quality of life measures, dyspnea, and fatigue. Functional fitness tests were assessed at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12. ResultsThe TY combining program significantly improved pulmonary functions, functional fitness, quality of life, and fatigue over the 12-week intervention period. Notably, improvements in functional fitness parameters were observed after just four weeks of training, emphasizing the rapid benefits of the intervention. Moreover, the program exhibited high safety and feasibility, with no reported complications. ConclusionThe 12-week TY combining program represents a safe, feasible, and effective adjunctive therapy for COPD management in older male patients. By addressing multiple dimensions of health and functioning, including pulmonary and cardiovascular health, functional fitness, and quality of life, this holistic approach holds promise for optimizing outcomes in COPD patients. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore optimal implementation strategies in clinical practice.

Modified tai chi movement training based on sEMG and movement analysis on improving upper extremities motor function: a protocol for a clinical randomised controlled trial

IntroductionStroke survivors often face motor dysfunction, increasing fall risk. Lower extremity muscle weakness is a key factor affecting walking ability. Tai chi (TC) has been shown to improve muscle strength...

An integrated approach to the treatment of Rheumatic diseases: the role of psychological interventions.

Rheumatic diseases are chronic conditions that often result in significant physical and psychological challenges, reducing patients' quality of life and increasing the economic burden on healthcare systems. This study examines the vital role of psychological interventions in the comprehensive treatment of rheumatic diseases. The findings reveal a high prevalence of psycho-emotional disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress among these patients, which can worsen disease progression and hinder treatment adherence. The review highlights the bidirectional relationship between the central nervous and immune systems, showing how psychological stress influences the pathophysiology of inflammatory diseases. Various psychological interventions are explored, including mind-body therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness-based practices such as meditation, yoga, and tai chi. These approaches improve emotional well-being, help reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life. The article emphasizes a holistic treatment model incorporating pharmacological care, physical rehabilitation, and psychological support. This integrated approach fosters more effective management of rheumatic diseases by addressing their complex nature and promoting better functional outcomes. The study advocates for the seamless incorporation of psychological support into routine clinical practice tailored to the biopsychosocial profile of each patient. Future research should focus on identifying the most effective psychological interventions for different patient groups to enhance the quality of life for individuals with rheumatic diseases.

A Meta-analysis of the Effect of Tai Chi on the Improvement of Mental Health in Drug Addicts

A Meta-analysis of the Effect of Tai Chi on the Improvement of Mental Health in Drug Addicts

Exploring the Effects of Qigong, Tai Chi, and Yoga on Fatigue, Mental Health, and Sleep Quality in Chronic Fatigue and Post-COVID Syndromes: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Background/Objectives: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and post-COVID syndrome (PCS) pose a substantial socioeconomic burden. The aim of this systematic review was to assess current evidence regarding the effect of the most popular forms of movement-based mindful exercises, i.e., qigong, tai chi, and yoga, on fatigue and associated symptoms in CFS and PCS. Methods: CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to October 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) where qigong, tai chi, or yoga were compared with waitlist, no intervention, or active controls were included. Independent reviewers participated in data extraction, and evaluated risk of bias, spin of information, completeness of intervention description, and certainty of the evidence (GRADE). Meta-analyses were conducted. The primary outcome was the level of fatigue. Secondary measures were the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms and sleep quality. Results were expressed as mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Thirteen RCTs with 661 participants were included, with most studies presenting a moderate or high risk of bias. Mindful exercises were more effective than control interventions to alleviate fatigue: SMD (95%CI) = -0.44 (-0.63 to -0.25), I2 = 48%, p < 0.0001. Positive effects were also observed for secondary outcomes. The certainty of the evidence was low or very low. Conclusions: Qigong, tai chi, and yoga may be effective to reduce fatigue and improve anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in adults with CFS or PCS. However, serious methodological concerns limit the clinical applicability of these findings.

The Effect of Tai Chi (Bafa Wubu) Training and Artificial Intelligence-Based Movement-Precision Feedback on the Mental and Physical Outcomes of Elderly.

(1) Background: This study aims to compare the effects of AI-based exercise feedback and standard training on the physical and mental health outcomes of older adults participating in a 4-week tai chi training program. (2) Methods: Participants were divided into three groups: an AI feedback group received real-time movement accuracy feedback based on AI and inertial measurement units (IMUs), a conventional feedback group received verbal feedback from supervisors, and a control group received no feedback. All groups trained three times per week for 8 weeks. Outcome measures, including movement accuracy, balance, grip strength, quality of life, and depression, were assessed before and after the training period. (3) Results: Compared to pre-training, all three groups showed significant improvements in movement accuracy, grip strength, quality of life, and depression. Only the AI feedback group showed significant improvements in balance. In terms of movement accuracy and balance, the AI feedback group showed significantly greater improvement compared to the conventional feedback group and the control group. (4) Conclusions: Providing real-time AI-based movement feedback during tai chi training offers greater health benefits for older adults compared to standard training without feedback.

Cross-Cultural Research for the Application of Mind-Body Practices: The Case of Creating Specialized Tai Chi Therapies

Cross-Cultural Research for the Application of Mind-Body Practices: The Case of Creating Specialized Tai Chi Therapies

Correlation between the biomechanical characteristics and stability of the 143D movement during the balance phase in competitive Tai Chi.

To explore the biomechanical factors affecting the stability of athletes in the 143D balance phase of competitive Tai Chi. The Vicon 3D motion capture system, Kistler 3D force platform, and Noraxon surface electromyography (sEMG) system were used to measure the joint angle, joint moment, center of gravity, ground reaction force, and sEMG data of athletes. The stability index was then calculated according to the formula. Pearson's or Spearman's correlation tests were used to analyze the associations between the biomechanical factors and stability index. (1) Medial lateral stability index (MLSI): A significant negative correlation was found between the ankle inversion angle of the supporting leg (SL) and MLSI (p < 0.05). (2) Anterior posterior stability index (APSI): Significant negative correlations were observed between the ankle intorsion angle, integrated electromyography (iEMG) of the gastrocnemius, and muscle contribution rates of the tibialis anterior, external oblique, and gastrocnemius of the non-supporting leg (NL) with the APSI (p < 0.05). The ankle dorsiflexion moment, iEMG of the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior, muscle contribution rate of the biceps femoris, and root mean-squared (RMS) amplitude of the gluteus maximus of the SL also showed significant negative correlations with the APSI (p < 0.05). Strong and significant negative correlations were also identified between the hip intorsion angle, iEMG of the tibialis anterior, and RMS amplitude of the rectus femoris of the NL with the APSI (p < 0.01). Further strong and significant negative correlation was also found between the RMS amplitude of the biceps femoris of the SL and APSI (p < 0.01). The knee extorsion angle of the NL was positively correlated with the APSI (p < 0.05). (3) Dynamic postural stability index (DPSI): The knee adduction angle, iEMG of the tibialis anterior, and RMS amplitude of the erector spinae of the NL were significantly positively correlated with the DPSI (p < 0.05). The knee abduction and hip extension moments of the SL were also significantly positively correlated with the DPSI (p < 0.05). The ankle inversion angle of the SL impacts left-right stability, while the NL's hip and ankle intorsion angles, knee extorsion angle, and exertion on the core muscle and SL's main muscles, as well as exertion of specific muscles of the NL affect anterior-posterior stability. The hip extension and knee abduction moments of the SL, knee adduction angle, exertion on the tibialis anterior, and activation of the erector spinae of the NL significantly affect the overall stability of an athlete.

Complementary and integrative medicine in cancer-related fatigue

The majority of cancer patients experience fatigue during the course of their illness. Fatigue should not be seen as an inevitable consequence of cancer and its treatment. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is amultidimensional symptom complex that is influenced by avariety of factors. Complementary medicine approaches offer potentially promising strategies to address this fatigue and can therefore be avaluable addition to conventional therapies.In this narrative review, complementary medicine treatment approaches for tumor-associated fatigue are presented according to the historical development and current scientific evidence. The focus is on methods with the highest current evidence based on the recommendations of national and international guidelines. Therapeutic approaches from mind-body medicine, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), yoga, tai chi, and qigong, as well as acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion, and phytotherapeutic treatment approaches are presented.In Germany, the complementary therapies listed here are not generally covered by health insurances. However, afew clinics have developed comprehensive programs in mind-body medicine, for which cost coverage has already been obtained. As aresult, complementary medical treatments for cancer-related fatigue that adhere to national and international guidelines are typically available only as private services or within the framework of study participation.

The impact of mind-body exercise on the quality of life in older adults: the chain mediation effect of perceived social support and psychological resilience.

With the intensification of the global aging trend, there is a contradiction between the extended lifespan and the decline of physiological functions among the older adult. It has become a global consensus to focus on and improve the quality of life for the older adult. Mind-body exercises (Tai Chi, Ba Duan Jin, Yi Jin Jing) play a crucial role in promoting the quality of life for older adults, but the mechanisms and mediating effects are not yet clear. This study examines the impact of mind-body exercises (Tai Chi, Ba Duan Jin, Yi Jin Jing) on the quality of life in older adults, with a particular focus on exploring the chain mediating effects of perceived social support and psychological resilience. This study is a cross-sectional study that surveyed 1,087 older adults participating in mind-body exercises (Tai Chi, Ba Duan Jin, Yi Jin Jing) in 13 districts of Beijing, China, from March 25 to May 3, 2024. The Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF), the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) were used to measure mind-body exercise, perceived social support, psychological resilience, and quality of life, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 26.0, and mediation effects were tested and effect analysis was conducted through structural equation modeling (AMOS) and the Bootstrap method. The study results show that mind-body exercises (Tai Chi, Ba Duan Jin, Yi Jin Jing) are significantly and positively correlated with the quality of life in older adults (r = 0.549, p < 0.01). The path coefficients for the relationships mind-body exercise → perceived social support (β = 0.46, p < 0.001) → psychological resilience (β = 0.20, p < 0.001) → quality of life in older adults (β = 0.39, p < 0.001) are significant, indicating that perceived social support and psychological resilience have a chain mediating effect between mind-body exercise and the quality of life in older adults. Mind-body exercises not only improve the quality of life for older adults but also indirectly enhance it by strengthening perceived social support and psychological resilience. This study provides significant reference for developing health intervention strategies targeted at older adults, suggesting that promoting mind-body exercises can improve their sense of perceived social support and psychological resilience, thereby increasing their quality of life.