Tai Chi Intervention Research Articles

Use of pragmatic community-based interventions to enhance recruitment and adherence in a randomized trial of Tai Chi for women with osteopenia: insights from a qualitative substudy.

This study aims to qualitatively evaluate the feasibility of using a pragmatic network of community-based Tai Chi schools to deliver 9-month exercise interventions to women with osteopenia and to explore the impact of this design feature on facilitators and barriers to trial recruitment and participant adherence during and after the trial. In a randomized trial comparing 9 months of Tai Chi plus usual care with usual care alone for postmenopausal women with moderately low bone mass, exit interviews were conducted with 43 participants randomized to the pragmatically delivered Tai Chi intervention. Transcripts were digitially recorded, transcribed, and imported into NVivo, a computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software. Qualitative content analysis was used to code the data. Patterns emerging from among the codes were further examined and clustered into themes. Analyses revealed features of pragmatically delivered Tai Chi programs that both facilitated and impeded study participation and/or posttrial adherence. Direct facilitators included convenience of class locations and times, alternative learning modalities, quality of teaching, community and social support, and perceived health benefits. Barriers consisted primarily of time-related issues. A possible causal mechanism (self-efficacy) was also identified. Factors related to the use of pragmatically delivered interventions are beneficial for fostering both study participation and posttrial adherence to the Tai Chi programs. This qualitative substudy is valuable for identifying these factors and a possible causal mechanism. These findings will assist in the design and conduct of future studies exploring the use of Tai Chi in fracture prevention and health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women.

Effects of tai chi in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: a systematic review

Tai chi has been increasingly applied in osteoporosis patients. However, systematic reviews of the efficacy of this practice have been few and of limited scope. This study reviews previous experimental research work using tai chi as an intervention in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and to appraise the reported research designs used, tai chi methods used, and outcomes. A systematic review method was used to search 14 databases for articles published between January 1980 and July 2013. Searched keywords included: "tai chi," "osteoporosis," and "postmenopausal women". The 2,458 articles initially identified were reduced to 4 valid articles based on considerations of criteria and repeatability. The 4 valid articles used either a randomized clinical trial (RCT) or a controlled clinical trial (CCT). They were further analyzed and synthesized in terms of common variables such as balance, muscle strength, and quality of life. Three of the 4 studies identified significant pretest / posttest differences in physiological aspects of quality of life in participants but did not obtain consistent results in terms of the psychological aspects. While reports identified a significant and positive tai chi effect on balance, they all used different measurements to do so. Only one of the four studies identified significant improvement in muscle strength. Therefore, this review could not identify clear support for the effectiveness of tai chi on balance or muscle strength. This review did not definitively support the positive effects of tai chi on balance, muscle strength, and quality of life in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The designs used in the tai chi interventions may be referenced for future studies. We suggest that future studies use data triangulation rather than a single-item tool to validate the research in order to cross-verify the same information. This may strengthen the research and increase the credibility and the validity of related findings.

The psychophysiological effects of Tai-chi and exercise in residential schizophrenic patients: a 3-arm randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundPatients with schizophrenia are characterized by high prevalence rates and chronicity that often leads to long-term institutionalization. Under the traditional medical model, treatment usually emphasizes the management of psychotic symptoms through medication, even though anti-psychotic drugs are associated with severe side effects, which can diminish patients’ physical and psychological well-being. Tai-chi, a mind-body exercise rooted in Eastern health philosophy, emphasizes the motor coordination and relaxation. With these potential benefits, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) is planned to investigate the effects of Tai-chi intervention on the cognitive and motor deficits characteristic of patients with schizophrenia.Methods/designA 3-arm RCT with waitlist control design will be used in this study. One hundred and fifty three participants will be randomized into (i) Tai-chi, (ii) exercise or (iii) waitlist control groups. Participants in both the Tai-chi and exercise groups will receive 12-weeks of specific intervention, in addition to the standard medication and care received by the waitlist control group. The exercise group will serve as a comparison, to delineate any unique benefits of Tai-chi that are independent of moderate aerobic exercise. All three groups will undergo three assessment phases: (i) at baseline, (ii) at 12 weeks (post-intervention), and (iii) at 24 weeks (maintenance). All participants will be assessed in terms of symptom management, motor coordination, memory, daily living function, and stress levels based on self-perceived responses and a physiological marker.DiscussionBased on a promising pilot study conducted prior to this RCT, subjects in the Tai-chi intervention group are expected to be protected against deterioration of motor coordination and interpersonal functioning. They are also expected to have better symptoms management and lower stress level than the other treatment groups.Trial registrationThe trail has been registered in the Clinical Trials Center of the University of Hong Kong (HKCTR-1453).

Tai chi intervention improves dynamic postural control during gait initiation in older adults: a pilot study.

Tai Chi intervention has been shown to be beneficial for balance improvement. The current study examined the effectiveness of Tai Chi to improve the dynamic postural control among older adults with mobility disability. Six sedentary older adults with mobility disability participated in a 16-week Tai Chi intervention consisting of one hour sessions three times a week. Dynamic postural control was assessed pre- and post intervention as participants initiated gait in four stepping conditions: forward; 45° medially, with the stepping leg crossing over the other leg; 45° and 90° laterally. The center of pressure (CoP) displacement, velocity, and its maximum separation distance from the center of mass in the anteroposterior, mediolateral, and resultant directions were analyzed. Results showed that in the postural phase, Tai Chi increased the CoP mediolateral excursions in the medial (13%) and forward (28%) conditions, and resultant CoP center of mass distance in the medial (9%) and forward (19%) conditions. In the locomotion phase, the CoP mediolateral displacement and velocity significantly increased after the Tai Chi intervention (both by > 100% in the two lateral conditions). These results suggest that through alteration in CoP movement characteristics, Tai Chi intervention might improve the dynamic postural control during gait initiation among older adults.

The Effects of a Tai Chi and Yoga Intervention on Balance and Balance Confidence

The Effects of a Tai Chi and Yoga Intervention on Balance and Balance Confidence

Tai Chi intervention increases progenitor CD34(+) cells in young adults.

Tai Chi has been shown to have many great health benefits. However, few research attempts have been made to explore the effects of practicing TCC on life span. This study provides direct evidence of Tai Chi's antiaging effects. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study to compare the rejuvenating and antiaging effects among Tai Chi group (TCC) and brisk walking group (BW) and no exercise habit group (NEH). Thirty-two participants were selected out of a possible 60 based on a survey, and they were separated into three groups: the TCC group (practicing for more than 1 year), the BW group (practicing for more than 1 year), and the NEH group. The CD34(+) cell counts in peripheral blood of the participants was determined, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to evaluate and compare the antiaging effects of the three groups. Of the 32 participants in this study, the participants in the TCC group (N = 10) outperformed the NEH group (N = 12) with respect to the number of CD34(+) progenitor cells. No significant difference was found between the TCC group and the BW group. TCC practice sustained for more than 1 year may be an intervention against aging as effective as BW in terms of its benefits on the improvement of CD34(+) number.

Diet quality in community dwelling obese women following a behavioral‐based diet, tai chi, and resistance training intervention (1026.7)

Up to 48% of older adults may be at increased nutrition risk. This is a concern as the number of older adults is projected to double by 2030 and obesity is suspected to rise to over 20% in the same population. The purpose of this analysis is to examine the impact of a diet and exercise intervention on diet quality in obese women in an urban setting. There were 26 women with mean age of 65.3 ± 8.1 years and BMI of 38.0 ±4.6 kg/m2 who completed a community based diet and exercise intervention. Seventeen women, 65% African‐American, were assigned to the intervention group (EXD) and participated in 12 weeks of Tai Chi (TC), resistance training (RT), and behavioral based diet intervention. Nine women were assigned to the control group (CON). The Dietary Screening Tool (DST) was used to assess diet quality; higher scores indicate better quality. Using an independent t‐test the EXD group had a significantly higher diet quality compared to the CON group (66.5 ± 10.2 vs. 53.5 ± 13.8; p=0.025) at post ‐intervention. Results from this analysis indicate that a behaviorally‐based diet, TC, and RT intervention may result in improved diet quality, however further research is needed.Grant Funding Source: College of Environment and Life Sciences Community Access to Research and Extension Services, USDA

Abstract P428: Effects of Tai Chi on Physical Function and Quality of Life in Chronic Stroke

Background: Poor physical function and quality of life are ubiquitous post-stroke. Effective interventions to improve physical function and quality of life for stroke survivors are critically needed. Objective: Examine the effect of a Tai Chi (TC) intervention on physical function and quality of life. Methods: In a single-blind randomized clinical trial community-dwelling stroke survivors, aged ≥ 50 years and ≥ 3 months post-stroke, were assigned to: Yang style 24-posture TC (n=53), SilverSneakers® (SS, n=44) strength and range of movement exercise, or Usual Care (UC, n=48) for 12 weeks. TC and SS attended a 1-hour class 3 times/week, while UC had weekly phone calls. Standardized measures for Physical Function were the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Fall Rates and 2-Minute StepTest; and for Quality of Life were the Medical Outcomes Study SF-36, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Results: A total of 145 stroke survivors (47% women, mean age=70 years, time post-stroke=3 years, ischemic stroke=66%, hemiparesis=73%) enrolled. During the intervention, TC participants had 2/3 fewer falls (n=5 falls), than the SS (n=14 falls) and UC (n=15 falls) groups (χ2=5.60, p=0.06). All groups had improvements in the SPPB score (F 1,142 =85.29, p<0.01), after the 12-week intervention. Post-hoc tests following a significant interaction for the 2-Minute StepTest (F 2,142 =4.69, p<0.01) indicated TC (t 53 =2.45, p=0.02) and SS (t 44 =4.63, p<0.01) groups had significantly better aerobic endurance over time, though the UC group did not (t 48 =1.58, p=0.12). All groups reported better perceived physical (SF-36 PCS, F 1,142 =4.15, p=0.04) and mental health (SF-36 MCS, F 1,142 =15.60, p<0.01), after the intervention. There were no significant within group changes in perceived physical health (p>0.05), while significant improvements in perceived mental health (p < 0.05) were observed within all groups. No significant changes in depressive symptoms or sleep quality were observed (p>0.05). Attrition was 10% (n=14), and intervention adherence rates were 85%. Conclusions: Goals of stroke rehabilitation are to prevent disability, improve physical function and quality of life. TC and SS led to improved aerobic endurance, and both are suitable community-based programs that may aid in stroke recovery and community reintegration. Our data suggest that a 12-week TC intervention may be more effective in reducing fall rates than SS or UC. Future studies examining the effectiveness of TC to reduce fall rates; and improve physical function and quality of life for community-dwelling stroke survivors are recommended.

Effect of Tai Chi on Physical Function, Fall Rates and Quality of Life Among Older Stroke Survivors

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of a 12-week Tai Chi (TC) intervention on physical function and quality of life. DesignSingle-blind, randomized controlled trial. SettingGeneral community. ParticipantsCommunity-dwelling survivors of stroke (N=145; 47% women; mean age, 70y; time poststroke: 3y; ischemic stroke: 66%; hemiparesis: 73%) who were aged ≥50 years and were ≥3 months poststroke. InterventionsYang style 24-posture short-form TC (n=53), strength and range of movement exercises (SS) (n=44), or usual care (UC) (n=48) for 12 weeks. The TC and SS groups attended a 1-hour class 3 times per week, whereas the UC group had weekly phone calls. Main Outcome MeasuresPhysical function: Short Physical Performance Battery, fall rates, and 2-minute step test; quality of life: Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. ResultsDuring the intervention, TC participants had two thirds fewer falls (5 falls) than the SS (14 falls) and UC (15 falls) groups (χ2=5.6, P=.06). There was a significant group by time interaction for the 2-minute step test (F2,142=4.69, P<.01). Post hoc tests indicated that the TC (t53=2.45, P=.02) and SS (t44=4.63, P<.01) groups had significantly better aerobic endurance over time, though not in the UC group (t48=1.58, P=.12). Intervention adherence rates were 85%. ConclusionsTC and SS led to improved aerobic endurance, and both are suitable community-based programs that may aid in stroke recovery and community reintegration. Our data suggest that a 12-week TC intervention was more effective in reducing fall rates than SS or UC interventions. Future studies examining the effectiveness of TC as a fall prevention strategy for community-dwelling survivors of stroke are recommended.

Effects of community-based meditative Tai Chi programme on improving quality of life, physical and mental health in chronic heart-failure participants

Background: There is increasing evidence that coronary heart disease is linked with a number of psychosocial risk factors and biophysiological risk factors such as metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to compare Tai Chi programme heart-failure participants between the pre-intervention phase and six month after intervention time in health-related quality of life (HRQoL), including physical health, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional and mental health. In addition, the difference between pre-intervention and post-intervention time in psychological distress and resilience, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were compared.Methods: A prospective intervention study was conducted in 2012 to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based meditation Tai Chi intervention programme to improve heart-failure patients’ health. Measures included the Short-Form 12 Health Survey (SF-12), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ30), resilience scale, BMI, blood pressure and waist circumference. Univariate analysis of variance was used to compare the difference between pre- and post-intervention in Tai Chi participants.Results: Outcomes differed in significance and magnitude across four HRQoL measures, psychological distress and resilience between the pre- and post-intervention time in heart-failure patients who participated in the Tai Chi exercise. The participants in the post-intervention time also reduced BMI, SBP, and waist circumference.Conclusions: Regular and more than six months Tai Chi exercises had a beneficial effect to HRQoL, reducing psychological distress, promoting resilience, and reducing the BMI and blood pressure level in heart-failure patients.

The effects of tai chi on the renal and cardiac functions of patients with chronic kidney and cardiovascular diseases.

[Purpose] To assess the effects of Tai Chi on the renal and cardiac functions of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-one patients with CKD and CVD were randomly divided into control and exercise groups. The exercise group performed Tai Chi training for 30 minutes three to five times a week for 12 weeks, while the control group did not. All patients’ renal and cardiac functions and blood lipid parameters were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. [Results] The 12 weeks Tai Chi intervention improved the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and the high density lipoprotein (HDL) level, and decreased the serum creatintine (Scr) level, heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and the total cholesterol (CH), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. The change in eGFR correlated negatively with the changes in CH, TG and LDL, and positively with the change in HDL. In addition, the change in SBP correlated positively with the changes in CH, TG and LDL, and negatively with the change in HDL. [Conclusion] Tai Chi training might improve the renal and cardiac functions of CKD and CVD patients via improved regulation of lipid metabolism.

EPA-0346 – The effects of tai chi chuan on balance and quality of life in women with multiple sclerosis in iran multiple sclerosis society

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of central neurologic system that has a wide effect on neurological function of patients such as balance and can cause Disability or poor Quality of life. The purpose of this study was to assess to the effects of Tai Chi Chuan on Balance and Quality of Life in women with Multiple Sclerosis in Iran Multiple Sclerosis Society in 2012. This was a quasi experimental study which covered 34 Women with Multiple Sclerosis in Iran Multiple Sclerosis Society. The samples have been selected through purposive sampling and then Random assignment into intervention (16 Samples) and control group (18 Samples). Intervention was Yang style Tai Chi Chuan classes twice a week for 3 months (12 weeks). In this study demographic questionnaire, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Multiple Sclerosis quality of life questionnaire (MSQOL-54 scale) were used to collect data. In the Tai Chi intervention group there was a significant improvement in mean comparison of balance score (P= 0.03) and global score of Quality of life (P = 0.00), also its subscales such as Pain (P = 0.03), Energy (P = 0.00), Overall quality of life (P = 0.01), Role limitation due to emotional problems (P = 0.04), Social Function (P= 0.03) and in Physical Health Composite Score (P = 0.03) after Tai Chi training intervention. (P< 0.05) In the control group, no statistically significant improvement was found in mean comparison of balance and Quality of life scores after 12 weeks. (P > 0.05) The results suggested that Tai Chi Chuan could be an alternative exercise intervention to increase balance and quality of life in patient with Multiple Sclerosis.

Feasibility and Effects of TAI CHI for the Promotion of Sleep Quality and Quality of Life: A Single-Group Study in a Sample of Older Chinese Individuals in Hong Kong

Poor sleep in later life is a global issue that reduces many individuals' quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this pilot study was to test the feasibility and effects of a simplified tai chi exercise intervention on sleep quality and QOL among Chinese community-dwelling older adults with poor sleep quality. This single-group, descriptive feasibility study included 34 individuals with poor sleep quality who agreed to participate in a 12-week tai chi intervention. Twenty-six individuals completed the program (23.5% dropout rate). Older adults with poor sleep quality who completed the intervention showed significant improvement in the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 mental component and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index global and component scores. The low recruitment and attendance and high dropout rates might be associated with participants' age, gender, and sleep quality. Further long-term studies are required to examine the potential effects of the tai chi intervention. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 40(3), 46-52.].

The Effect of Tai Chi on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Pilot Randomised Study of Lung Function, Exercise Capacity and Diaphragm Strength

Although the benefits of exercise on the health of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been widely reported, the effect of Tai Chi as an alternative exercise has not been thoroughly evaluated in patients with COPD. This study reported a randomised controlled trial, which investigated the effects of Tai Chi on lung function, exercise capacity, and diaphragm strength in patients with COPD. Single blind randomised controlled study. Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. Forty patients with COPD were randomised into either a control group or Tai Chi intervention group. Participants in the control group received only routine care, while participants in the Tai Chi group received routine care and completed a six-month Tai Chi exercise program. Lung function parameters, blood gas parameters, 6-min walking distance (6MWD), and diaphragm strength parameters. Lung function parameters (FEV1: 1.43 ± 0.08 and FEV1 (%) predicted: 47.6 ± 4.76), 6MWD (476 ± 15) and diaphragm strength parameters (TwPes: 1.17 ± 0.07, TwPga: -1.12 ± 0.06, and TwPdi: 1.81 ± 0.09) were found to be significantly increased in participants who successfully completed the six-month Tai Chi program compared to participants in the control group who only received routine care (p<0.05). These parameters were also found to be significantly increased in participants who completed the Tai Chi exercise program compared to the baseline (p<0.05). In contrast, no significant differences in PaO2 and PaCO2 were observed in participants before or after completing a Tai Chi program or between Tai Chi group and control group (p>0.05). Tai Chi enhances lung function, exercise capacity, and diaphragm strength. However, this is only preliminary research data and a larger trial is needed for more detailed results.

The Effects of Tai Chi on Depression, Anxiety, and Psychological Well-Being: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Tai chi, also called taiji or tai chi chuan, is a form of mind-body exercise that originated from China. It combines Chinese martial arts and meditative movements that promote balance and healing of the mind and body, involving a series of slowly performed, dance-like postures that flow into one another. As it comprises mental concentration, physical balance, muscle relaxation, and relaxed breathing, tai chi shows great potential for becoming widely integrated into the prevention and rehabilitation of a number of medical and psychological conditions. A growing body of clinical research has begun to evaluate the efficacy of tai chi as a therapy for a variety of health issues. A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental (Q-E) trials that studied the effects of tai chi on psychological well-being. Drawn from English and Chinese databases, 37 RCTs and 5 Q-E studies published up to May 31, 2013 were included in the systematic review. The methodological quality of the RCTs was evaluated based on the following criteria: adequate sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding, completeness of outcome data, selective reporting, and other potential biases. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager version 5.0. The studies in this review demonstrated that tai chi interventions have beneficial effects for various populations on a range of psychological well-being measures, including depression, anxiety, general stress management, and exercise self-efficacy. Meta-analysis was performed on three RCTs that used depression as an outcome measure (ES=-5.97; 95% CI -7.06 to -4.87), with I2=0%. In spite of the positive outcomes, the studies to date generally had significant methodological limitations. More RCTs with rigorous research design are needed to establish the efficacy of tai chi in improving psychological well-being and its potential to be used in interventions for populations with various clinical conditions.

Tai Chi’s Effects on Health-Related Fitness of Low-Income Older Adults

Tai chi (TC) has been shown to positively influence health-related fitness (HRF) of elderly participants by affording them a means to increase musculoskeletal strength. The objective of this study was to examine TC intervention effects on HRF and whether ethnic groups not culturally related to TC experienced a barrier to participation in a community-based program for low-income older adults. Seventy-eight older mixed-ethnicity adults (age 55 and older) who were not culturally affiliated with TC were recruited for this study. HRF measures were taken before and after a 16-week TC program that offered seven sessions per week. Significant improvements were found in upper and lower musculoskeletal fitness and partial curl-ups, with TC being embraced by the participants. These results suggest that TC can be effective for improving HRF and that non-TC culturally related ethnic groups did not experience a barrier to participation in an older low-socioeconomic population sample.

Research on Tai Chi as a sport in health care

This article examines the content and methodology of studies on Tai Chi as a sport in health care. We investigate the concept behind the rather simple name “Tai Chi,” concluding that this concept is manifold and highly variable. How did researchers deal with this variability when studying the effects of Tai Chi as a health-care intervention? We then explore how scientific research on Tai Chi has been conducted to date and draw the interim conclusion that the variability was barely taken into consideration. Our analysis of seven Tai Chi interventions reveals that two interventions referred to as Tai Chi may differ considerably in their content. The variability poses difficulty in repeating the intervention and drawing causal inferences. This problem is discussed in the current literature under the term “complexity in health-care interventions.” On the basis of a summary of this debate, we discuss the challenge of researching Tai Chi from a complex perspective—with the aim of achieving solid results that can be repeated.

The effect of Tai chi exercise on the symptoms of osteoarthritis Systematic review

Background and Aim: Currently there is no cure for osteoarthritis. Conservative treatments such as drug therapy, various forms of physical therapy including heat, massage, electrotherapy, exercise therapy and surgical treatment are available. The purpose of this review was to comprehensively examine data from previous studies on Tai chi as an effective treatment for osteoarthritis patients. Material & Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect databases from 2003 to 2013. There were 13 studies that met our selection criteria: 10 RCTs and 3systematic reviews. These studies were about the effect of Tai chi on osteoarthritis, compare Tai chi versus control group and other routine treatments. Results: Among 83 relevant studies, 10 studies were selected. Base on the type of intervention, the studies divided into two groups: 1.The studies that compared Tai chi versus routine physiotherapy treatments.2.The studies that compared Tai chi versus other interventions. These studies investigated the effect of Tai chi exercise on pain, physical function, stiffness of joints, muscle strength, measures of depression and self - efficacy in elderly patients with osteoarthritis. Conclusion: This review shows that Tai Chi exercise significantly improves pain, physical function, stiffness of joints, balance, gait speed, and quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis at least in the short term and therefore is recommended as a safe sport, along with other treatments for patients with osteoarthritis. Key words: Tai Chi, osteoarthritis, pain, physical function, balance and quality of life.

Meta analysis of the effect of Tai chi on reducing falls among elders living at home

Objective To evaluate the effect of Tai Chi on reducing falls of elderly living at home systemically.Methods Databases such as Cochrane Library,Medline,High Wire,EBSCO host,CNKI and Wangfang Data between 2002-2012 were searched to collect randomized controlled trials related to Tai Chi and falls.And a total of 14 articles were qualified according to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria,and RevMan 5.02 was used to conduct comprehensive analysis.Results The incidence rate of Tai chi to reduce at least one fall by improving equilibrium sense and body flexibility of the elderly was 0.004.Compared with the control group,the standing time with one leg and eyes open in Tai chi group was WMD =8.99 [95％ CI (6.02,11.95),P ＜ 0.01],and the standing time with one leg and eyes closed in Tai chi group was that WMD =1.65,[95％ CI (1.18,2.11),P ＜ 0.01].Five investigations showed that Tai chi intervention could improve body flexibility.Conclusions Tai chi is beneficial to reduce falls of the elderly living at home by improving their equilibrium sense and body flexibility,which should be advocated and popularized. Key words: Elderly; Fall; Tai chi ; Systematic analysis

Effects of a Dietary and Tai Chi Intervention on Body Composition in Obese Older Women

Tai Chi is an alternative exercise that has not been thoroughly investigated as an intervention strategy in this population when combined with dietary weight loss. A 16‐week non‐randomized intervention using Tai Chi and behaviorally‐based weight loss (TCWL, n=29) in older (68.2±1.5 yrs) obese (BMI=35.4±0.8kg/m2) women was conducted while using a control group (CON, n=9; BMI=38.0±1.5 kg/m2; age=65.5±2.7 yrs). Primary outcome measurements included total body mass, BMI, percent fat (via bioelectrical impedance analysis), body mass, hip and waist circumferences. Participants in the TCWL group engaged in twice weekly Tai Chi sessions (~45 min) and once weekly behaviorally‐based dietary weight loss meetings. The CON group was asked to continue with their daily routines during the intervention. The TCWL group lost 1.6±2.9 kg (P=0.006) and the CON group showed no change (−1.2±1.9 kg; P=0.11). BMI did not change in either the TCWL group (−0.7±1.0 kg/m2, P&gt;;0.0017) or in the CON group (−0.5±1.0 kg/m2, P&gt;;0.1896). There were no changes in fat mass or waist circumference in either group (both P&gt;;0.05). The results from this preliminary study show that the combination of Tai Chi and dietary weight loss may not be effective in altering key measures of body composition in obese older women but further study is needed with more substantial weight loss.