Tai Chi is practiced as an exercise to promote good health, memory, concentration, digestion, balance, and flexibility and is also thought to improve psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, and declines associated with aging and inactivity. It is also practiced to improve quality of life. However, despite its popularity, the biological mechanism and clinical effects of Tai Chi are not well understood. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the studies that have examined the effect of Tai Chi on patients with a variety of chronic conditions and to identify and describe the limitations and biases of these published clinical studies.

Abstract:

To conduct a systematic review of reports on the physical and psychological effects of Tai Chi on various chronic medical conditions. 

Randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized controlled studies, and observational studies published in English or Chinese. Data was extracted for the study objective, population characteristics, study setting, type of Tai Chi intervention, study design, outcome assessment, duration of follow-up, and key results. 

There were 9 randomized controlled trials, 23 nonrandomized controlled studies, and 15 observational studies in this review. Benefits were reported in balance and strength, cardiovascular and respiratory function, flexibility, immune system, symptoms of arthritis, muscular strength, and psychological effects. 

Tai Chi appears to have physiological and psychosocial benefits and also appears to be safe and effective in promoting balance control, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness in older patients with chronic conditions. However, limitations or biases exist in most studies, and it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about the benefits reported. Most indications in which Tai Chi was applied lack a theoretical foundation concerning the mechanism of benefit. Well-designed studies are needed. 

Wang, Chenchen, et al. “The Effect of Tai Chi on Health Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Conditions: a Systematic Review.” Archives of Internal Medicine, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (UK), 8 Mar. 2004, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15006825.

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