Effect of Tai Chi on Health Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Conditions

[Guest guest]

Vol. 164 No. 5, March 8, 2004 Archives of Internal Medicine

2004;164:493-501.

The Effect of Tai Chi on Health Outcomes in Patients With Chronic

Conditions

A Systematic Review

Chenchen Wang, MD, MSc; Collet, MD, PhD; ph Lau, MD

Objective: To conduct a systematic review of reports on the physical

and psychological effects of Tai Chi on various chronic medical

conditions.

Data Sources: Search of 11 computerized English and Chinese databases.

Study Selection: Randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized controlled

studies, and

observational studies published in English or Chinese.

Data Extraction: Data were 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.

Data Synthesis: 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.

Conclusions: 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.

From the Center for Clinical Evidence Synthesis, Division of Clinical

Care Research, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, Mass (Drs Wang

and Lau); and Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Community Studies,

Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec (Dr

Collet).