Tai Chi and yoga references

[Guest guest]

All

I received a summary of references on the Psychophysiological Effects of Yoga

Compiled by: Trisha Lamb, Last Revised: April 27, 2006, for the International

Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). If someone is interested in the PDF,

email me offlist and I can send it to you. There was the below reference for Tai

Chi in the list.

Cheers,

Arturo

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Wang, Chenchen, Collet, and ph Lau. The effect of Tai Chi on

health

outcomes in patients with chronic conditions: A systematic review. Archives of

Internal

Medicine, 8 Mar 2004, 164(5)493-501.

Abstract: 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.

Welldesigned

studies are needed.