An evidence map of the effect of Tai Chi on health outcomes.


Author: Solloway MR1, Taylor SL1, Shekelle PG1,2,3,4, Miake-Lye IM1,2, Beroes JM2, Shanman RM4, Hempel S5

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

<sup>2</sup>VA Evidence-based Synthesis Program (ESP) Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

<sup>3</sup>University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

<sup>4</sup>Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC), RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA.

<sup>5</sup>Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC), RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA. susanne_hempel@rand.org.
Conference/Journal: Syst Rev.
Date published: 2016 Jul 27
Other:
 Volume ID: 5   ,  Issue ID: 1   ,  Pages: 126   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1186/s13643-016-0300-y.   ,  Word Count: 284  
    BACKGROUND: This evidence map describes the volume and focus of Tai Chi research reporting health outcomes. Originally developed as a martial art, Tai Chi is typically taught as a series of slow, low-impact movements that integrate the breath, mind, and physical activity to achieve greater awareness and a sense of well-being.



METHODS: The evidence map is based on a systematic review of systematic reviews. We searched 11 electronic databases from inception to February 2014, screened reviews of reviews, and consulted with topic experts. We used a bubble plot to graphically display clinical topics, literature size, number of reviews, and a broad estimate of effectiveness.



RESULTS: The map is based on 107 systematic reviews. Two thirds of the reviews were published in the last five years. The topics with the largest number of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were general health benefits (51 RCTs), psychological well-being (37 RCTs), interventions for older adults (31 RCTs), balance (27 RCTs), hypertension (18 RCTs), fall prevention (15 RCTs), and cognitive performance (11 RCTs). The map identified a number of areas with evidence of a potentially positive treatment effect on patient outcomes, including Tai Chi for hypertension, fall prevention outside of institutions, cognitive performance, osteoarthritis, depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pain, balance confidence, and muscle strength. However, identified reviews cautioned that firm conclusions cannot be drawn due to methodological limitations in the original studies and/or an insufficient number of existing research studies.



CONCLUSIONS: Tai Chi has been applied in diverse clinical areas, and for a number of these, systematic reviews have indicated promising results. The evidence map provides a visual overview of Tai Chi research volume and content.



SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42014009907.



KEYWORDS: Evidence map; Health; Systematic review; Tai Chi



PMID: 27460789 PMCID: PMC4962385 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-016-0300-y