The effects of Tai Chi on physical function and well-being among persons with Parkinson's Disease: A systematic review.


Author: Ćwiękała-Lewis KJ1, Gallek M1, Taylor-Piliae RE2

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>College of Nursing, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.

<sup>2</sup>College of Nursing, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA. Electronic address: rtaylor@nursing.arizona.edu.
Conference/Journal: J Bodyw Mov Ther.
Date published: 2017 Apr
Other:
 Volume ID: 21   ,  Issue ID: 2   ,  Pages: 414-421   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.06.007. Epub  2016 Jun 16.   ,  Word Count: 165  
    Current medical treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD) are mainly palliative, though research indicates Tai Chi exercise improves physical function and well-being. An electronic database search of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and Embase was conducted, to examine current scientific literature for potential benefits of Tai Chi on physical function and well-being among persons with PD. A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria: 7 randomized clinical trials and 4 quasi-experimental studies. PD participants (n = 548) were on average age 68 years old and 50% women. Overall, participants enrolled in Tai Chi had better balance and one or more aspect of well-being, though mixed results were reported. Further research is needed with more rigorous study designs, larger sample sizes, adequate Tai Chi exercise doses, and carefully chosen outcome measures that assess the mechanisms as well as the effects of Tai Chi, before widespread recommendations can be made.



Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.



KEYWORDS: Emotional adjustment; Gait; Parkinson's Disease; Postural balance; Review; Tai Ji



PMID: 28532886  DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.06.007