Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on Older Adults' Balance: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis


Author: Rafael Bertolini1, Rafael Vercelino2, Luis Fernando Ferreira3, Luis Henrique Telles da Rosa4

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

<sup>2</sup> Physiotherapy Department, Anhanguera University, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

<sup>3</sup> Postgraduation program in Medicine: Hepatology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

<sup>4</sup> Program of Post-graduation in Rehabilitation Sciences, Physiotherapy Department, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Conference/Journal: J Aging Phys Act
Date published: 2024 Sep 6
Other:
  Pages: 1-14   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1123/japa.2023-0423.   ,  Word Count: 220  
    Background:

Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is considered a mind and body practice of Chinese origin, considered as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO, and recommended by the World Health Organization as a therapeutic approach to prevent falls.



Objective:

To assess the effects of TCC on older adult's balance.



Methods:

A systematic review of randomized clinical trials was conducted by two independent reviewers using the ROB2 tool to assess the risk of bias under the following databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, PEDro, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, and LILACS. A meta-analysis of the selected articles for the dynamic and static balance criteria was conducted in a population of older adults (over 65 years) with publications from 2010 to 2024.



Results:

Eighteen randomized clinical trials fulfilled the criteria. TCC improves dynamic balance in the timed up and go and gait speeds tests, and static balance in the single-leg test and functional reach test when compared with the control group in the meta-analysis. Adverse events were found in only one study, and the training parameters were heterogeneous.



Conclusion:

TCC improves older adults with both dynamic and static balance. The results of the parameters indicate a direction in which TCC is prescribed for clinical practice with minimal or no risk of adverse effects.



Keywords: Tai Ji; aged; core stability; exercise; postural balance.



PMID: 39244194 DOI: 10.1123/japa.2023-0423