The effect of Tai Chi on functional mobility, balance and falls in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of systematic reviews

Author: Bahar Aras1, Gulce Kallem Seyyar2, Oznur Fidan3, Ertugrul Colak4
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Kutahya Health Sciences University, Kutahya, Turkey. Electronic address: dpuaras@yahoo.com. <sup>2</sup> Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Kutahya Health Sciences University, Kutahya, Turkey. <sup>3</sup> Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey. <sup>4</sup> Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics, Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey.
Conference/Journal: Explore (NY)
Date published: 2021 Dec 13
Other: Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2021.12.002. , Word Count: 135


Background:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Tai Chi on functional mobility, balance and falls in Parkinson's disease.

Materials and methods:
A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify the systematic reviews and meta-analyses up to the end of October 2021. 601 studies were identified, and 16 of them were included in our study.

Results:
According to our meta-analysis; there was a significant effect of Tai Chi on balance (SMD, -0.777 95% CI -0.921 to -0.633; p = 0.000), functional mobility (SMD, -0.719 95% CI -0.944 to -0.494; p = 0.000), and falls (SMD, -0.456 95% CI -0.668 to -0.245; p = 0.000) in PD.

Conclusion:
Our systematic review and meta-analysis found significant effects of Tai Chi on functional mobility, balance and falls in patients with PD.

Keywords: Balance; Fall; Functional mobility; Parkinson's disease; Postural stability; Tai Chi.

PMID: 34952799 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2021.12.002