The popular Chinese martial art t’ai chi may boost the wellbeing of elderly people – but is not a cure-all, researchers reported today.
T’ai chi exercises seem successful in reducing the risk of falls and accidents – and also help to improve mental well-being, researchers say.
But it does not help people suffering from cancer or rheumatoid arthritis.
Although a martial art, t’ai chi uses slow movements and encourages deep breathing and relaxation.
Researchers at Exeter University, UK, worked with the Korean Institute of Oriental Medicine to identify and analyse research on t’ai chi for the report in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
They found 35 studies published in English, Chinese and Korean.
Led by Professor Edzard Ernst, of Exeter University, and Dr Myeong Soo Lee, from South Korean, they state: "Our overview showed that t’ai chi, which combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow and gentle movements, may exert exercise-based general benefits for fall prevention and improvement of balance in older people as well as some meditative effects for improving psychological health.
"We recommend t’ai chi for older people for its various physical and psychological benefits.
"However, t’ai chi may not effectively treat inflammatory diseases."
Br J Sports Med 2011; doi:10.1136/bjsm.2010.080622
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