Unlocking the Potential: How Tai Chi Can Alleviate Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms for Years

Tai chi, the ancient Chinese martial art characterized by slow and controlled movements, has been found to alleviate symptoms and complications of Parkinson’s disease over an extended period of time, according to a study published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

The study revealed that practicing tai chi resulted in slower disease progression and reduced reliance on medication over time.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive and debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that manifests as slow movement, resting tremor, and stiff muscles. It is projected to affect nearly 5 million people in China alone by 2030, and in the UK, two individuals are diagnosed with the disease every hour, reports Parkinson’s UK, a charity organization.

While there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, drugs can alleviate some clinical symptoms. However, these medications do not address all manifestations of the disease, nor do they slow its progression, according to the researchers. Previous studies have suggested that tai chi can provide short-term relief for Parkinson’s symptoms, but its long-term effects remained uncertain.

In order to investigate this further, the researchers conducted a study involving two groups of Parkinson’s disease patients over a period of more than five years, from January 2016 to June 2021.

The tai chi group consisted of 147 patients who practiced the martial art twice a week for an hour, with classes provided to improve their technique. The second group, comprising 187 patients, received standard care without engaging in tai chi practice.

The severity of the disease was assessed in all participants at the beginning of the study, with subsequent assessments conducted in November 2019, October 2020, and June 2021 to monitor disease progression and the need for medication.

In addition to assessing overall symptoms, movement, and balance, the researchers also monitored autonomic nervous system function, mood, sleep quality, cognition, as well as the prevalence of complications such as involuntary movement, abnormal muscle tone, decline in responsiveness to drug treatment, mild cognitive impairment, hallucinations, and restless leg syndrome.

Both groups showed similar disease severity, medication use, sex, age, and education level.

Throughout the study period, disease progression was significantly slower in the tai chi group as assessed by three validated scales. The percentage of patients needing to increase medication was also lower in the tai chi group compared to the comparison group. Cognitive function decline and non-movement symptoms were slower in the tai chi group, while sleep quality and overall quality of life continuously improved. Additionally, the tai chi group experienced fewer complications, such as dyskinesia, dystonia, hallucinations, mild cognitive impairment, restless leg syndrome, falls, dizziness, and back pain.

While the study design cannot establish cause and effect, the researchers conclude that tai chi retains long-term beneficial effects on Parkinson’s disease, including improvements in motor and non-motor symptoms, gait, balance, autonomic symptoms, and cognition.

They further suggest that these effects could prolong the time without disability, enhance quality of life, reduce burden on caregivers, and decrease reliance on medication.