The centuries-old martial art of tai chi has numerous health benefits. These benefits include improving balance, reducing anxiety, and preventing cardiovascular disease. A recently published study has even shown that tai chi can reduce the severity of Parkinson’s symptoms in the long term.
To conduct their study, researchers focused on patients with sporadic Parkinson’s disease, excluding those with other health conditions. The participants were divided into a control group and a tai chi group, with the latter receiving classes and training sessions. After a three-year follow-up, the tai chi group showed better motor function and reported improvements in non-motor symptoms, such as quality of life and memory.
While these results are promising, the study had some limitations. The groups were not randomised, which may introduce bias. It is recommended that larger follow-up studies use randomisation to prevent bias.
Exercise and Parkinson’s
Prior trials have also shown benefits of tai chi for Parkinson’s disease, but this study is the first to demonstrate long-term benefits. Other types of exercise, such as high-intensity interval training and aerobic exercise, have also been investigated and shown to benefit motor symptoms and slow disease progression.
The exact reasons why exercise, particularly tai chi, is so beneficial to people with Parkinson’s are still not fully understood. However, studies have shown that a lack of exercise can promote inflammation, which is detected in the blood of people with Parkinson’s. Tai chi has been observed to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may explain its benefits for people with Parkinson’s.
While more research is needed, this latest study suggests that tai chi could be used as a complementary therapy for Parkinson’s. It addresses both the physical and mental aspects of the condition, providing benefits such as improved balance, flexibility, and wellbeing. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying tai chi.
Lucy Collins-Stack, Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher, University College Cork
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
