Introduction
This document contains information about recent research on the effectiveness of qigong and/or taiji (or tai chi) in improving balance and preventing falls for people with Parkinson’s disease. The first section is our summary of all the studies we found on qigong and/or taiji interventions. We believe that qigong and taiji have very similar benefits. We believe the terms are interchangeable. The sections that follow are the individual studies that make up the summary.
Neurological
Research has shown the benefits of practicing Tai Chi and Qigong for people living with Parkinson’s indicate significant areas of improvement including:
● Strengthened and increased individuals’ balance and confidence in balance-challenged situations
● Increased ability to complete daily tasks and move independently
● A reduction in falls
● An increase in walking ability
● A rise in quality of life due to improved independence
● Strong improvement in motor symptoms like handwriting, hand grip, and speech
● Increased walking ability
● Signs of improved posture as well as arm and hand movements
● Improvements in Motor Function like shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement, postural instability and difficulty with walking and gait
● Decreased depression
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Study 1
Aras, et al, reviewed sixteen studies with 11,843 participants with Parkinson's Disease. They found a significant effect of tai chi on balance, functional mobility, and decreased falls.
The effect of Tai Chi on functional mobility, balance and falls in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of systematic reviews.
Aras B, Seyyar GK, Fidan O, Colak E.
Explore (NY). 2021 Dec 13:S1550-8307(21)00247-0. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2021.12.002. Online ahead of print.PMID: 34952799
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Study 2
Yu, et al, reviewed seventeen studies with 951 participants, and found that tai chi has a statistically significant effect on gait velocity, motor score, and balance confidence.
The Impact of Tai Chi on Motor Function, Balance, and Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Yu X, Wu X, Hou G, Han P, Jiang L, Guo Q.
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021 Jan 11;2021:6637612. doi: 10.1155/2021/6637612. eCollection 2021.PMID: 33505498
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Study 3
Shihui Chen, et al, reviewed seven studies with 325 participants and found tai chi and qigong had a significant positive effect on motor symptoms, walking ability, and balance. They also determined that the effect was influenced by age.
The effect of Qigong-based therapy on patients with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Chen S, Zhang Y, Wang YT, Liu X, Song W, Du X.
Clin Rehabil. 2020 Dec;34(12):1436-1448. doi: 10.1177/0269215520946695. Epub 2020 Jul 29.PMID: 32727214
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Study 4
Kui Chen, et al, reviewed twenty studies with 1,143 participants and found a significant improvement in quality of life for several therapies including aerobic exercise, dance, and tai chi and qigong. They found that at least twelve weeks of exercise was required to bring about significant benefits.
Effect of Exercise on Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Chen K, Tan Y, Lu Y, Wu J, Liu X, Zhao Y.
Parkinsons Dis. 2020 Jul 9;2020:3257623. doi: 10.1155/2020/3257623. eCollection 2020.PMID: 32695306
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Study 5
Jin, et al, reviewed twenty-two studies with a total of 1199 subjects and found that tai chi and qigong and yoga (all mind-body exercises) significantly improved motor function, depression, and quality of life, and balance. Four of the studies were on yoga and the rest on tai chi and qigong. They concluded that they can be used as an effective method for clinical exercise intervention in people with Parkinson’s disease.
The Impact of Mind-body Exercises on Motor Function, Depressive Symptoms, and Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Jin X, Wang L, Liu S, Zhu L, Loprinzi PD, Fan X.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Dec 18;17(1):31. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17010031.PMID: 31861456
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Study 6
Fidan, et al, reviewed seven studies, and they were the only investigators who felt that they could not conclude that there was a significant effect of tai chi on quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease. They noted that the small effect size (because only seven studies were reviewed) prevented a significant finding, but that the overall results were positive, which favored the potential benefit.
The effect of Tai Chi and Qigong on health-related quality of life in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of systematic reviews.
Fidan O, Seyyar GK, Aras B, Colak E, Aras O.
Int J Rehabil Res. 2019 Sep;42(3):196-204. doi: 10.1097/MRR.0000000000000358.PMID: 31116118
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Study 7
Regauer, et al, reviewed twenty-two studies with 1876 patients with vertigo, dizziness and balance disorder. Only three of the studies specified tai chi as the therapy used, but in those three they found a significant positive difference in balance. They concluded that any variation of the different therapies they studied were effective at treating vertigo, dizziness, and balance disorder.
Physical therapy interventions for older people with vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders addressing mobility and participation: a systematic review.
Regauer V, Seckler E, Müller M, Bauer P.
BMC Geriatr. 2020 Nov 23;20(1):494. doi: 10.1186/s12877-020-01899-9.PMID: 33228601
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Study 8
Lyu, et al, reviewed eleven studies with 723 participants who survived a stroke. They found that participants who received tai chi training showed greater improvement in depression, but that there were no differences from the control in mental disorders or sleep disorders.
Effect of Tai Chi on post-stroke non-motor disorders: a systematic review and meta analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Lyu D, Wang J, Yang F, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Liu H, Lyu X, Fang B.
Clin Rehabil. 2021 Jan;35(1):26-38. doi: 10.1177/0269215520951020. Epub 2020 Aug 18.PMID: 32808532
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Study 9
Love, et al, reviewed eight studies with a total of 292 participants and concluded that the results suggest a possible benefit on psychological stressors and quality of life. They noted, however, that none of the studies included biological outcomes.
Mind-Body Interventions, Psychological Stressors, and Quality of Life in Stroke Survivors.
Love MF, Sharrief A, Chaoul A, Savitz S, Beauchamp JES.
Stroke. 2019 Feb;50(2):434-440. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.118.021150.PMID: 30612536
