The Research

T’ai Chi and Qigong Research Conducted by Others

Knowledge of the benefits of ancient Eastern practices has increased exponentially over the past twenty years. No longer simply testimonial, benefits have now been documented scientifically in the areas of pain relief, anxiety, sleep, immune function, balance and fall prevention, and focus and cognition. We believe that stronger findings yet will be shown as investigators strive to refine their research by deepening their knowledge of traditional practices. 

Study #1:

A 12-week study found that the degree of knee pain relief—whether with prescribed physical therapy or with Tai Chi—was related to consistent participation. Individuals reported a general 20% reduction in knee pain after 2 weeks and 50% reduction after 4 to 5 weeks of attendance. 

Lee A, Harvey W., Price L, et al. Dose-response effects of tai chi and physical therapy exercise interventions in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. PMR. 2018;10:712-723. 


Study #2:

Tai Chi appeared to promote greater relief from symptoms of fibromyalgia than aerobic exercise, the most commonly recommended non-drug intervention. The longer the duration of the Tai Chi practice, the greater the improvement. In addition to improved physical performance, Tai Chi participants showed positive holistic changes including improved emotional state, better sleep and more sense of personal control. 

Wang C, Schmid C, Fielding et al. Effect of tai chi versus aerobic exercise for fibromyalgia: comparative effectiveness randomized controlled trial. BMJ. 2018. 


Study #3:

Individuals with chronic heart failure showed improvement in functional capacity, sense of physical control and in quality of life, including improved mental outlook and a decrease in negative emotions. 

Yeh GY, McCarthy EP, Wayne PM, Stevenson LW, Wood MJ, Forman D, et al. Tai chi exercise in patients with chronic heart failure: a randomized clinical trial. Arch Intern Med. 2011;171:750–7. Pmid:21518942 


Study #4:

As compared with stretching and resistance training, Parkinson's patients who practiced Tai Chi showed improvement in balance, stability, stride length and functional reach. 

Li F, Harmer P, Fitzgerald K, et al. Tai chi and postural stability in patients with Parkinson’s disease. N Engl J Med. 2012;366(6):511-519. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1107911 


Study #5:

An analysis across multiple studies. For older and at-risk adults Tai Chi appears to reduce the number and severity of falls. 

Lomas-Vega, R., Obrero-Gaitán, E., Molina-Ortega, F. J., & Del-Pino-Casado, R. (2017). Tai Chi for risk of falls. A meta-analysis. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society,65(9), 2037–2043. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.15008 


Study #6:

Older adults with moderately poor to poor sleep improved sleep quality during and after a course of Tai Chi style training. 

Irwin MR, Olmstead R, Motivala SJ. Improving sleep quality in older adults with moderate sleep complaints: A randomized controlled trial of Tai Chi Chih. Sleep. 2008;31:1001–1008. 


Study #7:

Patients with coronary heart disease often fail to participate in necessary rehabilitation. This study found that patients were able to participate in Tai Chi exercise reliably across time. In addition subjects showed improvement in weight and quality of life measures. The benefits in this physical activity were more pronounced for those more intensely engaged (3 times per week versus 2) and for longer duration. 

Elena Salmoirago-Blotcher, MD, PhD; Peter M. Wayne, PhD; Shira Dunsiger, PhD; Julie Krol, MS; Christopher Breault, BS; Beth C. Bock, PhD; Wen-Chih Wu, MD, MPH; Gloria Y. Yeh, MD, MPH Tai Chi Is a Promising Exercise Option for Patients With Coronary Heart Disease Declining Cardiac Rehabilitation