Effects of tai chi found to reduce risk of falling: Meta-analysis

Researchers at the University of Jaen in Spain looked at the effects of tai chi on the risk of falling in a systematic review and meta-analysis. They published their findings in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine.

• Tai chi has often been used as a preventive measure against falling in at-risk populations.
• In the study, the researchers evaluated 13 controlled trials published before June 2015 that analyzed the effectiveness of tai chi in fall prevention in adults who are frail or at risk of falling.
• Based on the data they gathered, the practice of tai chi significantly reduces the risk of falling.
• However, more research is needed to analyze the consequences of falls and to investigate the episodes rather than the cases of falls.
• The researchers also revealed that tai chi is more effective than other measures, or no intervention, for fall prevention in at-risk populations.

In conclusion, these findings suggested that tai chi is an effective practice to lower the risk of falling in people who are at-risk and frail.

You can find more studies on tai chi and its health benefits at HealingArts.news.

Journal Reference:

del-Pino-Casado R, Obrero-Gaitán E, Lomas-Vega R. THE EFFECT OF TAI CHI ON REDUCING THE RISK OF FALLING: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. 19 July 2016; 44(5): 895-906. DOI: 10.1142/S0192415X1650049X