A new study has found that the elderly may benefit by taking up Tai Chi. The exercise can relieve symptoms and improve the quality of movement and life in patients suffering from osteoarthritis, breast cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart failure, according to research.
Tai Chi was originally a martial art style from ancient China but is now also growing in popularity as a complementary therapy. According to findings by Dr. Yi-Wen Chen and his team of researchers, the fluid, low to moderate impact movements, accompanied by breathing techniques, have been suggested to relieve pain and promote physical activity among patients.
"Our findings support the results of a previous systematic review that showed the effectiveness of Tai Chi on health outcomes in older patients with chronic conditions," said Chen of their research, which was featured in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Their findings were based on collating data from 33 other studies on more than 1,500 people investigating the benefits of Tai Chi among the four mentioned diseases. Results showed that Tai Chi improved the physical performance of participants. Patients with arthritis reported feeling less pain and joint stiffness while doing the exercises, and patients with COPD, heart failure and breast cancer saw through an improved quality of living.
"Tai Chi appears to provide an adequate exercise stimulus ... for people with several co-morbidities that include COPD, HF [heart failure] and OA [osteoarthritis]." Chen said. The team plans to conduct further research about prescribing Tai Chi for patients with multiple illnesses.
They also urged doctors and therapists to recommend Tai Chi to their patients to help cope and thrive despite their conditions. In England, for example, some doctors have begun prescribing Tai Chi to their patients. Public Health England believes that practicing Tai Chi brought much-needed physical activity to patients.
"Keeping physically active at any age is important for health, especially as you get older," said Dr Justin Varney, the department's leader for adult health and wellbeing. "Simple exercises like Tai Chi can be beneficial for mental health and wellbeing as well as building confidence and stability."
Photo: Steven Depolo | Flickr
