A previous randomized, controlled trial of tai chi showed improvements in objectively measured balance and other motor-related outcomes in patients with Parkinson's disease. This study evaluated whether patient-reported outcomes could be improved through exercise interventions and whether improvements were associated with clinical outcomes and exercise adherence. In a secondary analysis of the ...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Exercise is recommended for every patient with Parkinson's disease (PD). The effectiveness of two different forms of exercise for PD, Tai Chi and combined stretching-strengthening exercise, was compared. METHODS Patients with mild-to-moderate PD were recruited to join either the combined stretching-strengthening exercise group (n=7), the Tai Chi group (n=9), or the cont...

OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of tai chi training on functional performance and walking with and without the addition of the performance of a cognitive task, in older adults living in supportive housing facilities. DESIGN Secondary data analysis comparing a single-blind, randomized controlled trial of tai chi training with an attention-matched educational control intervention with cross...

1. A 12-week Tai Chi or walking exercise intervention produced significant and similar beneficial effects on body composition, aerobic fitness, muscular fitness, fasting blood glucose, resting metabolic rate, and perceived health in middle-aged Chinese. 2. While Tai Chi and walking both elicited significant cardiorespiratory responses and energy expenditure to the moderate intensity level, walk...

Aging is a worldwide phenomenon which causes health, social and economic problems. Healthy aging has been the focus of many scholarly investigations, particularly with regard to cardiovascular disease and postural control problems causing falls. Arterial compliance is an index reflecting artery function, and it is closely related to cardiovascular health. Decreased arterial compliance is associ...

PURPOSE Tai Chi exercise, an ancient Chinese martial art, has drawn more and more attention for its health benefits. The purpose of the study was to identify the effects of a Sun-style Tai Chi exercise on arthritic symptoms (joint pain and stiffness), motivation for performing health behaviors, and the performance of health behaviors among older women with osteoarthritis. METHODS Total of 72 ...

QUESTION Does Tai Chi improve postural control in patients with Parkinson's disease? DESIGN Randomised, controlled trial and blinded outcome assessment. SETTING University clinic in USA. PARTICIPANTS Individuals with Parkinson's disease (Hoehn and Yahr Stage 1-4) between the age of 40 and 85 years, and ability to walk with or without an assistive device were key inclusion criteria. Mini-M...

Studies are showing that practicing Tai Chi can facilitate an individual’s ability to increase physical stamina, reduce stress, enhance feelings of wellbeing, and improve resistance to illness. In this workshop, the principles and practice of a short form of Yang-style Tai Chi is presented for participants to experience and discuss the use of this evidence-based modality in a variety of healthc...

Question: What is the effect of Tai Chi for people with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee? Design: Randomised, controlled trial with concealed allocation, blinded outcome assessment and intention-to-treat analysis. Setting: An urban tertiary academic hospital in the USA. Participants: Men and women > 55 years, with body mass index < 40 kg/m2, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthrit...

BACKGROUND To validate the 'Test of Adherence to Inhalers' (TAI), a 12-item questionnaire designed to assess the adherence to inhalers in patients with COPD or asthma. METHODS A total of 1009 patients with asthma or COPD participated in a cross-sectional multicenter study. Patients with electronic adherence ≥80% were defined as adherents. Construct validity, internal validity, and criterion v...