Changes in brain volume and cognition in a randomized trial of exercise and social interaction in a community-based sample of non-demented Chinese elders

The findings differ from previous clinical trials in showing increases in brain volume and improvements in cognition with a largely non-aerobic exercise (Shaolin Rou Quan aka Tai Chi). In addition, intellectual stimulation through social interaction was associated with increases in brain volume as well as with some cognitive improvements.

Tai Chi Chuan training improves the pulmonary function of asthmatic children

Children practicing Tai Chi Chuan  have a significant improvement in pulmonary function.

Relationships between balance and cognition in patients with subjective cognitive impairment, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer disease

Balance impairments are common in patients with Alzheimer disease. In this stucy all aspects of balance control deteriorate with increasing severity of cognitive impairment and that executive function plays an important role in balance control. Physical therapists should pay attention to these findings both in clinical practice and in future research. This is why Shaolin Rou Quan (Tai Ji ) should be prefered as a form of exercise.

Exercise intervention in brain injury: a pilot randomized study of Tai Chi Qigong

This study provides preliminary evidence that a brief Tai Chi -Qigong exercise intervention programme may improve mood and self-esteem for individuals with traumatic brain injury.

Using a novel exercise programme for patients with muscular dystrophy: a qualitative study

Qigong was accepted as a novel exercise regimen and there was a wide variation of experience regarding it among the participants.One major advantage of qigong is the ability to adapt the different exercises to the physical capability of the practitioner. 

A preliminary study of the effects of Tai Chi and Qigong medical exercise on indicators of metabolic syndrome, glycaemic control, health-related quality of life, and psychological health in adults with elevated blood glucose

A preliminary study of the effects of Tai Chi and Qigong medical exercise on indicators of metabolic syndrome, glycaemic control, health-related quality of life, and psychological health in adults with elevated blood glucose

Tai Chi and Qigong for the treatment and prevention of mental disorders

Evidence suggests that these practices may be effective at treating a range of physical health conditions, and at improving health-related quality of life.

Effect of health Baduanjin Qigong for mild to moderate Parkinson's disease

Ba Duan Jin improved the gait performance, functional mobility and sleep quality in older adults with PD at the 6-month follow up.

It is as an alternative home exercise program for older adults in rehabilitation for Parkingson Disease.

Tai Chi for Disease Activity and Flexibility in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis—A Controlled Clinical Trial

The results suggest that tai chi improves flexibility and positively influences levels of disease activity in AS patients. Tai chi, which is easily accessible to patients, may also be an effective intervention for further randomized studies.

Tai chi exercise for treatment of pain and disability in people with persistent low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

This is the first pragmatic randomized controlled trial of tai chi exercise for people with low back pain.
It showed that a 10-week tai chi program improved pain and disability outcomes and can be considered a safe and effective intervention for those experiencing long-term low back pain symptoms.

Outcomes of a pilot training program in a qigong massage intervention for young children with autism

A qigong massage intervention based on Chinese medicine and delivered by a doctor of Chinese medicine was shown to improve sensory impairment and adaptive behavior in a small controlled study of young children with autism.

Effect of Tai Chi in adults with rheumatoid arthritis

This preliminary study suggests that group Tai Chi is a safe and potentially promising complementary therapy for adults with functional class I or II RA. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that Tai Chi seems to be associated with trends to improvement in disease activity that relates to both symptoms of pain and the cognitive coping process, which in turn is related to physical and psychological disability. Our results are consistent with two non-randomized studies of Tai Chi for RA that reported that there was no significant exacerbation of joint symptoms for 10 weeks of Tai Chi  It is also consistent with other Tai Chi studies in which Tai Chi had beneficial effects on tension, anxiety and depression .

Tai Chi is effective in treating knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial

Current guidelines consider non-pharmacological treatment modalities as the cornerstones in modern management of OA with information, exercise, and weight loss as core treatments (NICE 2008). Although this trial involved instruction by a Tai Chi master and selected participants, the study results might encourage physiotherapists to consider Tai Chi as an alternative, or additional, form of exercise for persons with knee OA.

Qigong training and effects on stress, neck-shoulder pain and life quality in a computerised office environment

There was a small significant improvement of neck pain and disability following therapy.

Qigong training may reduce neck disability in office workers. 

Primary prevention for risk factors of ischemic stroke with Baduanjin exercise intervention in the community elder population: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

A rare form of Qi Gong aspires at serving patients with ischemic stroke in the community elder population with high risk factors.

Impact of Qigong on quality of life, pain and depressive symptoms in older adults admitted to an intermediate care rehabilitation unit: a randomized controlled trial

A structured Qigong intervention, together with usual care,
might contribute to improve quality of life of patients admitted to a
post-acute intermediate care rehabilitation unit, compared to usual care.

A pilot evaluation on a stress management programme using a combined approach of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for elementary school teachers.

Mindful exercises including Qi Gong, along with cognitive behavioral therapy may help elementary teachers significantly reduce, depression, anxiety and stress

Psycho-physical and neurophysiological effects of qigong on depressed elders with chronic illness

The results provided preliminary evidence for the hypotheses that the antidepressive effect of qigong exercise could be explained by improvement in psychosocial functioning and possibly down-regulation of hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Complementary and alternative therapies for fibromyalgia syndrome. Systematic review, meta-analysis and guideline

The development of the guidelines was coordinated by the German Interdisciplinary Association for
Pain Therapy ("Deutsche Interdisziplinären Vereinigung für  Schmerztherapie", DIVS),
9 scientific medical societies and 2 patient self-help organizations.

Meditative movement therapies like qi gong  and tai chi, are strongly recommended.

Effects of qigong on depression: a systemic review

Physical exercises and relaxation have been found to be beneficial for depression.
However, there is little evidence on the use of Qigong, a mind-body practice
integrating gentle exercise and relaxation, in the management of depression.
The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effects of Qigong on depression.

Tai Chi intervention increases progenitor CD34(+) cells in young adults

TCC practice sustained for more than 1 year may be an intervention against aging as effective as BW in terms of its benefits on the improvement of CD34(+) number.

The use of Tai Chi to improve health in older adults

The use of Tai Chi to improve health in older adults.

Benefit of Qigong exercise in patients with fibromyalgia: a pilot study

Fibromyalgia (FM) patients present with widespread chronic pain and other symptoms. Some studies in the literature have reported inconsistent results after a Qigong exercise intervention in patients with FM.


The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of a home-based Qigong exercise in patients with FM

Evidence-based practice of Chinese medicine in physical rehabilitation science

the importance of the personalized approach for Chinese medicine and rehabilitation is emphasized together with the need for reproducible methods for pattern differentiation and intervention selection. Chinese medicine resources are recognized as promising methods for therapeutic rehabilitation and can be incorporated into the rehabilitation science.

The effects of a 6-month Tai Chi Qigong training program on temporomandibular, cervical, and shoulder joint mobility and sleep problems in nasopharyngeal cancer survivors.

The 6-month TC Qigong intervention improved neck mobility, maintained TMJ and shoulder joint mobility, and reduced sleep problems for NPC survivors. TC Qigong could be an effective nonpharmacological intervention for managing progressive trismus, chronic neck and shoulder hypomobility, and reducing sleep problems among NPC survivors.

Balance training to maintain mobility and prevent disability

Class-based exercise programs in senior centers or exercise centers have improved balance and physical performance, and some have reduced falls. Programs such as tai chi and social dance look promising and should be further investigated.

Comprehensive therapeutic benefits of Taiji: a critical review

 Controlled research evidence was found to confirm therapeutic benefits of Taiji practice with regard to improving quality of life, physical function including activity tolerance and cardiovascular function, pain management, balance and risk of falls reduction, enhancing immune response, and improving flexibility, strength, and kinesthetic sense. 

The management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in residential homes

Does Tai Chi have any role for people with dementia?

There is evidence for the benefits of exercise within care home settings, although only a few studies include those with cognitive impairment. Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise combining relaxed physical movement and meditation, and has been suggested to have many health benefits.

Impact of Qigong on quality of life, pain and depressive symptoms in older adults admitted to an intermediate care rehabilitation unit: a randomized controlled trial.

Qigong has been used as a complementary therapy to improve different health-related problems. This study aims to test the effects of Qigong on quality of life, pain and depressive symptoms in older hospitalized patients.

Physical benefits of Tai Chi Chuan for individuals with lower-limb disabilities

People with lower limp disabilities may see improvement

in shoulder range motion and external rotation.
shoulder flexibility and muscle strength
were enhaced in this study too.

Tai chi can help older patients with disabling conditions – study

GPs should prescribe sessions of Chinese exercises, study says, after finding it helps patients with breathing problems, osteoarthritis and heart disease.

Use of complementary health approaches among children aged 4-17 years in the United States: national health interview survey, 2007-2012

This report presents national estimates of the use of complementary health approaches among children aged 4-17 years in the United States.
... tai chi, or qi gong were the most commonly used complementary health approaches in both 2007 and 2012. 

Effects of Tai Chi on exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise that has been widely practiced in the People's Republic of China for many centuries. This exercise has also been applied as a training modality in pulmonary rehabilitation programs for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

Preliminary evidence suggests that Tai Chi has beneficial effects on exercise capacity and HRQoL in COPD patients. This exercise can be recommended as an effective alternative training modality in pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Health benefits of qigong or tai chi for cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analyses

Mind-body interventions are widely used by cancer patients to reduce symptoms and cope better with disease- and treatment-related symptoms. 
In the last decade, many clinical controlled trials of qigong/tai chi as a cancer treatment have emerged. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the effects of qigong/tai chi on the health-related outcomes of cancer patients.

The effects of mind-body therapies on the immune system: meta-analysis

Mind-body therapies reduce markers of inflammation and influence virus-specific immune responses to vaccination despite minimal evidence suggesting effects on resting anti-viral or enumerative measures. 

Tai Chi masters can generate great force

 It's possible that teaching children how to harness this ability could help them control chronic pain, manage disease and reduce stress. Recent studies from other institutions have suggested tai chi training can promote calmness and relaxation in middle school children and improve pulmonary function in children with asthma.
It's not just kids who can benefit from tai chi. Other studies at Stanford and elsewhere have shown that adult practitioners gain balance, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and immune benefits.

Tai Chi versus brisk walking in elderly women

Comparing the effects of a short style of Tai Chi versus brisk walking training programme on aerobic capacity, heart rate variability (HRV), strength, flexibility, balance, psychological status and quality of life in elderly women.

A short style of Tai Chi Chuan was found to be an effective way to improve many fitness measures in elderly women over a 3-month period. 

Tai Chi Chuan  was also found to be significantly better than brisk walking in enhancing certain measures of fitness including lower extremity strength, balance and flexibility.

Researchers Find Missing Link Between the Brain and Immune System

Knowing already the effects of tension on brain activity and the relaxing properties of the practice of Tai Ji, a recent breakthrough study has come up supporting the relationship between brain and immune system and hence Tai Ji as a way to promote the afore mentioned.Such study may be an asset, for further supporting the benefits of Tai Ji, as scientists "have determined that the brain is directly connected to the immune system by vesssels previously thought not to exist".

Tai Chi improves self control for children with autism

Emotional and behavioral control are often impaired in individuals with autism (ASD). Children are especially prone to emotional and verbal outbursts, limited social functioning, repetitive and disruptive behaviors, and strained communication.
These traits common to ASD make it difficult for children with ASD to succeed academically, socially, or in interpersonal relationships.

Pupils use Tai Chi to beat bullying

When pupils at Hartington CE Primary School performed the "Story of Tai Chi" for parents, grandparents and friends, there was more to the presentation than just a play.

During the year 2006 as part of the school's anti-bullying initiative the youngsters have been practising this form of protection meditation. Not only that, but next February they are hoping to start an after-school community club offering Tai Chi to all ages, from children five years old through to adults.

Tai Chi and Chronic pain (fibromyalgia)

Tai chi is a low-impact, slow-motion, mind-body exercise that combines breath control, meditation, and movements to stretch and strengthen muscles. The practice dates back thousands of years.

Effect of Tai Chi on Cognitive Performance in Older Adults

Tai Chi shows potential to enhance cognitive function in older adults, particularly in the realm of executive functioning and in individuals without significant impairment.Findings from nonrandomized studies add further evidence that Tai Chi may positively affect domains of cognitive function.

The effects of tai chi on depression, anxiety, and psychological well-being

Tai chi, also called taiji or tai chi chuan, is a form of mind-body exercise that originated from China. It combines Chinese martial arts and meditative movements that promote balance and healing of the mind and body, involving a series of slowly performed, dance-like postures that flow into one another. As it comprises mental concentration, physical balance, muscle relaxation, and relaxed breathing, tai chi shows great potential for becoming widely integrated into the prevention and rehabilitation of a number of medical and psychological conditions.

The health benefits of Tai Chi

This gentle form of exercise can prevent or ease many ills of aging and could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life.
Tai chi is often described as “meditation in motion,” but it might well be called “medication in motion.” There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren’t in top shape or the best of health.

World Tai Ji & Qigong Day 2015 Celebrations

World Tai Chi and Qigong Day [WTCQD], also spelled World Tai Ji and Qi Gong Day, is a global annual event held the last Saturday of April each year to promote the related disciplines of Tai Ji Quan and Qigong in nearly every country since 1999. This year the Masters of Greek Shaolin Cultural Center decided to participate in this beautiful and kind springtime global festival of body and mind health and demonstrates to the community and all the participants the wonders of Shaolin Rou Quan and Shaolin Qi Gong.

Best exercise for Balance : Tai Chi

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese exercise that can help older adults improve their balance and lower their fall risk. And by reducing their risk of falls, seniors can lower their odds of suffering a debilitating fracture. “In just 12 weeks, I’ve seen people improve their balance and stability and walk faster and farther,” says Stanwood Chang, a tai chi instructor at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, part of Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.

Slow, deliberate movements improve your stability and protect against falls.

The effects of Tai chi on body balance in elderly people

American Journal of Chinese Medicine has published a study concerning the effect of tai chi on body balance in elderly people,
by reviewing studies from the early 21st century.

Results are very optimistic.

Tai Chi practice improves and restores sexual vitality

The benefits of doing Tai Chi are many. The primary aim is circulate chi (a vital force within the body) throughout the system to enhance vitality and health. Practicing Tai Chi has been associated with improved strength, balance, mobility, immunity, flexibility and more.

By increasing circulation and lowering tension Tai Chi practice extends its benefits to an overall improved sexual vitality.

Tai Chi Shows Relief for Arthritis Pain, Improves Well-Being and Enhances Sleep

In the largest study to date of the Arthritis Foundation’s Tai Chi program, participants showed improvement in pain, fatigue, stiffness and sense of well-being.

Older adults also improved their ability to reach while maintaining balance, said Leigh Callahan,