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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

The use of Tai Chi to improve health in older adults

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 helps Parkinson’s patients with balance and fall prevention

Exercise is important for a healthy lifestyle but it is also a key part of therapy, rehabilitation and disease management. For Parkinson’s disease, exercise routines are often recommended to help maintain stability and the coordinated movements necessary for everyday living.


An NIH-funded study, reported in the February 9, 2012 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine,evaluated three different forms of exercise – resistance training, stretching, and tai chi – and found that tai chi led to the greatest overall improvements in balance and stability for patients with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease.