The effect of Tai Chi/Qigong on depression and anxiety symptoms in adults with Cancer: A systematic review and meta-regression.

OBJECTIVE: We expand on prior systematic reviews of Tai chi/Qigong (TCQ) practice on depression or anxiety symptoms in adults with cancer to estimate the mean effect of TCQ on depression and anxiety in randomized controlled trials. Additionally, we perform moderator analysis to examine whether effects vary based on patient features, TCQ stimuli properties, or characteristics of research design. METHODS: Guided by PRISMA guidelines, we located articles published before August 31, 2023 using a combination of electronic database search and a complementary manual search through reference lists of articles and published reviews. Two separate multilevel meta-analyses with random-effects model were employed to estimate the overall effect of TCQ on depression and anxiety respectively. Further, multilevel meta-regression analysis was utilized to examine moderating effects based on moderators derived from patient features, TCQ stimuli properties, or characteristics associated with research design. Meta-analyses were performed in R4.0.0 and certainty of evidence with GRADEpro software. RESULTS: The TCQ intervention yielded a standardized mean effect size of 0.29 (95% CI, 0.18 to 0.40) for anxiety, indicating homogeneity among the included studies. Conversely, for depression, the standardized mean effect size was 0.35 (95% CI, 0.14 to 0.55), signifying heterogeneity: reductions were larger when the trial primary outcome, predominantly function-related outcomes, changed significantly between the TCQ and control group. CONCLUSIONS: TCQ practice exhibits small-to-moderate efficacy in alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms among cancer patients and survivors. Moreover, patients with depressive symptoms for whom TCQ intervention coupled with improvements in function-related outcomes manifested greater antidepressant effect.

Study protocol for a comparative randomized controlled trial of Tai Chi and conventional exercise training on alleviating depression in older insomniacs.

Background: Insomnia and depression are prevalent mental disorders that are often comorbid among older adults. Lifestyle intervention strategies incorporating Tai Chi or conventional exercise have been shown to alleviate symptoms of insomnia and depression. However, the comparative efficacy of these exercise modalities in individuals with both disorders has yet to be determined. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of Tai Chi and conventional exercise for reducing depressive symptoms in older adults with chronic insomnia and depressive symptoms, when compared to a health education control. Methods: This study is a prospective, assessor-blinded, three-arm, parallel group, randomized controlled trial. Older adults aged ≥60 years with a diagnosis of chronic insomnia and depressive symptoms will be randomly assigned to a Tai Chi, conventional exercise or health education control condition on a 1:1:1 basis. Interventions will last for 3 months, with a 6-month follow-up period. The primary outcome is depressive symptoms, assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Secondary outcomes include subjective sleep quality, 7-day actigraphy, 7-day sleep diary, anxiety symptoms, quality of life, medication usage and physical function. All measurements will be conducted at baseline, 3 months and 9 months by outcome assessors who are blinded to group allocation. Discussion: This study will compare the efficacy of Tai Chi and conventional exercise in improving depression outcomes in older adults with chronic insomnia and depressive symptoms. Our results will shed light on the clinical potential of these interventions for combating insomnia and depression in older adults.

Prepandemic Feasibility of Tele-Exercise as an Alternative Delivery Mode for an Evidence-Based, Tai Ji Quan Fall-Prevention Intervention for Older Adults.

There is a critical need for fall-prevention interventions to reach medically underserved, hard-to-reach, rural older adults. The evidence-based Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (TJQMBB) program reduces falls in older adults. This pre-COVID-19 pandemic study assessed the feasibility and impact of a 16-week tele-TJQMBB intervention in older adults. Instructors led six tele-TJQMBB classes via Zoom for 52 older adults (mean age ± SD 68.5 ± 7.7 years) at one academic and four community sites. Nearly all (97%) planned sessions were delivered. Average attendance was 61%. There were no adverse events. Fidelity was fair to good (mean 67%). Forty-one percent of sessions experienced technical disruptions. Participants improved their gait speed, balance, lower-extremity strength, and body mass index. Tele-TJQMBB was feasible with a positive impact on outcomes. This study was the first step toward establishing an additional delivery mode that could potentially expand TJQMBB's reach and maintenance.

Tai chi, irisin and cognitive performance: a clinical and biological investigation in older adults.

BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscle is the main source of circulating irisin, both at rest and during physical activity. Previous studies have suggested that irisin can improve cognitive abilities. AIMS: We explored whether six months of Tai Chi (TC) practice can modulate such a relationship in healthy older persons. METHODS: This is a prospective clinical study to evaluate the effects of TC practice as compared with low intensity exercise (LI) and no exercise (NE) control groups on plasmatic irisin levels and cognitive performance. Forty-two healthy older persons were stratified into three groups according to physical activities. Biochemical assay and cognitive functions were assessed at the baseline and after six months. RESULTS: A significant change was found in circulating irisin levels in TC as compared with NE group (p = 0.050) across time. At six months in TC group irisin levels significantly correlated with a verbal memory test (p = 0.013) controlled by age and education. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest the potential benefits for cognitive health of TC practice by irisin levels modulation.

Health Qigong Mawangdui Guidance can improve pelvic floor muscle function and quality of life in females with stress urinary incontinence: A randomized controlled trial pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a great problem of public health, especially for women's quality of life. UI afflicts at least 21.6% of the global population, and more than half of the UI is related to female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Mawangdui Guidance plays an important role in preventing diseases and maintaining health. METHODS: Sixty female patients with SUI were randomly divided into a control group (n = 30) and an experimental group (n = 30). Patients in both groups were treated with basic rehabilitation therapy under the guidance of rehabilitation therapists who were trained in Mawangdui Guidance, based on the former, the experimental group was taught to exercise Mawangdui Guidance(including selected movements: "Qishi," "Longdeng," "Chishi," and "Yinyao"), while the control group performed Kegel exercise with a procedure of 20 min, six times per week for 6 weeks. The function was mainly evaluated by the 1 h pad-test, incontinence quality of life questionnaire (I-QOL), and international consultation on incontinence questionnaire urinary incontinence short form (ICI-Q-SF). In addition, evaluation of pelvic floor muscle function was also included in our assessment. RESULTS: The leakage of urine in the 1 h pad-test was significantly decreased in both two groups after treatment (P < .05), and the urine leakage in the experimental group was significantly less than that in the control group (P < .05). The muscle strength of type I and II muscle fibers of the pelvic floor, intravaginal pressure, and I-QOL score in both two groups were increased after treatment; moreover, the experimental group was more significant than the control group (P <.05). The fatigue degree of type I and type II muscle fibers of the pelvic floor, and the ICI-Q-SF score in both groups were significantly improved after treatment (P < .05); however, there were no differences between these two groups. The total effective rate of the experimental group was 90.00%, and 76.67% in the control group (P <.05). CONCLUSION: Mawangdui Guidance can effectively improve the function of pelvic floor muscle, improve the ability of urine storage and control, and alleviate the symptoms of female patients with SUI. However, the international research on Mawangdui Guidance is very limited, and more in-depth research is needed.

Can strength training or tai ji quan training reduce frailty in postmenopausal women treated with chemotherapy? A secondary data analysis of the GET FIT trial.

PURPOSE: To determine whether strength training or tai ji quan can reduce frailty in older, postmenopausal women treated with chemotherapy for cancer. METHODS: We conducted a secondary data analysis from a 3-arm, single-blind, randomized controlled trial where older (50-75 years), postmenopausal women cancer survivors were randomized to supervised group exercise programs: tai ji quan, strength training, or stretching control for 6 months. We assessed frailty using a 4-criteria model consisting of weakness, fatigue, inactivity, and slowness. Using logistic regression, we determined whether the frailty phenotype (pre-frailty or frailty) decreased post-intervention, how many and which frailty criteria decreased, and what characteristics identified women most likely to reduce frailty. RESULTS: Data from 386 women who completed baseline and 6-month testing were used (mean age of 62.0 ± 6.4 years). The odds of reducing overall frailty over 6 months were significantly higher in the strength training group compared to controls (OR [95%CI] 1.86 [1.09, 3.17]) but not for tai ji quan (1.44 [0.84, 2.50]). Both strength training (OR 1.99 [1.10, 3.65]) and tai ji quan (OR 2.10 [1.16, 3.84]) led to significantly higher odds of reducing ≥ 1 frailty criterion compared to controls. Strength training led to a three-fold reduction in inactivity (p < 0.01) and tai ji quan to a two-fold reduction in fatigue (p = 0.08) versus control. Higher baseline BMI, comorbidity score, and frailty status characterized women were more likely to reduce frailty than other women. CONCLUSIONS: Strength training appears superior to tai ji quan and stretching with respect to reducing overall frailty phenotype among postmenopausal women treated with chemotherapy for cancer, but tai ji quan favorably reduced the number of frailty criteria. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: GET FIT was registered as a clinical trial in clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01635413. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Supervised, group exercise training that emphasizes strength training and/or tai ji quan may help combat accelerated aging and reduce frailty after cancer treatment.

The effect of Tai Chi lower extremity exercise on the balance control of older adults in assistant living communities.

BACKGROUND: Although Tai Chi (TC) is an evidence-based fall prevention training for older adults, its effective movements remain unclear, which may limit the practice of TC. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of TC lower extremity exercise (TC LEE), the 8-form Tai Chi (8-form TC), and a stretching control intervention for improving balance and functional mobility among older adults. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 102 participants (79 ± 6 years old) were recruited from assisted living facilities. All participants were randomly assigned to the TC LEE (n = 40), 8-form TC (n = 31), and stretching (n = 31) groups in which they received the respective interventions for 16 weeks. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and center of pressure (COP) measurements during quiet stance were collected prior to and following the 16-week interventions. Comparisons on all measurements were conducted among all groups. RESULTS: Significant improvements were found in BBS (P = 0.002), TUG test (P = 0.001), root mean square amplitude of COP displacement in the anterior-posterior (P = 0.001) and medial-lateral (P = 0.001) directions, and average COP speed in the anterior-posterior (P = 0.001) and medial-lateral (P = 0.001) directions after training in the TC intervention groups compared with the stretching group. The upper limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) of differences in change scores on the BBS (-0.8 - 1.3 points) between the TC LEE group and the 8-form TC group was within equivalence margins (1.8 points), while the upper limit of the 95% CI of differences in change scores on the TUG test (0.1 - 2.1 s) exceeded the equivalence margin (0.7 s) with the TC LEE group having the larger change scores. CONCLUSION: TC LEE can improve balance and functional mobility in older adults, and may have greater effect than the 8-form TC on improving functional mobility as measured by the TUG test. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2300070600 retrospectively registered.

Effect of 24-form simplified Tai Chi on executive inhibitory control of college students: a randomized controlled trial of EEG.

Background: College students, undergoing crucial cognitive development, face challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic that impact their executive functions. While existing research indicates positive effects of Tai Chi (TC) on college students' cognitive abilities, there is a scarcity of studies investigating its impact on executive functions and frontal brain activity. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of 24-form simplified TC training on college students' executive functions and frontal brain electrical activity. The hypothesis posited that the TC group would exhibit superior performance compared to the control group during COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Seventy college students were randomly assigned to either TC group or control group, engaging in 36 sessions (3 sessions per week, 45 min each) over 12 weeks. Executive inhibitory control was assessed using the Stroop Color and Word Test, and resting brain electrical activity in the frontal area was recorded through Electroencephalography. Result: ACC was influenced by group, group-time interaction, and Stroop task-time interaction. RT was affected by time, task condition, task condition-time interaction, and task condition-group interaction. Notably, the TC group showed improved ACC (from 96.54 ± 3.27% to 98.90 ± 1.32%) and decreased RT (from 0.73 ± 0.12 to 0.66 ± 0.07 s), particularly in the inconsistent task. Regarding EEG band power, significant Group and Time interaction effects were found in F3-θ, F3-α, F3-ß, F4-θ, and F4-α. Moreover, within the TC group, significant increases in F3-θ band power (from 4.66 ± 3.55 to 7.71 ± 8.44) and F4-θ band power (from 4.41 ± 2.82 to 8.61 ± 9.51) (10-3·µV·Hz) were noted pre-and post-tests. In the control group, significant decreases were observed in F3-α band power (from 5.18 ± 4.61 to 2.79 ± 2.11) and F4-α band power (from 5.57 ± 6.58 to 2.48 ± 1.95) (10-3·µV·Hz). Conclusion: The pandemic-induced panic may impact frontal lobe brain activity in college students. TC training not only improves executive inhibitory control but may also enhance localized brain activity, suggesting its potential as a holistic intervention for cognitive and neurological well-being during stressful periods.

The effects of different types of Tai Chi exercises on preventing falls in older adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Few studies comparing the effects of different types of Tai Chi exercises on preventing falls in older adults. We compared the effects for finding an optimal intervention. METHODS: We searched 12 databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and so on, from their inception to January 13, 2023. Randomized controlled trials incorporating different types of Tai Chi for preventing falls in older adults were included. The outcome measures were the incidence of falls and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted using Stata 15.1 based on a frequentist framework. RESULTS: Seventeen trials were eligible, including 3470 participants and four types of Tai Chi. They were 24-form simplified Tai Chi (24-form), Yang style Tai Chi (Yang style), Sun style Tai Chi (Sun style) and Tai Chi exercise program (TCEP). In paired meta-analysis, for incidence of falls, 24-form (Relative Risk (RR) = 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.40, 0.86]) was more efficient than the control group. For BBS outcome, 24-form (MD (mean difference) = 2.32, 95% CI [1.42, 3.22]) was better than the control group. In the NMA, the results of incidence of falls were as follows: 24-form > Yang style > Sun style > control > TCEP. The rank probability of BBS was as follows: 24-form > TCEP > Yang style > control. CONCLUSION: Among the four types of Tai Chi studied, the 24-form simplified Tai Chi has shown better efficacy than other types.

Cognitively enhanced tai chi improved cognition vs. tai chi or stretching at 24 wk in older adults with MCI or memory concerns.

SOURCE CITATION: Li F, Harmer P, Eckstrom E, et al. Clinical effectiveness of cognitively enhanced tai ji quan training on global cognition and dual-task performance during walking in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or self-reported memory concerns: a randomized controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 2023;176:1498-1507. 37903365.

Estrategias de intervención motora sobre el control postural en niños y jóvenes con trastorno del espectro autista: una revisión sistemática / Motor intervention strategies on postural control in children and youth with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review

El trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) posee características variadas con un impacto a nivel social, comunicativo y sensoriomotor (SM). Una característica SM son los problemas sobre el control postural (CP). Variadas son las estrategias de intervención motora (EIM), pero el beneficio sobre el CP es algo que se ha analizado de forma menos amplia. El objetivo fue describir las EIM y sus resultados sobre el CP de niños y adolescentes con TEA. Se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science y Cochrane. Un total de ocho artículos cumplieron con los criterios de elegibilidad. Todas las EIM mostraron resultados beneficiosos sobre el mejoramiento del CP y fueron de diferente naturaleza (práctica de bailes, actividad física personalizada, videojuegos, Tai Chi Chuan, Taekwondo y realidad virtual). Es necesario mejorar los diseños y considerar los riesgos de sesgos, pues limitan el alcance de los resultados.(AU)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has varied characteristics with an impact at the social, communicative and sensorimotor (SM) level. An SM feature is postural control (PC) problems. There are various motor intervention strategies (MIS), but the benefit over LC is something that has been analyzed less extensively. The objective was to describe the MIS and its results on the PC of children and adolescents with ASD. A search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane was performed. A total of eight articles met the eligibility criteria. All MIS showed beneficial results on the improvement of PC. The MIS were of a varied nature (dance practice, personalized physical activity, video games, Tai Chi Chuan, Taekwondo and virtual reality). It is necessary to improve the designs and consider the risks of bias, since they limit the scope of the results.(AU)

Metabolic impairments associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the potential effects of exercise therapy: An exploratory randomized trial based on untargeted metabolomics.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common condition that is characterized by metabolic impairments. Exercise therapy has proven effective in improving the physiological and psychological states of patients with T2DM; however, the influence of different exercise modalities on metabolic profiles is not fully understood. This study first aimed to investigate the metabolic changes associated with T2DM among patients and then to evaluate the potential physiological effects of different exercise modalities (Tai Chi and brisk walking) on their metabolic profiles. METHODS: This study included 20 T2DM patients and 11 healthy subjects. Patients were randomly allocated to either the Tai Chi or walking group to perform Dijia simplified 24-form Tai Chi or brisk walking (80-100 m/min), with 90 minutes each time, three times per week for 12 weeks, for a total of 36 sessions. The healthy group maintained daily living habits without intervention. Glycemic tests were conducted at the baseline and after 12 weeks. Serum and urine samples were collected for untargeted metabolomic analyses at baseline and 12 weeks to examine the differential metabolic profiles between T2DM and healthy subjects, and the metabolic alterations of T2DM patients before and after exercise therapy. RESULTS: Compared to the healthy group, T2DM patients exhibited metabolic disturbances in carbohydrates (fructose, mannose, galactose, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis), lipids (inositol phosphate), and amino acids (arginine, proline, cysteine, methionine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine) metabolism, including 20 differential metabolites in the serum and six in the urine. After exercise, the glycemic results showed insignificant changes. However, patients who practiced Tai Chi showed significant improvements in their post-treatment metabolic profiles compared to baseline, with nine serum and six urine metabolites, including branch-chained amino acids (BCAAs); while those in the walking group had significantly altered nine serum and four urine metabolites concerning steroid hormone biosynthesis and arachidonic acid metabolism compared to baseline. CONCLUSION: T2DM patients displayed impaired carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, and exercise therapy improved their metabolic health. Different modalities may act through different pathways. Tai Chi may improve disrupted BCAAs metabolism, whereas brisk walking mainly regulates steroid hormone biosynthesis and arachidonic acid metabolism.

The effects of Tai Chi exercise on sleep quality among the elderly: a study based on polysomnographic monitoring.

Background: Sleep disorders contribute to an increased risk of depression, cardiovascular issues, and various other diseases among older individuals. Consequently, enhancing the sleep quality of this demographic population has become a pressing concern. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of an 8-week Tai Chi exercise intervention in the sleep quality of older adults. Methods: Sixty individuals aged 60 years and above, recruited from the community around Southwest University in Beibei District, Chongqing City, were randomly assigned to either a control group (30 participants) or an intervention group (30 participants). The control group adhered to their normal daily routines during the 8-week experimental period, while the intervention group engaged in a 60-min Tai Chi practice three times a week for 8 weeks. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Additionally, the Polysomnographic Sleep Quality Monitoring System (PSG) was employed to monitor the sleep process before and after the Tai Chi intervention. Results: After the experiment, significant differences were observed in PSQI and IEI scores between the intervention and control groups (p < 0.05). In the experimental group, the pre-post comparisons revealed a significant increase in time spent in bed (p < 0.05), total sleep time (p < 0.05), and non-REM sleep stage 2 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicate that Tai Chi exercise may improve subjective reported sleep quality. In addition, Tai Chi exercise may alleviate general drowsiness, extend sleep duration, and optimize the sleep process and structure. Consequently, Tai Chi exercise may be a suitable exercise to improve sleep quality in older individuals.

Tai Chi counteracts age-related somatosensation and postural control declines among older adults.

Objective: To investigate the effect of a 16-week Tai Chi practice on strength, tactile sensation, kinesthesia, and static postural control among older adults of different age groups. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study. Thirteen participants aged 60-69 years (60-69yr), 11 aged 70-79 years (70-79yr), and 13 aged 80-89 years (80-89yr) completed 16 weeks of 24-form Tai Chi practice. Their ankle and hip peak torque, tactile sensation, ankle and knee kinesthesia, and the root mean square of the center of pressure (Cop-RMS) were measured before (week 0) and after (week 17) practice. Results: 80-89yr showed less ankle plantar/dorsiflexion and hip abduction peak torques (p = 0.003, p < 0.001, p = 0.001), and a greater ankle plantar/dorsiflexion kinesthesia (p < 0.001, p = 0.002) than 60-69yr and 70-79yr. Greater ankle plantar/dorsiflexion and hip abduction torques (p = 0.011, p < 0.001, p = 0.045), improved arch and heel tactile sensation (p = 0.040, p = 0.009), and lower knee flexion/extension kinesthesia (p < 0.001, p = 0.044) were observed at week 17. The significant group*practice interaction for the fifth metatarsal head tactile sensation (p = 0.027), ankle plantar/dorsiflexion kinesthesia (p < 0.001, p = 0.004), and the CoP-RMS in the mediolateral direction (p = 0.047) only in 80-89yr revealed greater improvement at week 17. Conclusion: Tai Chi practice increased strength, tactile sensation, kinesthesia, and static postural control among older adults. Tai Chi practice improved tactile, kinesthesia sensations, and static postural control among older adults over 80, who presented with worse strength and kinesthesia than their younger counterparts. Tai Chi practice offers a safe exercise option for those aged over 80 to encourage improvements in sensorimotor control.

Acute effects of different Tai Chi practice protocols on cardiac autonomic modulation.

Tai Chi serves as an effective exercise modality for enhancing autonomic regulation. However, a majority of existing studies have employed the single routine (SR) protocol as the basis for health interventions. The extent to which the gong routine application (GRA) protocol achieves similar levels of exercise load stimulation as traditional single practice routines remains uncertain. Therefore, this study the distinct characteristics of autonomic load stimulation in these different protocols, thus providing a biological foundation to support the development of Tai Chi health promotion intervention programs. we recruited a cohort of forty-five university students to participate in the 15 min GRA protocol and SR protocol. We collected heart rate and heart rate variability indicators during periods of rest, GRA protocol, and SR protocol utilizing the Polar Scale. Additionally, we assessed the mental state of the participants using the BFS State of Mind Scale. In summary, the autonomic load is lower in the GRA protocol compared to the SR protocol, with lower sympathetic activity but higher parasympathetic activity in the former. Results are specific to college students, additional research is necessary to extend support for frail older adults. It is advised to incorporate GRA protocol alongside SR protocol in Tai Chi instruction. This approach is likely to enhance Tai Chi skills and yield greater health benefits.

High-frequency multimodal training with a focus on Tai Chi in people with Parkinson's disease: a pilot study.

Background and objectives: Cognitive decline is an important and common complication in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) since it significantly reduces the quality of life. A breakthrough in treating and preventing cognitive decline in PD remains to be achieved. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of high-frequency and intensive multimodal training in improving motor and cognitive function. Methods: Twenty-eight patients diagnosed with idiopathic PD completed a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery and were neurologically examined. The patients of the intervention group (n = 15) underwent 2 weekly sessions of Tai Chi therapy over 4 weeks and participated in an individually tailored training program consisting of two modules (smartphone-based speech training and cognitive training). A matched control group consisted of n = 13 patients with PD who received computer-assisted cognitive training. The data were analyzed with repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Four weeks of high-frequency training showed significant effects on verbal and figural episodic memory and visuospatial function in the intervention group.Compared to the control group, the cognitive performance of the intervention group improved significantly in visuospatial function and figural episodic memory. A significant improvement was also shown in the intervention group in the Tinetti Mobility Test and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The significant effects in the Tinetti mobility test remained after the 6 months follow-up. After the intervention, the patients reported high motivation and satisfaction with the multimodal training. Conclusion: In patients with PD, a multimodal training program not only improves gait and stability but may also contribute to improving cognition. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04103255; https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/LoginUser?ts=1&cx=-jg9qo4.

Effects of Tai-Chi on Quality of Life in People With Neurodegenerative Diseases. A systematic Review of Randomised Clinical Trials.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people with neurodegenerative diseases. DATA SOURCE: This review followed the guidelines of the updated PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020. A systematic search in five electronic databases (Medline via PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PEDro, and OTseeker) was performed. STUDY INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Randomized control trials (RCTs) examining Tai Chi interventions to improve HRQoL in patients with neurodegenerative diseases published through March 2023 were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted from each study by two independent researchers into a data extraction form based on the Cochrane recommendations. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed. DATA SYNTHESIS: A meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 software. RESULTS: Of the 439 records that were screened, eight RCTs met the eligibility criteria. They assessed cognitive decline (n = 2) or Parkinson's disease (n = 6). RCT comparison groups included active interventions or usual care. The duration of Tai Chi therapy ranged from 8 to 24 weeks. A sensitivity analysis using a fixed effect model indicated that Tai Chi therapy significantly increased HRQoL [P < 001, SMD (95% CI) = .41 [.21, .60], I2 = 4%]. CONCLUSION: Tai Chi can effectively improve the HRQoL of people with neurodegenerative diseases, but the heterogeneity across intervention was relatively high. Further studies are needed as research into the benefits of Tai Chi in neurodegenerative disease rehabilitation is still limited.

Enhancing Tai Chi Training System: Towards Group-Based and Hyper-Realistic Training Experiences.

In this article, we propose a lightweight and flexible enhanced Tai Chi training system composed of multiple standalone virtual reality (VR) devices. The system aims to enable a hyper-realistic multi-user action training platform at low cost by displaying real-time action guidance trajectories, providing real-world impossible visual effects and functions, and rapidly enhancing movement precision and communication interest for learners. We objectively evaluate participants' action quality at different levels of immersion, including traditional coach guidance (TCG), VR, and mixed reality (MR), along with subjective measures like motion sickness, quality of interaction, social meaning, presence/immersion to comprehensively explore the system's feasibility. The results indicate VR performs the best in training accuracy, but MR provides superior social experience and relatively high accuracy. Unlike TCG, MR offers hyper-realistic hand movement trajectories and Tai Chi social references. Compared with VR, MR provides more realistic avatar companions and a safer environment. In summary, MR balances accuracy and social experience.

Traditional Chinese exercises on depression: A network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Exercise is an important factor for the treatment and rehabilitation of depression. Traditional Chinese exercise is considered as an effective treatment for depression. In recent years, many studies have shown that Chinese exercise therapy may be safe in the treatment of depression. To evaluate the therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese exercise on depression using network meta-analysis. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP shop Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, and Wan Fang Data Knowledge Service Platform were included in randomized controlled studies on traditional Chinese exercises for the treatment of depression from the establishment of the library to July 2023. The literature was extracted and assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment and statistically analyzed using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 14.2. RESULTS: A total of 25 studies involving 3 exercises with a total of 1605 cases were included. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that each exercise significantly reduced the 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24), Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Self-rating Depression Scale scores. However, conventional treatments have the advantage of improving the sleep quality of patients with depression. CONCLUSIONS: The 3 exercises included in this study were effective for depression. Baduanjin and Tai Chi were better at improving the outcomes related to depression and anxiety. The effect of sleep quality intervention was slightly worse. Larger, high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to compare interventions across exercises in a more granular manner.

Health benefits of short Taichi Qigong exercise (STQE) to University Students' core strength, lower limb explosive force, cardiopulmonary endurance, and anxiety: A Quasi experiment research.

BACKGROUND: College students' physical fitness has declined over the past decades. Taichi Qigong exercise offers numerous health benefits and could serve as a suitable option for them. Traditional programs, however, are time-consuming and necessitate long-term commitments. Therefore, a more cost-effective intervention is needed. METHODS: The study enrolled a total of 31 students who actively participated in a 5-week STQE program, consisting of three 60-minute sessions per week. Physical and mental health assessments included the Plank test, vital capacity measurement, 1000/800 m run test, standing jump, and the Zung Self-Rating Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS: Following the STQE intervention, participants showed improvement in core strength (28.1 seconds in the Plank test, P = .025) and lower limb explosive force (6.52 cm in the standing jump test, P = .011), accompanied by a decrease in anxiety levels (a reduction of 3.41 in the Zung Self-Rating Scale, P = .039). However, no significant improvements were observed in cardiopulmonary endurance, as evidenced by a non-significant increase of 237.84 mL in vital capacity (P = .134) and a non-significant reduction of 1.6 seconds in the 1000/800 m run test (P = .764). CONCLUSION: The study suggests that the STQE program effectively improves core strength, lower limb explosive force, and reduces anxiety levels among university students.