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| Grandmaster Cheng Man Ching |
Tai chi has yet another therapeutic application: for those who experience Parkinson Disease.
A study by Madeleine E. Hackney and Gammon M. Earhart published in Gait & Postures Journal in 2008 shows that tai chi can be helpful for balance and dexterity for those experiencing mild to mild-moderately severe Parkinson Disease.
According to the study's abstract, 33 people with the disease were randomly assigned to two groups. The Tai Chi group participated in 20 one-hour training sessions completed within 10–13 weeks; the control group had two testing sessions between 10 and 13 weeks apart without interposed training.
The tai chi group improved more than the control group on six indicators of balance, gait and mobility — and all tai chi participants reported satisfaction with the program and improvements in well-being. Read about the study here.
Tai chi appears to be an appropriate, safe and effective form of exercise for some individuals with mild-moderately severe form of the disease.
Check back tomorrow for a tai chi bonus about the annual Tai Chi Gala in Albany.
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