Tai Chi Tuesday: 'Medication in Motion,' According to Harvard

Just how good is tai chi?

Harvard Women's Health Watch heralds it as "medication in motion" and calls it an exercise that can be done by anyone with any fitness and health level. Here's an excerpt from "The Health Benefits of Tai Chi," originally published in May 2009:

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.

Don't be intimidated by some of the language or culture that might be very different than what you may have been exposed to, the article continues.

Tai chi helps provide muscle strength, flexibility, balance and aerobic conditioning.

Also, consider tai chi if you have (or have a family history of) any of these diseases:

• Arthritis
• Low bone density
• Breast cancer
• Heart disease
• Heart failure
• Hypertension
• Parkinson's disease
• Sleep problems
• Stroke

Find a tai chi class near you and start on the path to health and wellness today.

Tai Chi Tuesday: Stroke Survivor Balance Improved with Tai Chi

Tai Chi Reduces Falls in Stroke Survivors

The ancient practice of tai chi may be advantageous to stroke patients, according to a study released earlier this month by the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2013.

Typical stroke survivors are seven times more likely to fall each year as compared to healthy adults, according to the study. This can cause fractures and decrease mobility. Falling also increases fear, which in turn can increase a person's feeling of isolation and reduce their social interaction with others.

According to a news release issued by the American Stroke Association:

“Learning how to find and maintain your balance after a stroke is a challenge,” said Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae, Ph.D., R.N., the study’s principal investigator and assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing in Tucson, Ariz.

Tai chi improves "both static and dynamic balance, which is important to prevent falls," Taylor-Piliae noted.

“The main physical benefits of Tai Chi are better balance, improved strength, flexibility and aerobic endurance,” Taylor-Piliae said. “Psycho-social benefits include less depression, anxiety and stress, and better quality of life.”

Researchers recruited 89 stroke survivors who were, on average, about 70 years old. Nearly half were women, most were Caucasian, and had suffered strokes about three years prior to joining the study. Study participants were from three groups: tai chi students, an exercise group called SilverSneakers and a "usual care" group encouraged to be physically active and given follow-up phone calls.

During the 12-week trial, there were a total of 34 reported falls in participants’ homes, mainly from slipping or tripping. Tai chi students had the fewest number of falls — five — while SilverSneaker participants reported 14 falls and the "usual care" group reported 15 falls. Only four people sought medical treatment. 

Read the American Stroke Association's news release here. 

Tai chi is beneficial for people of all ages, and people of all physical abilities can benefit from this ancient art. 

Looking for a local tai chi class? Check with your local adult education or parks and recreation department. The International Taoist Tai Chi Society also can help locate instructors and classes in your area.

"Learning how to find and maintain your balance after a stroke is a challenge," said Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae, Ph.D., R.N., the study's principal investigator and assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing in Tucson, Ariz. "Tai Chi is effective in improving both static and dynamic balance, which is important to prevent falls. Tai Chi is readily available in most U.S. cities and is relatively inexpensive."

Read more at: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-02-tai-chi-falls-adult-survivors.html#jCp

"Learning how to find and maintain your balance after a stroke is a challenge," said Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae, Ph.D., R.N., the study's principal investigator and assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing in Tucson, Ariz. "Tai Chi is effective in improving both static and dynamic balance, which is important to prevent falls. Tai Chi is readily available in most U.S. cities and is relatively inexpensive."

Read more at: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-02-tai-chi-falls-adult-survivors.html#jCp

"Learning how to find and maintain your balance after a stroke is a challenge," said Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae, Ph.D., R.N., the study's principal investigator and assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing in Tucson, Ariz. "Tai Chi is effective in improving both static and dynamic balance, which is important to prevent falls. Tai Chi is readily available in most U.S. cities and is relatively inexpensive."

Read more at: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-02-tai-chi-falls-adult-survivors.html#jCp"Learning how to find and maintain your balance after a stroke is a challenge," said Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae, Ph.D., R.N., the study's principal investigator and assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing in Tucson, Ariz. "Tai Chi is effective in improving both static and dynamic balance, which is important to prevent falls. Tai Chi is readily available in most U.S. cities and is relatively inexpensive."

Read more at: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-02-tai-chi-falls-adult-survivors.html#jCp