Evaluating the effectiveness of Tai Chi in short-term, medium-term, and long-term on balance and strength among the elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate Tai Chi´s effectiveness on balance and strength in the elderly across different intervention durations. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of 37 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on balance and 22 RCTs on strength. The databases were searched in February 2023: AMED, CINAHL Plus, Medline, Web of Science, and Embase. Results: Tai Chi significantly improved balance (SMD = 0.40; 95 % CI: 0.05 to 0.75; P = 0.03) and strength (SMD = 0.43; 95 % CI: 0.01 to 0.84; P = 0.04) in the elderly, especially in medium-term interventions (8–16 weeks). Long-term effects were not statistically significant, indicating variability in the sustained impact of Tai Chi. Conclusions: Tai Chi is effective in improving balance and strength among the elderly, particularly with medium-term interventions. The variability in results across different study durations suggests a need for further research to optimise Tai Chi protocols and maximise its benefits in elderly care.

Keywords

• Tai Chi
• Elderly
• Balance
• Muscle strength
• Meta-analysis
• Intervention duration