Abstract
Objective
Research examining psychological and physiological benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi is growing rapidly. The many practices described as Qigong or Tai Chi have similar theoretical roots, proposed mechanisms of action and expected benefits. Research trials and reviews, however, treat them as separate targets of examination. This review examines the evidence for achieving outcomes from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of both.
Data Sources
The key words tai chi, taiji, and qigong were entered into electronic search engines for the Cumulative Index for Allied Health and Nursing (CINAHL), Psychological Literature (PsychInfo), PubMed, Cochrane database, and Google Scholar.
Study Inclusion Criteria
RCTs reporting on the results of Qigong or Tai Chi interventions and published in peer reviewed journals published from 1993–2007
Data Extraction
Country, type and duration of activity, number/type of subjects, control conditions, and reported outcomes were recorded for each study.
Synthesis
Outcomes related to Qigong and Tai Chi practice were identified and evaluated.
Results
Seventy-seven articles met the inclusion criteria. The 9 outcome category groupings that emerged were: bone density (n=4), cardiopulmonary effects (n=19), physical function (n=16), falls and related risk factors (n=23), Quality of Life (n=17), self-efficacy (n=8), patient reported outcomes (n=13), psychological symptoms (n=27), and immune function (n=6).
Conclusions
Research has demonstrated consistent, significant results for a number of health benefits in RCTs, evidencing progress toward recognizing the similarity and equivalence of Qigong and Tai Chi.
Keywords: tai chi, taiji, meditation, qigong, mind body practice, meditative movement, moderate exercise, breathing
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Article Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3085832/
Authors: Roger Jahnke, OMD,1 Linda Larkey, PhD,2 Carol Rogers,3 Jennifer Etnier, PhD,4 and Fang Lin5
Garth Reynolds, MSTCM, L.Ac.
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