Tai chi may help slow down the symptoms of Parkinson's disease for several years, a Chinese study suggests. The researchers found that individuals who trained the martial art twice a week experienced fewer difficulties and a higher quality of life than those who did not.
The Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine study followed hundreds of people with Parkinson's disease for up to five years in terms of their health. One group of 147 people practised regular tai chi while another group of 187 did not.
The traditional Chinese exercise combines slow, gentle movements with deep breathing and relaxation. The charity Parkinson's UK describes tai chi as a low-intensity physical activity that can "help to lift your mood and help you live well".
Based on assessments of symptoms, mobility, and balance, the researchers discovered that the condition advanced more slowly in the tai chi group.
Along with fewer falls, back discomfort, and dizziness, this group also experienced less memory and focus issues than the other.
A previous trial of people with Parkinson's who practised tai chi for six months found greater improvements in walking, posture and balance than those not on the programme.
Writing in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, Dr Gen Li and co-authors say their study shows "that tai chi retains the long-term beneficial effect on Parkinson's disease"
