Optimal exercise parameters of tai chi for balance performance in older adults: A meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 33769556 · doi:10.1111/jgs.17094
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated randomized controlled trials (RCTs) across nine English and Chinese databases from inception to November 30, 2020. The target population was adults aged 60 and older. Study quality was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were conducted to determine the optimal exercise parameters of tai chi on balance performance.
What was found
Twenty-six RCTs were analyzed. Tai chi demonstrated moderate positive effects on proactive balance (weighted standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.61, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.89) and static steady-state balance (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.95). It showed small positive effects on dynamic steady-state balance (SMD = 0.38, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.73) and balance test batteries (SMD = 0.47, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.81). Practice frequency predicted static balance improvements, and the optimal program identified was 24-form simplified Yang style tai chi performed for 45 to 60 minutes per session, more than four sessions per week, for at least 8 weeks.
Why it matters
These findings provide specific exercise parameters (style, session length, weekly frequency, and program duration) to guide evidence-based tai chi prescriptions for improving balance in older adults.
Limits
The total number of participants across the 26 trials was not reported in the abstract. Results should be interpreted cautiously due to methodological limitations and small sample sizes in the included primary RCTs.