Tai chi improves balance and mobility in people with Parkinson’s disease.
March 4, 2009 by David Bendall · Leave a Comment
Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, Missouri did a pilot study to examine the effects of tai chi on balance, gait and mobility in people with Parkinson’s disease. 33 individuals with Parkinson’s disease were randomly assigned to 20 hour long tai chi classes over a 10-13 week period while the control group received not tai chi classes. The tai chi group improved more then the control group in balance, the UPDRS, timed up-and-go, a tandem stance test, six-minute walk and on backward walking. Neither group improved on a forward walking or one leg stance test. All participants in the tai chi group reported satisfaction with the program and improvements in well-being.
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