Study finds that tai chi reduces falls among older adults.

Researchers at the Oregon Research Institute in Eugene randomly assigned 256 physically inactive older adults aged 70 to 92 to a tai chi group or a stretching control group. Both groups met three times per week for six months. There were significantly fewer falls and falls with injuries among individuals in the tai chi group than among individuals in the control group. The reduction in falls was quite dramatic, with the risk of falls 55% lower among individuals in the tai chi group. Fear of falling, balance and physical performance also improved in the tai chi group compared to the control group.

Abstract