Promoting Health Through Tai Chi

Results From A Controlled Study

Abstract

This study examined the effects of a 6-month Tai Chi exercise program on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in older individuals. Using a randomized controlled trial, ninety-four local community-residing volunteers aged 65-96 (M age = 72.8 years, SD = 5.1) were randomly assigned to a 6-month, twice a week, Tai Chi condition or a wait-list control condition. The Short-Form General Health Survey (SF-20) was used to assess change in multiple dimensions of health status involving physical-, social-, and rolefunctioning, bodily pain, mental health, and health perceptions. Results showed that, compared to the control group, participants in the Tai Chi group reported significant improvements in all functional domains of HRQL over the course of the 6-month intervention. It was concluded that a 6-month Tai Chi exercise program is effective for improving HRQL among older adults. Tai Chi, a self-paced and low intensity activity appears to be an effective, low-cost approach for promoting health in older persons.