Researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University have demonstrated that routine Chinese tai chi practice can slow the onset of symptoms and several complications associated with Parkinson’s disease by multiple years. The findings appear in a peer reviewed medical journal focused on neurology and brain health.
Parkinson’s disease manifests through slowed movement, tremors, and stiffness in muscles. Medications can ease symptoms but do not address the root cause. Earlier investigations suggested that tai chi-inspired gymnastics could alleviate Parkinsonian symptoms, yet the long-term outcomes remained uncertain.
In a prospective study, investigators tracked the impact of tai chi on people with Parkinson’s who trained regularly for more than five years, from January 2016 through June 2021. One hundred forty-seven participants engaged in tai chi for one hour twice weekly, while 187 received conventional medical care. The groups were comparable in disease severity and baseline demographics, including gender, age, and education level.
Over time, disease progression appeared slower among tai chi practitioners. In 2020, the proportion of participants requiring higher medication doses rose to 71% in the tai chi group compared with 87.5% in the standard treatment group.
Cognitive performance declined more gradually within the tai chi cohort, with improvements extending to non-motor symptoms such as sleep quality and overall well-being. The occurrence of certain complications, including hallucinations, restless leg symptoms, and memory challenges, was notably reduced in the tai chi group.
Participants reported falls, dizziness, and back discomfort as the most common adverse experiences. Yet these problems were significantly less frequent among those practicing tai chi. Fractures during routine activities occurred in a smaller share of the tai chi group than in the standard care group.
Because this investigation was observational, it could not establish a definitive cause-and-effect link between tai chi and Parkinsonian outcomes. The study cohort was modest in size, and participants were not randomized, but the researchers concluded that tai chi may offer meaningful long-term benefits for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
This line of research aligns with broader observations that regular mind-body exercise can support motor control and overall health in neurodegenerative conditions.
Notes on context and interpretation are provided by field reviewers and subsequent researchers who explore how tai chi interacts with brain networks to support movement and cognition over time.