| A new study suggests that tai chi may improve balance for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.Tai chi is a system of movements and positions believed to have developed in 12th Century China. Tai chi techniques aim to address the body and mind as an interconnected system and are traditionally believed to have mental and physical health benefits to improve posture, balance, flexibility and strength. Previous research has suggested that community-based fitness programs which include tai chi classes may improve balance in Parkinson’s patients and motivate patients to participate in routine exercise. However, data are not currently conclusive.
In a new study, researchers randomly assigned 195 Parkinson’s disease patients to participate in tai chi, resistance training or stretching for one hour twice weekly for a total of 24 weeks. Stability, gait, strength, motor functioning and number of falls were among the measured outcome measures. The researchers found that the patients in the tai chi group performed better than both the stretching and resistance training groups in the stability tests throughout the study. Furthermore, the tai chi patients performed better in all other outcome measures when compared to the stretching group. There were also fewer falls for the tai chi group when compared to the stretching group; however, the authors noted that the resistance training group out-performed tai chi for this measure. The researchers reported that the benefits of tai chi were maintained three months after treatment ended. No serious adverse effects were noted. Although promising, further research is necessary. Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that is chronic and progressive, meaning that symptoms continue and worsen over time. Parkinson’s disease affects nerve cells in a part of the brain that controls muscle movement. Early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are subtle and occur gradually. In some people, the disease progresses more quickly than in others. As the disease progresses, the shaking, or tremor, which affects the majority of Parkinson’s disease patients may begin to interfere with daily activities. Other symptoms may include depression and other emotional changes; difficulty in swallowing, chewing and speaking; urinary problems or constipation; skin problems; and sleep disruptions. Many integrative therapies have been studied for their potential benefits in Parkinson’s disease. Music therapy has shown to modestly improve symptoms including some aspects of motor coordination, speech intelligibility and vocal intensity, bradykinesia (slow movement), emotional functions, activities of daily living and quality of life. Acupressure may also benefit several measures of severity of Parkinson’s disease. However, further study is needed before conclusions can be made. Reference: Republished with permission of Natural Standards Research Collaboration ©2012. |