Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Reducing Falls and Improving Balance Performance in Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis

Introduction. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that may increase the risk of falls, functional limitation, and balance deficits. Tai Chi was used as an option for improving balance in people with PD. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi...

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Main Authors: Hsin-Hsuan Liu, Nai-Chen Yeh, Yi-Fan Wu, Yea-Ru Yang, Ray-Yau Wang, Fang-Yu Cheng
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2019-01-01
Series:Parkinson's Disease
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2019/9626934
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author Hsin-Hsuan Liu
Nai-Chen Yeh
Yi-Fan Wu
Yea-Ru Yang
Ray-Yau Wang
Fang-Yu Cheng
author_facet Hsin-Hsuan Liu
Nai-Chen Yeh
Yi-Fan Wu
Yea-Ru Yang
Ray-Yau Wang
Fang-Yu Cheng
author_sort Hsin-Hsuan Liu
collection DOAJ
description Introduction. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that may increase the risk of falls, functional limitation, and balance deficits. Tai Chi was used as an option for improving balance in people with PD. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi on falls, balance, and functional mobility in individuals with PD. Method. The literature search was conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PEDro, Medline, Embase, sportDISCUS, Trip, and the National Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations in Taiwan. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) analyzing the effects of Tai Chi, compared to no intervention or to other physical training, on falls, functional mobility, and balance in PD patients were selected. The outcome measurements included fall rates, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Reach (FR) test, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality and extracted data from the studies using the PEDro scale. Results. Five RCTs that included a total of 355 PD patients were included in this review. The quality of evidence in these studies was rated as moderate to high. Compared to no intervention or other physical training, Tai Chi significantly decreased fall rates (odds ratio = 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30 to 0.74, and p=0.001) and significantly improved balance and functional mobility (BBS mean difference (MD) = 3.47, 95% CI 2.11 to 4.80, and p<0.001; FR MD = 3.55 cm, 95% CI 1.88 to 5.23, and p<0.001; TUG MD = −1.06 s, 95% CI −1.61 to −0.51, and p<0.001) in people with PD. Conclusion. This meta-analysis provides moderate- to high-quality evidence from five RCTs that Tai Chi could be a good physical training strategy for preventing falls and improving balance and functional mobility in people with PD.
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spelling doaj-art-07b62f3d53ff4caca40dcf836f1c8d3f2025-08-20T02:01:35ZengWileyParkinson's Disease2090-80832042-00802019-01-01201910.1155/2019/96269349626934Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Reducing Falls and Improving Balance Performance in Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-AnalysisHsin-Hsuan Liu0Nai-Chen Yeh1Yi-Fan Wu2Yea-Ru Yang3Ray-Yau Wang4Fang-Yu Cheng5Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei City 112, TaiwanDepartment of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei City 112, TaiwanDepartment of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei City 112, TaiwanDepartment of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei City 112, TaiwanDepartment of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei City 112, TaiwanInstitute of Long-Term Care, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City 252, TaiwanIntroduction. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that may increase the risk of falls, functional limitation, and balance deficits. Tai Chi was used as an option for improving balance in people with PD. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi on falls, balance, and functional mobility in individuals with PD. Method. The literature search was conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PEDro, Medline, Embase, sportDISCUS, Trip, and the National Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations in Taiwan. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) analyzing the effects of Tai Chi, compared to no intervention or to other physical training, on falls, functional mobility, and balance in PD patients were selected. The outcome measurements included fall rates, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Reach (FR) test, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality and extracted data from the studies using the PEDro scale. Results. Five RCTs that included a total of 355 PD patients were included in this review. The quality of evidence in these studies was rated as moderate to high. Compared to no intervention or other physical training, Tai Chi significantly decreased fall rates (odds ratio = 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30 to 0.74, and p=0.001) and significantly improved balance and functional mobility (BBS mean difference (MD) = 3.47, 95% CI 2.11 to 4.80, and p<0.001; FR MD = 3.55 cm, 95% CI 1.88 to 5.23, and p<0.001; TUG MD = −1.06 s, 95% CI −1.61 to −0.51, and p<0.001) in people with PD. Conclusion. This meta-analysis provides moderate- to high-quality evidence from five RCTs that Tai Chi could be a good physical training strategy for preventing falls and improving balance and functional mobility in people with PD.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2019/9626934
spellingShingle Hsin-Hsuan Liu
Nai-Chen Yeh
Yi-Fan Wu
Yea-Ru Yang
Ray-Yau Wang
Fang-Yu Cheng
Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Reducing Falls and Improving Balance Performance in Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Parkinson's Disease
title Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Reducing Falls and Improving Balance Performance in Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis
title_full Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Reducing Falls and Improving Balance Performance in Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis
title_fullStr Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Reducing Falls and Improving Balance Performance in Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis
title_full_unstemmed Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Reducing Falls and Improving Balance Performance in Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis
title_short Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Reducing Falls and Improving Balance Performance in Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis
title_sort effects of tai chi exercise on reducing falls and improving balance performance in parkinson s disease a meta analysis
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2019/9626934
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