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Tai Chi Quan could improve several aspects of neurodegenerative disorders

News
November 23, 2022
By
Ehab Naim, MBA.

Tai Chi has a lot of proven health benefits. Wang et al. analyzed 58 different studies to evalute what exactly is its effect on diseases, such as Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis.

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease are characterized by progressive loss of neurons in the central nervous system. Research shows that the prevalence of these conditions is on the rise due to improved longevity. Neurocognitive diseases progress slowly with time leading to various impairments, like cognitive decline, motor dysfunction, and reduced capacity for self-care. Currently, these diseases have no cure. However, the literature indicates that moderate physical activity delays brain aging and improves cognitive and memory functions.

Tai Chi Quan (TCQ) is a traditional Chinese exercise focusing on mental concentration coupled with physical balance, relaxation, and breathing techniques. Depending on factors like duration, posture, and intensity, it is considered a form of light to moderate exercise. TCQ research has shown to  improve general health, support brain functioning, and reducing falls. In addition, the literature suggests its importance in improving the clinical features of many neurodegenerative disorders.

To better understand the value of TCQ as a supportive approach to patients with neurodegenerative disorders, Wang et al. conducted a systematic review of the literature. Their analysis included 58 studies on diseases, including Parkinson's disease, cognitive impairment, and multiple sclerosis.

Their study found that TCQ:

  • Improved motor function and balance and prevented falls in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease..
  • Enhanced global cognitive functioning in people with cognitive impairment.
  • It did not produce meaningful effects, possibly due to sample size or outcomes heterogeneity in patients with multiple sclerosis.

The authors concluded that long-term and regular TCQ exercise could improve multiple aspects of several neurodegenerative diseases, as discussed above. In addition, the impact of TCQ on the quality of life and mood of patients suffering from neurodegenerative disorders requires further investigation and validation.

TCQ is one of the activities you could recommend to your clients, as there is a growing interest about the value of this technique across multiple conditions and for general health. This is because TCQ is believed to exert its function on the endocrine, immune, and motor systems, producing multiple positive effects.

Source: Wang R, Zhou H, Wang YC, Chang XL, Wang XQ. Benefits of Tai Chi Quan on neurodegenerative diseases: A systematic review [published online ahead of print, 2022 Oct 8]. Ageing Res Rev. 2022;82:101741. doi:10.1016/j.arr.2022.101741

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease are characterized by progressive loss of neurons in the central nervous system. Research shows that the prevalence of these conditions is on the rise due to improved longevity. Neurocognitive diseases progress slowly with time leading to various impairments, like cognitive decline, motor dysfunction, and reduced capacity for self-care. Currently, these diseases have no cure. However, the literature indicates that moderate physical activity delays brain aging and improves cognitive and memory functions.

Tai Chi Quan (TCQ) is a traditional Chinese exercise focusing on mental concentration coupled with physical balance, relaxation, and breathing techniques. Depending on factors like duration, posture, and intensity, it is considered a form of light to moderate exercise. TCQ research has shown to  improve general health, support brain functioning, and reducing falls. In addition, the literature suggests its importance in improving the clinical features of many neurodegenerative disorders.

To better understand the value of TCQ as a supportive approach to patients with neurodegenerative disorders, Wang et al. conducted a systematic review of the literature. Their analysis included 58 studies on diseases, including Parkinson's disease, cognitive impairment, and multiple sclerosis.

Their study found that TCQ:

  • Improved motor function and balance and prevented falls in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease..
  • Enhanced global cognitive functioning in people with cognitive impairment.
  • It did not produce meaningful effects, possibly due to sample size or outcomes heterogeneity in patients with multiple sclerosis.

The authors concluded that long-term and regular TCQ exercise could improve multiple aspects of several neurodegenerative diseases, as discussed above. In addition, the impact of TCQ on the quality of life and mood of patients suffering from neurodegenerative disorders requires further investigation and validation.

TCQ is one of the activities you could recommend to your clients, as there is a growing interest about the value of this technique across multiple conditions and for general health. This is because TCQ is believed to exert its function on the endocrine, immune, and motor systems, producing multiple positive effects.

Source: Wang R, Zhou H, Wang YC, Chang XL, Wang XQ. Benefits of Tai Chi Quan on neurodegenerative diseases: A systematic review [published online ahead of print, 2022 Oct 8]. Ageing Res Rev. 2022;82:101741. doi:10.1016/j.arr.2022.101741

Article reviewed by
Dr. Ana Baroni MD. Ph.D.
SCIENTIFIC & MEDICAL ADVISOR
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Dr. Ana Baroni MD. Ph.D.

Scientific & Medical Advisor
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Ana has over 20 years of consultancy experience in longevity, regenerative and precision medicine. She has a multifaceted understanding of genomics, molecular biology, clinical biochemistry, nutrition, aging markers, hormones and physical training. This background allows her to bridge the gap between longevity basic sciences and evidence-based real interventions, putting them into the clinic, to enhance the healthy aging of people. She is co-founder of Origen.life, and Longevityzone. Board member at Breath of Health, BioOx and American Board of Clinical Nutrition. She is Director of International Medical Education of the American College of Integrative Medicine, Professor in IL3 Master of Longevity at Barcelona University and Professor of Nutrigenomics in Nutrition Grade in UNIR University.

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