Harnessing the Healing Power : Tai Chi’s Potential in Slowing Parkinson’s Progression

Parkinson’s disease, affecting over ten million people globally, tends to manifest through movement-related symptoms like tremors, coordination issues, and gait changes.⁽¹⁾

Studies have highlighted the benefits of physical activity in managing this disease, indicating its potential to slow down its advancement and preserve mobility.⁽²⁾

Now, recent research conducted by experts from the Ruijin Hospital at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in China suggests that the practice of tai chi, a Chinese martial art, could potentially decelerate disease progression. Their findings propose a reduction in required medication doses for individuals with Parkinson’s disease over time.

The study, published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, offers promising insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of tai chi in managing Parkinson’s disease.⁽³⁾ Read on to find out more about the potential of tai chi in slowing down the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

A research team led by Dr. Shengdi Chen and his colleagues from Ruijin Hospital at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, carried out this latest study which involved monitoring two groups of individuals with Parkinson’s disease for a period of five years.⁽⁴⁾

The study included 143 participants who were participating in tai chi classes twice a week, aiming to enhance their technique, while 187 participants who continued their standard medical care without the inclusion of tai chi. Notably, the groups were not randomly assigned and were recruited from the Movement Disorder Clinic at Ruijin Hospital.

Throughout the study, disease severity and progression, including medication requirements, were monitored. Findings revealed that the tai chi group exhibited slower disease progression in symptoms, movement, and balance as compared to the control group at all assessment points.

Participants practicing tai chi also showed significantly lower medication increases over five years as compared to the control group. The control group required more than double the daily dose equivalent by 2021.

The researchers emphasized the importance of physical activity in delaying increased anti-parkinsonian therapies, especially in early-stage patients. However, they also cautioned about the risk of falls in late-stage patients, suggesting that further research was needed to explore tai chi’s application in various disease stages.

Following the publishing of the study’s findings, many experts from all over the world weighed in and acknowledged that tai chi could very well be an effective exercise for managing Parkinson’s disease.

Some experts shared that the study’s longer follow-up period contributes to establishing tai chi as an evidence-based intervention for Parkinson’s. They also highlighted the importance of neuromotor exercises, including tai chi, dance, boxing, and table tennis, in improving coordination and movement in Parkinson’s patients.⁽⁵⁾

Other experts emphasized that there is now a growing body of evidence that supports exercise benefits in managing Parkinson’s symptoms. They stressed that that while vigorous exercise programs like Rock Steady Boxing have shown clear benefits, tai chi, involving mindful and balanced movements, can definitely add the concept of mindfulness activity to exercises that are beneficial for Parkinson’s management.^(6,7)

All the experts acknowledged the potential of tai chi, with its focus on mindfulness and attentive movement, in aiding Parkinson’s patients, not only in exercise, but also in enhancing their daily activities that require precision and balance.^(8,9)

Originating over 1,000 years ago in China, tai chi is a moving meditation practice known for its slow-motion movements. Functioning as a mind-body exercise, tai chi integrates mindful movement, meditation, and controlled breathing techniques.⁽¹⁰⁾

This form of exercise is easily accessible, requiring no special equipment, and can be practiced individually or in groups, indoors or outdoors.

Research has indicated several health benefits associated with tai chi, such as increased flexibility, enhanced strength, improved balance, and uplifted mood. Moreover, studies have also demonstrated its potential to alleviate discomfort in individuals with chronic conditions like long-term low back pain and fibromyalgia.^(11,12)

What’s more, published research has suggested that tai chi may contribute to enhancing cognitive function in individuals with dementia. Considering that a significant percentage of people with Parkinson’s disease also experience dementia, these findings underscore the potential wider-reaching impacts of tai chi in holistic wellness.⁽¹³⁾

The lead researcher of the study, Dr. Shengdi Chen, highlighted the limitations of drug-based treatments for Parkinson’s disease, which mainly target motor-related symptoms, leaving non-motor complications largely unaddressed and sometimes worsened by side effects.

While dopaminergic drug therapies alleviate some symptoms related to dopamine deficiency, they show minimal improvement in balance and gait disorders. A 2012 study had actually also shown tai chi’s positive impact on postural stability in Parkinson’s patients.⁽¹⁴⁾

Furthermore, he noted that various research indicates that activities like tai chi may enhance not only non-motor symptoms but also overall quality of life in Parkinson’s disease. He posited that tai chi might facilitate neural network improvement, metabolomics enhancement, and reduction in neuro-inflammation associated with increased neuroplasticity, potentially benefiting individuals with Parkinson’s disease.^(15,16)

Exercise is crucial in managing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, a condition that damages dopamine molecules and leads to movement issues.⁽¹⁷⁾ Maintaining strength, flexibility, and balance through physical activity is key in managing these symptoms.⁽¹⁸⁾

Studies have shown that exercise not only aids in enhancing movement, but also in improving non-motor symptoms like depression, fatigue, and apathy associated with Parkinson’s disease.^(19,20,21) Regular physical activity can also prevent complications arising from immobility, such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.^(22,23)

The Parkinson’s Foundation, in collaboration with the American College of Sports Medicine, recommends various forms of physical activity, including:⁽²⁴⁾

• Aerobic activities like brisk walking, running, cycling, swimming, or participating in aerobics classes.⁽²⁵⁾
• Exercises targeting balance, agility, and multitasking: Activities such as yoga, dance, boxing, and tai chi are recommended.^(26,27,28)
• Strength training exercises.⁽²⁹⁾
• Stretching exercises.

These recommendations are some great guidelines to effectively manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and also maintain overall physical well-being.

A recent study exploring the impact of tai chi on Parkinson’s disease progression shed light on the potential benefits of this ancient martial art in managing the condition. The findings suggest that regular tai chi practice may contribute to slowing disease advancement, reducing dependency on medication, and enhancing both motor and non-motor symptoms, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals affected by Parkinson’s. While larger randomized control trials are needed to confirm these observations, the study underscored the importance of tailored exercise regimens in addressing the complexities of Parkinson’s disease progression. Tai chi, among other exercises, can be a promising avenue for holistic management of Parkinson’s disease.

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Also Read:

• Parkinson’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Investigations, Treatment
• What Happens To Someone With Parkinson’s Disease?
• What Are The Five Stages Of Parkinson’s Disease?
• Why do People With Parkinson’s Lose Weight?
• How Long Does It Take For Parkinson’s Disease To Progress?
• How Do People Die Of Parkinson’s?
• How Do I Care For Someone With Parkinson’s Disease?