Research shows that Tai Chi can help delay the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease for years

Tai chi can help delay symptoms of Parkinson’s disease for years, a new study shows.

Traditional Chinese martial arts, which involve a series of slow, controlled movements, have been found to limit the progression of the debilitating condition.

Parkinson’s patients who used Tai Chi also required lower doses of required medication, according to findings published in the BMJ Journal of Neurology Neurochirurgy and Psychiatry.

The disease is characterized by slow movements, tremors at rest and stiff and inflexible muscles.

It is the fastest growing neurological disease in the world; In China alone, the number of those affected is expected to reach nearly five million by 2030.

According to the charity Parkinson’s UK, two people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease every hour in the UK (pictured).

According to the charity Parkinson’s UK, two people are diagnosed with the disease every hour in the UK.

There is no cure, and although medication can relieve symptoms, it does not treat all symptoms of the disease.

And doctors say there’s no evidence they slow progress, either.

Previously published research shows that Tai Chi provides short-term relief for Parkinson’s symptoms.

However, it was not known whether this improvement could be sustained in the long term.

To find out, Chinese researchers followed two groups of Parkinson’s patients for more than five years, from January 2016 to June 2021.

A group of 147 patients practiced Tai Chi twice a week for an hour, supported by the offer of classes to improve their technique.

The other group of 187 patients continued their standard care but did not practice Tai Chi.

Disease severity was formally assessed for all participants at the start of the monitoring period, and disease progression, including an increase in medication requirements, was subsequently monitored in November 2019, October 2020 and June 2021.

The level of movement and other symptoms – such as autonomic nervous system function, mood, sleep quality and cognition – as well as the incidence of complications such as involuntary movements, hallucinations and restless legs syndrome were also monitored.

The author of the study, dr. Gen Li, said: “Disease progression was slower across all measures in the Tai Chi group, as assessed using three validated scales that assess overall symptoms, movement and balance.”

“The number of patients who needed to increase their medication was also significantly higher in the comparison group than in the Tai Chi group: 83.5 percent in 2019 and just over 96 percent in 2020, compared to 71 percent respectively. 87.5 percent .”

“Cognitive function worsened more slowly in the Tai Chi group, as did other non-exercise-related symptoms, while sleep and quality of life continued to improve.”

“And the incidence of complications was significantly lower in the Tai Chi group than in the comparison group.”

Dr Li said falls, dizziness and back pain were the three side effects reported by study participants, but they were all “significantly lower” in the Tai Chi group.

While 23 people sustained a fracture, these all occurred in everyday life and there were fewer in the Tai Chi group.

Dr Li from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine added: “Our research has shown that Tai Chi maintains its positive health effects over the long term.” [Parkinson’s disease]This suggests possible disease-modifying effects on both motor and non-motor symptoms, particularly gait, balance, autonomic symptoms and cognition

“Parkinson’s disease can progressively worsen motor and non-motor symptoms over time, which can lead to disability and reduced quality of life.”

“The long-term positive effect can increase time without disability, leading to a higher quality of life, reduced caregiver burden and reduced drug use.”