Can a Chinese martial art slow Parkinson's Disease progression

New research published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry suggests that Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art known for its slow, controlled movements, may be an effective way to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease and reduce the need for medication.

While there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, the research indicates that Tai Chi may help manage its symptoms and slow its progression. Past studies have shown that Tai Chi can alleviate Parkinson's symptoms in the short term, but the long-term benefits were unknown.

In this study, researchers monitored two groups of Parkinson's patients for over five years, from January 2016 to June 2021. One group of 147 patients practiced Tai Chi twice a week for an hour, with guidance to improve their technique, while the other group of 187 patients continued with their standard care without Tai Chi.

The findings revealed that the Tai Chi group showed slower disease progression at all monitoring points over the five-year period. This was assessed using validated scales to measure overall symptoms, movement, and balance. The Tai Chi group had significantly fewer patients requiring increased medication compared to the non-Tai Chi group.

Cognitive function declined more slowly in the Tai Chi group, as did other non-movement symptoms. Also, this group reported continuous improvements in sleep and quality of life. The prevalence of complications like dyskinesia, dystonia, hallucinations, mild cognitive impairment, and restless leg syndrome was significantly lower in the Tai Chi group.

Reference: Effect of long-term Tai Chi training on Parkinson’s disease: a 3.5-year follow-up cohort study, Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, DOI 10.1136/jnnp-2022-330967