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Tai chi, a centuries-old martial art known for its various health benefits, has been gaining attention for its potential to alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. A recent study, published for the first time, suggests that practising tai chi can lead to a long-term reduction in the severity of Parkinson’s symptoms.
In this study, researchers focused on patients with sporadic Parkinson’s disease, a form of the condition that is not inherited from family members. By concentrating on sporadic Parkinson’s disease, the researchers aimed to assess the exclusive impact of tai chi on the symptoms associated with the disease. To ensure the accuracy of their findings, individuals with other health conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases, were excluded from the study.
The participants were divided into two groups: a control group of 187 individuals who did not exercise and an experimental group comprising 143 people who completed tai chi classes. The average age of the participants was 66 years, with an equal distribution of male and female individuals. All participants were in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, having been diagnosed for an average of four years, making it possible to attribute any observed changes in symptoms to tai chi.
The participants in the tai chi group attended five classes throughout the study, which ran from 2016 to 2018. They were also instructed to practice tai chi for one hour twice a week. Over the following three years, from 2019 to 2021, all participants were closely monitored to track their symptoms.
After the study, participants in the tai chi group exhibited better motor function compared to the control group. Conversely, the control group experienced a more rapid decline in motor function, including walking ability and balance. Notably, the control group also required a higher average dosage of Parkinson’s medication during the study period, suggesting either a more severe disease progression or a protective effect of tai chi on disease advancement.
The beneficial effects of tai chi extended to non-motor symptoms as well. The tai chi group reported an improved quality of life, enhanced well-being, better sleep, and cognitive benefits, such as memory and thinking.
Given that current medications for Parkinson’s disease do not halt the progression of the condition or prevent the worsening of symptoms, the accessibility and effectiveness of tai chi as a supplementary therapy offer hope for patients.
However, it’s essential to note that the study had some limitations. Notably, the groups were not randomized, the gold standard in clinical trials to prevent bias. Participants may have been assigned to groups based on factors like motivation to exercise or other lifestyle elements and practical considerations rather than randomization. Future research should strive for more extensive, randomized studies to minimize bias.
Tai chi is not the only form of exercise explored for its potential benefits in managing Parkinson’s disease. Other studies have investigated high-intensity interval training and aerobic activities like walking and swimming, which have demonstrated benefits in mitigating motor symptoms and slowing disease progression over a short duration.
The exact mechanism by which exercise, including tai chi, benefits individuals with Parkinson’s is not fully understood. However, research has shown that a lack of exercise can promote inflammation, which is detected in the blood of individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Chronic inflammation can lead to the loss of neurons in the brain.
Tai chi practitioners have been shown to have anti-inflammatory markers in their blood, which may explain its benefits in decreasing inflammation and managing Parkinson’s symptoms.
While more research is needed, especially regarding the potential benefits of tai chi for individuals in later stages of Parkinson’s disease, this study’s findings suggest that tai chi can be a valuable addition to treatment plans. Tai chi addresses both the physical and mental aspects of the condition, offering advantages such as improved balance, flexibility, and overall well-being.
As always, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating tai chi into your routine, especially if you have a medical condition like Parkinson’s.
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