Starfarm Tai Chi & Qigong » breast cancer http://www.starfarmtaiji.com Tai Chi Classes, Qigong Classes, Tai Chi & Qigong Instruction for the Community Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:52:31 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 The Effect of Tai Chi on Health Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Conditions: A Systematic Review http://www.starfarmtaiji.com/the-effect-of-tai-chi-on-health-outcomes-in-patients-with-chronic-conditions-a-systematic-review-march-8-2004-wang-et-al-164-5-493/2009/07/ http://www.starfarmtaiji.com/the-effect-of-tai-chi-on-health-outcomes-in-patients-with-chronic-conditions-a-systematic-review-march-8-2004-wang-et-al-164-5-493/2009/07/#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:18:26 +0000 admin http://www.starfarmtaiji.com/?p=356 What this study is saying is that Tai Chi can bring improvements in many chronic health situations, but mechanism that brings about change is not observed,ie; what specifically about tai chi does what, to what
Read the full Study Here (PDF)

The Effect of Tai Chi on Health Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Conditions

A Systematic Review

Chenchen Wang, MD, MSc; Jean Paul Collet, MD, PhD; Joseph Lau, MD

Arch Intern Med. 2004;164:493-501.

Objective To conduct a systematic review of reports on the physical and psychological effects of Tai Chi on various chronic medical conditions.

Data Sources Search of 11 computerized English and Chinese databases.

Study Selection Randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized controlled studies, and observational studies published in English or Chinese.

Data Extraction Data were extracted for the study objective, population characteristics, study setting, type of Tai Chi intervention, study design, outcome assessment, duration of follow-up, and key results.

Data Synthesis There were 9 randomized controlled trials, 23 nonrandomized controlled studies, and 15 observational studies in this review. Benefits were reported in balance and strength, cardiovascular and respiratory function, flexibility, immune system, symptoms of arthritis, muscular strength, and psychological effects.

Conclusions Tai Chi appears to have physiological and psychosocial benefits and also appears to be safe and effective in promoting balance control, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness in older patients with chronic conditions. However, limitations or biases exist in most studies, and it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about the benefits reported. Most indications in which Tai Chi was applied lack a theoretical foundation concerning the mechanism of benefit. Well-designed studies are needed.

From the Center for Clinical Evidence Synthesis, Division of Clinical Care Research, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, Mass (Drs Wang and Lau); and Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Community Studies, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec (Dr Collet). The authors have no relevant financial interest in this article.

via Arch Intern Med — Abstract: The Effect of Tai Chi on Health Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Conditions: A Systematic Review, March 8, 2004, Wang et al. 164 (5): 493.




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T'Ai Chi for Seniors: How to Gain Flexibility, Strength, and Inner Peace (Paperback)

By (author) Philip Bonifonte
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]]> http://www.starfarmtaiji.com/the-effect-of-tai-chi-on-health-outcomes-in-patients-with-chronic-conditions-a-systematic-review-march-8-2004-wang-et-al-164-5-493/2009/07/feed/ 0 Tai Chi Can Help You — chicagotribune.com http://www.starfarmtaiji.com/tai-chi-can-help-you-chicagotribune-com/2009/07/ http://www.starfarmtaiji.com/tai-chi-can-help-you-chicagotribune-com/2009/07/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:09:00 +0000 admin http://www.starfarmtaiji.com/?p=338 Tai chi is often described as “meditation in motion,” but it might well be called “medication in motion.” There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren't in top shape or the best of health.

via Tai Chi Can Help You — chicagotribune.com.

]]> http://www.starfarmtaiji.com/tai-chi-can-help-you-chicagotribune-com/2009/07/feed/ 0 The Health Benefits of Tai Chi – Harvard Health Publications http://www.starfarmtaiji.com/the-health-benefits-of-tai-chi-harvard-health-publications/2009/07/ http://www.starfarmtaiji.com/the-health-benefits-of-tai-chi-harvard-health-publications/2009/07/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:37:34 +0000 admin http://www.starfarmtaiji.com/?p=328 Breast cancer. Tai chi has shown potential for improving quality of life and functional capacity (the physical ability to carry out normal daily activities, such as work or exercise) in women suffering from breast cancer or the side effects of breast cancer treatment. For example, a 2008 study at the University of Rochester, published in Medicine and Sport Science, found that quality of life and functional capacity (including aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and flexibility) improved in women with breast cancer who did 12 weeks of tai chi, while declining in a control group that received only supportive therapy.

via The Health Benefits of Tai Chi – Harvard Health Publications.

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