December 2008
Myeong Soo Leea, Paul Lamb, Edzard Ernsta
The objective of this review is to assess the effectiveness of tai chi
as a treatment option for Parkinson's disease (PD).
We have searched the
literature using 21 databases from their inceptions to January 2008,
without language restrictions. We included all types of clinical studies
regardless of their design. Their methodological quality was assessed
using the modified Jadad score.
Of the seven studies included, one
randomised clinical trial (RCT) found tai chi to be superior to
conventional exercise in terms of the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS)
and prevention of falls. Another RCT found no effects of tai chi on
locomotor ability compared with qigong. The third RCT failed to show
effects of tai chi on the UPDRS and the PD Questionnaires compared with
wait list control. The remaining studies were either non-randomised (n
=1) or uncontrolled clinical trials (n=3).
Collectively these data show that
RCTs of the tai chi for PD are feasible but scarce. Most investigations
suffer from methodological flaws such as inadequate study design, poor
reporting of results, small sample size, and publication without
appropriate peer review process.
In conclusion, the evidence is
insufficient to suggest tai chi is an effective intervention for PD.
Further research is required to investigate whether there are specific
benefits of tai chi for people with PD, such as its potential effect on
balance and on the frequency of falls.
