Here are some of the articles that have appeared in research and health
publications since about 1990.
Studies by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), launched in1990:
Two studies, one by Steven L Wolf, PhD, and the other by Leslie Wolfson, MD, and collegues, found that Tai Chi was effective
in improving balance and strength among older people. Older people taking part in a 15 week Tai Chi program reduced their
risk of falling by 47.5%.
The Harvard Health Letter (21:11, 1996) reports a study in the May 1996 Journal of the American
Geriatrics Society, showing that the slow and precise movements of Tai Chi Chuan improved the balance of seniors.
The University of California, Berkeley, Wellness Letter, 1998, cites the benefits of the "smooth, balanced,
and low-impact" exercise to health.
The CIGNA newsletter, Wellbeing, winter, 1998, advises that Tai Chi Chuan has been
shown to increase immunity, reduce stress, alleviate gastric problems, hypertension, and other ailments.
The Harvard Woman's Health Watch, Dec 2000, article, "Tai Chi: Meditative movement for Health" cites
the benefits for women, and lists Master William C.C. Chen's video's as a selected Woman's Health Watch
resource.
The Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 2001; 23:139-146, documents improvements over a 6 month period in
physical functions in daily and more strenuous activities.
Br. J. Sports Med 2001; 35:148-156
Li, Hong, and Chan
Tcc is a moderate intensity exercise that is beneficial to cardiorespiratory function, immune capacity, mental control,
flexibility, and balance control.
Journ. Altern. Complement. Med. 2003, Oct, 9,(5):747-754
Tsai JC, Wang WH, Chan P, et al.
The Beneficial Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on Blood Pressure and Lipid Profile and Anxiety Status
in a Randomized Controlled Trial
found were a decrease of 15.6 mm Hg Systolic and 8.8 Diastolic pressure, decrease
of total serum cholesterol of 15.2 mg/dL, with increased HDL and decreased LDL, as well as decreased measures of anxiety.
The Archives of Internal Medicine, Mar 8 2004, report many benefits to heart, circular system, and joint
problems, as well as other chronic health conditions. The study was done by
Wang Chenchen, MD, at Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, Mass.
AARP Bulletin for May, 2004 recommends the benefits of Tai Chi Chuan for its readers.
Recent articles have appeared demonstrating the benefits of tai chi chuan for arthritis. Here are some links to some
sites: (just click on the link)
This article reviews several clinical studies that demonstrate benefits in improved range of motion, cardiovascular wellness,
oxygen uptake and motor control.