Ancient Chinese exercises aid older people suffering from 'chronic conditions'

Tai chi may help relieve some of the symptoms of disabling conditions suffered by older people such as osteoarthritis, heart disease and chronic breathing problems, a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals.

This ancient Chinese system of callisthenics, which combines slow, gently flowing movements with deep breathing exercises, led to improvement in the physical function and muscle strength of people in their mid-60s to their mid-70s with these conditions. “The results demonstrated a favourable effect or tendency of tai chi to improve physical performance and showed that this type of exercise could be performed by individuals with different chronic conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure and osteoarthritis”, say the study’s Canadian authors.

They analysed 33 previous studies of evidence relating to the effectiveness of tai chi, involving data from 1,584 people.

The exercises also led to less pain and stiffness among osteoarthritis sufferers and was also associated with significant improvements in depression symptoms in heart failure studies.

Like many other alternative therapies, tai chi is not available on prescription. NHS England said it believed that some GPs, other doctors and occupational therapists were prescribing tai chi to some patients, though it did not know how many were doing so or how much sessions of the exercise regime cost.

Public Health England, however, said tai chi was a valuable boost to physical activity. “Keeping physically active at any age is important for health, especially as you get older. Simple exercises like tai chi can be beneficial for mental health and wellbeing as well as building confidence and stability,” said Dr Justin Varney, its national lead for adult health and wellbeing.

“This contributes to the recommended 150 minutes a week of moderate activity and two sessions a week of muscle strengthening and balance exercises for older adults.”