Largest review of its kind confirms benefits of tai chi and other Chinese exercises
A comprehensive review of 1,744 clinical trials published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine confirms that traditional Chinese exercises like tai chi effectively treat musculoskeletal conditions. The study found high-certainty evidence that these practices improve pain, mobility, and mental health for millions worldwide.
Why it matters
This provides scientific validation for non-pharmacological interventions in managing chronic pain, which affects over 1.7 billion people globally.
Tai chi was found to significantly ease chronic musculoskeletal pain and stiffness while boosting bone mineral density in people with osteopenia and osteoporosis. Tai chi was found to significantly ease chronic musculoskeletal pain and stiffness while boosting bone mineral density in people with osteopenia and osteoporosis. Health Largest review of its kind confirms benefits of tai chi and other Chinese exercises Analysis finds ‘high certainty evidence’ of their effectiveness for the 1.7bn people worldwide with musculoskeletal conditions
Prefer the Guardian on Google Traditional Chinese exercises such as tai chi can offer wide-ranging benefits for people with musculoskeletal disorders, improving physical function, pain, mental health, sleep quality and bone mineral density, according to the largest review of its kind.
More than 1.7bn people have musculoskeletal conditions worldwide. While prevalence varies by age and diagnosis, people of all ages in every country and every continent are affected.
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