Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on cognitive and physical functions in older adults: systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized clinical trials.

Researchers combined results from several controlled studies of tai chi, a gentle exercise involving slow movements and balance. The studies mainly included older adults and compared tai chi with no exercise or other activities. Overall, tai chi was linked with modest improvements in thinking skills, balance, strength, and movement. A meta-analysis, which combines results from multiple studies, and a meta-regression, which checks whether study features change the results, found that benefits varied between studies.

What this means for you: Tai chi may be a useful, low-impact activity for modest improvements in balance, movement, and thinking. The evidence is not strong enough to treat it as a replacement for medical care, and the best routine or amount remains unclear.