In a study published in Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, Hong Kong researchers have discovered that tai chi can significantly improve quality of life in survivors of stroke.
Stroke victims are often left with balancing problems which may not be addressed by conventional physiotherapy.
However, the particular skills taught in tai chi — especially the ability to maintain balance while shifting weight and leaning in different directions — was shown to be of special benefit in helping these people face real-life challenges, such as standing in a bus or coordinating head, torso and limb movements while reaching for an item in the supermarket.
As a bonus, tai chi classes cost less than conventional physiotherapy and provide an opportunity for social interaction.
For more details of the research please go to the Abstract from the Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair.
In the last 30 years, there has been much research conducted into the benefits of Tai Chi and how Tai Chi helps stroke patients. For furher reading, go to the following 3 articles:
Tai Chi for improving recovery after stroke
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6494191
Tai Chi for Stroke Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6068268
Effect of Tai Chi Training on Dual-Tasking Performance That Involves Stepping Down among Stroke Survivors: A Pilot Study
