Effect of Tai Chi Exercise on Fall Prevention in Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Falls among the elderly is a major public health concern. Tai Chi exercise appears to prevent the risk of falls among the elderly. Previous reviews found that there is insufficient evidence to conclude whether Tai Chi is effective in fall prevention. Our review was performed to update the current evidence on the effect of this intervention. Methods: We systematically searched Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for studies published up to 2013. Randomized controlled trials that examined the effect of Tai Chi exercise on fall reduction were included. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Random effects meta-analysis was performed. Results: Ten trials involving 2850 participants were eligible for meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, Tai Chi exercise showed a significant reduced risk of falls (odds ratio=0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.59 to 0.84). Subgroup analysis found no evidence of differential effects by training duration or Tai Chi style. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that Tai Chi exercise has a significant protective effect on fall risk among older adults. Further studies are warranted to develop optimal Tai Chi training programs (training intensity, duration, and frequency, etc.) for older adults.