Skeletal System

Tai chi: physiological characteristics and beneficial effects on health

J X Li1, Y Hong1, K M Chan2

1 Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

2 Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Chan K, Qin L,

Tsang WW, Hui-Chan CW.

Tsang WW, Hui-Chan CW.

Li F, Harmer P,

Taylor-Piliae RE, Haskell WL,

Tai Chi is a form of exercise that has recently been gaining popularity as a way to relieve and/or manage back pain and neck pain. It is often easy to associate Tai Chi with groups of people in parks or gyms moving slowly and deliberately in synchronization. These people are using the same Tai Chi principles and movements created in ancient China and still practiced all around the world as a healing exercise.

By Pat Carney

CNN Headline News

(CNN) -- When it comes to working out, no exercise regimen is "one size fits all," but one particular martial art form comes pretty close.

According to a review article in the Archives of Internal Medicine, the ancient martial art of Tai Chi not only improves strength, balance and flexibility in older people, but it also has positive effects on chronic health conditions like multiple sclerosis and joint problems.

Fuzhong Li, Ph.D., Oregon Research Institute