Regular practice of tai chi has been found to have beneficial effects on Parkinson’s disease, according to a new study. The research, conducted over one year, showed that tai chi can slow the progression of both motor and nonmotor symptoms of the disease and delay the need for increased medication.
Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the gradual loss of nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine. While medication and surgery can help manage symptoms, regular exercise has also been shown to be beneficial. Tai chi, a Chinese martial art that involves slow, controlled movements and breathing control, has previously been found to improve balance and mobility in early-stage Parkinson’s patients.
The study followed 143 adults who practiced tai chi twice a week for an hour and compared them to a control group of 187 patients who did not exercise. The participants in the tai chi group showed slower progression of Parkinson’s symptoms compared to the control group, as measured by the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale. They also had a lower prevalence of complications such as dyskinesia, cognitive impairment, and restless leg syndrome.
In addition to slowing the progression of symptoms, tai chi practice also had long-term effects on Parkinson’s, resulting in improvements in symptoms, a higher quality of life, and less reliance on medication. The intervention led to a reduction in complications associated with the disease, including dyskinesia, cognitive impairment, and restless leg syndrome.
The study also found that tai chi practice slowed cognitive decline, improved autonomic symptoms, sleep, and overall quality of life. However, the researchers noted that further research is needed to establish cause and effect and to better understand how tai chi maintains its beneficial effects on Parkinson’s disease in the long term.
Overall, this study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of tai chi for Parkinson’s patients. Incorporating regular tai chi practice into treatment plans for Parkinson’s disease may help slow down the progression of symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce the need for increased medication.
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