October 24, 2023

expert reaction to observational study of Tai Chi and Parkinson’s symptoms and complications

A study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry looks at the effect of long term Tai Chi training on the development of Parkinson’s disease. 

Prof K Ray Chaudhuri, Professor of Movement Disorders and Neurology at King’s College Londo, said:

“The authors have reported an interesting and important study of programmed physical activity (dance/tai chi) in Parkinson’s with an open label observational two arm comparator study including a longitudinal follow up and reports of motor and non motor improvements, the latter being a massive unmet need in Parkinson’s. It is too early to claim any neuroprotection based on this study although the positive effects on aspects of motor and non motor functions are impressive and has also been recently reported also with Ballet dancing programme (PD Ballet running at Kings College, London). It would be good to know what validated measure of motor and nonmotor outcomes were used as well as PD stages that were included  in the Tai Chi study but the data certainly is in line with a number of single arm open label studies about the potential benefits of programmed physical activity in Parkinson’s and recently also added as one of the key enablers of wellness in Parkinson including the dashboard for care for Parkinson’s.”

Prof Alastair Noyce, Professor in Neurology and Neuroepidemiology, QMUL, said:

“This is an important study evaluating the association between Tai Chi and Parkinson’s disease, and it demonstrates apparent positive effects on Parkinson’s symptom progression. Several previous studies suggest that exercise has long-term, even disease modifying, benefits on Parkinson’s.

“It is an observational study rather than a randomised controlled trial, so there are limitations in the design, but the results are encouraging and suggest that more RCTs should be done.

“We already recommend Tai Chi, as well as other forms of exercise, but understanding which forms of exercise are most beneficial is an important goal to enhance the long-term management of patients.”

‘Effect of long-term Tai Chi training on Parkinson’s disease: a 3.5-year follow-up cohort study’ by Gen Li et al. was published in Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry at 23:30 UK time on Tuesday 24^th October. 

DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-330967

Declared interests

Prof K Ray Chaudhuri: “I led the Dashboard for PD project”

Prof Alastair Noyce: I am the UK principal investigator for an exercise intervention study to reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease called Slow Speed, in partnership with a team in the Netherlands led by Dr Sirwan Darweesh and Prof Bas Bloem.