Tai Chi and Parkinson’s Disease (TCPD)

Scientists are examining, in a single-blind, randomized controlled trial, whether Tai Chi can improve postural balance and lower-extremity muscle strength, and reduce frequency of falls among early to moderately advanced Parkinson’s disease patients.
Principal Investigator: Fuzhong Li
Co-Investigator: Peter Harmer
Project Period: 12/19/07 – 11/30/11
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

A search of the NIH website for articles,  studies, and or references to Tai Chi and Parkinson’s yielded 336 results.  This short list of article links shows why tai chi has a promise of relief for person’s with the disease symptoms.

My own limited experience with tai chi and parkinson’s is that those who gave an earnest effort gained almost immediate relief from tremor. (two one-time interventions with Parkinson’s support groups, and one long term patient practice).  Additionally I most note that one wife learned “wei qigong” technique from me, and was gratified to be able to relieve her husband’s tremor for brief periods daily, for several years.

Study of Tai Chi Exercise and Balance in Persons With Parkinson’s …

… Related Studies, Study of Tai Chi Exercise and Balance in Persons With Parkinson’s Disease. This study is not yet open for participant recruitment. … clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00611481 – 31k – Cached

Effect of Exercise on Gait and Balance in Peripheral Neuropathy …

… Functional Balance Training and Tai Chi, the two exercise interventions tested in … eg diagnosis of hemiparesis, cerebellar dysfunction, Parkinson’s disease as … clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00270842 – 34k – Cached

Chinese Exercise Modalities in Parkinson’s Disease – Full Text …

… with Parkinson’s Disease not exercising regularly more than 2x per week. Willing to be randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 exercise modalities: Tai Chi, Qi Gong … clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00029809 – 27k – Cached

NCCAM-Funded Research for FY 2007

… R21 AT002161-03, Tai Chi for Knee Osteoarthritis, Wang, Chenchen, New England Medical … R21 AT003002-02, NIR-LED Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease, Whelan, Harry T … nccam.nih.gov/research/extramural/awards/2007/ – 101k – Cached

Living with Parkinson’s: A Jekyll and Hyde Existence: National …

… However, as David Heydrick, MD, a neurologist and a Parkinson’s patient, explained, “Through use … Dr. Heydrick runs daily, practices tai chi, and lifts weights. … www.ninds.nih.gov/news_and_events/news_articles/news_article_living_with_pd.htm – 18k – Cached

NIHSeniorHealth: Parkinson’s Disease – Treatment and Research … … Other complementary therapies include massage therapy, yoga, tai chi, hypnosis,
acupuncture, and … these therapies, but they do not slow Parkinson’s disease and …
nihseniorhealth.gov/parkinsonsdisease/surgicaltreatmentsandothertherapies/10.html – 14k – 09-22-2008 – Cached