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Conferences and Events

April 9-13, 2024.  Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health International Congress and Members Meeting. Learn More.

April 27, 2024. World Tai Chi and Qigong Day. https://www.worldtaichiday.org/

September 24-26, 2024. National Qigong Association (NQA) Annual Conference. Savannah, Georgia.

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• The effects of Tai Chi on standing balance control in older adults may be attributed to the improvement of sensory reweighting and complexity rather than reduced sway velocity or amplitude. Conclusion: Long-term Tai Chi practice improved sensory reweighting (more reliance on the proprioception system and less reliance on the vestibular system) and complexity of standing balance control in older adults. In addition, greater sway velocity may be as an exploratory role in standing balance control of TC older adults, which correlated with greater complexity, but no such significant relationship in the control group. Therefore, the effects of Tai Chi practice on standing balance control in older adults may be attributed to the improvement of sensory reweighting and complexity rather than reduced sway velocity or amplitude.
• Can strength training or tai ji quan training reduce frailty in postmenopausal women treated with chemotherapy? A secondary data analysis of the GET FIT trial. 
• The optimal exercise intervention for sleep quality in adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Tai Chi and Qigong are included in exercise modalities that were found to significantly improve sleep quality 
• The effect of Tai Chi/Qigong on depression and anxiety symptoms in adults with Cancer: A systematic review and meta-regression. Conclusions: TCQ practice exhibits small-to-moderate efficacy in alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms among cancer patients and survivors. Moreover, patients with depressive symptoms for whom TCQ intervention coupled with improvements in function-related outcomes manifested greater antidepressant effect.
• The effect of Tai Chi/Qigong on depression and anxiety symptoms in adults with Cancer: A systematic review and meta-regression
• Health Qigong Mawangdui Guidance can improve pelvic floor muscle function and quality of life in females with stress urinary incontinence: A randomized controlled trial pilot study. Conclusion: Mawangdui Guidance can effectively improve the function of pelvic floor muscle, improve the ability of urine storage and control, and alleviate the symptoms of female patients with stress urinary incontinence.
• Rehabilitative effects of Baduanjin in Chinese stroke patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Baduanjin improves movement, balance, trunk, ambulation and neurological functions, and the ability to perform activities of daily living in stroke patients.
• Tai chi, irisin and cognitive performance: a clinical and biological investigation in older adults. Conclusion: Results suggest the potential benefits for cognitive health of TC practice by irisin levels modulation.
• Multicomponent Intervention on Improving the Cognitive Ability of Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility and potential outcomes of an innovative 16-session multicomponent intervention model to improve cognitive abilities in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by promoting healthy lifestyle, cognitive skills, tai chi and mindfulness practices. The study results support the feasibility and efficacy of the multicomponent intervention.
• Evaluation and Comparison of Relaxation-Related Workplace Interventions Among Office Workers at an Insurance Institution: An Intervention Study. Relaxation-related workplace interventions can be counterstrategies for stress due to office work and should be evaluated for success after implementation. Tai Chi was among the methods which were able to improve stress-related outcomes in terms of stress perception and individual aspects of stress management.
• The effect of sitting baduanjin in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention: A quasi-experimental study. Sitting Baduanjin training has the potential to enhance HRV, cardiac function, and psychological well-being and can potentially improve the exercise capacity of a patient before discharge.
• Research status and trends of physical activity on depression or anxiety: a bibliometric analysis. The term “physical activity intervention” captures a broad range of interventions aimed at increasing energy expenditure above resting levels, encompassing aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, weight training, dance, yoga, tai chi, and qigong (wuqinxi, baduanjin, and yijinjing). Clinicians can consider  recommending patients perform mind–body exercise for improving mood, especially for students and pregnant women who use medications with cautions. 
• The effectiveness of physical activity interventions in improving higher education students' mental health: A systematic review. Qigong and Tai Chi are included in exercise-specific interventions targeted at improving the mental health and wellbeing of higher education students.
• Health benefits of short Taichi Qigong exercise (STQE) to University Students' core strength, lower limb explosive force, cardiopulmonary endurance, and anxiety: A Quasi experiment research. The study enrolled a total of 31 students who actively participated in a 5-week STQE program, consisting of three 60-minute sessions per week. Conclusion: The study suggests that the STQE program effectively improves core strength, lower limb explosive force, and reduces anxiety levels among university students.
• Traditional Chinese exercises on depression: A network meta-analysis. Baduanjin Qigong and Tai Chi improved the outcomes related to depression and anxiety.
• Baduanjin is Better Balance Training Compared to Walking: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Center of Gravity Trajectories. Previous studies have demonstrated that Baduanjin Qigong training can improve the body's balance. Baduanjin training provides a more intense center of gravity perturbation than walking, which may be a more challenging balance training than walking.
• The effects of Tai Chi exercise on sleep quality among the elderly: a study based on polysomnographic monitoring. Conclusion: The findings indicate that Tai Chi exercise may improve subjective reported sleep quality. In addition, Tai Chi exercise may alleviate general drowsiness, extend sleep duration, and optimize the sleep process and structure. Consequently, Tai Chi exercise may be a suitable exercise to improve sleep quality in older individuals.
• Effects of mind-body exercise on knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Qigong and Tai Chi are mind-body interventions found to be safe and effective for improving knee osteoarthritis.
• Effect of 24-form simplified Tai Chi on executive inhibitory control of college students: a randomized controlled trial of EEG. Tai Chi training not only improves executive inhibitory control but may also enhance localized brain activity, suggesting its potential as a holistic intervention for cognitive and neurological well-being during stressful periods.
• Remote Delivery of Mindful Movement Within Healthcare Systems: Lessons Learned From the Veterans Health Administration. Mindful Movement approaches have been a growing part of the Veterans Health Administration (VA). This paper shares lessons learned from virtual delivery of mindful movement as part of clinical and well-being programs in VA. Benefits of virtual care discussed include the convenience and decreased travel burden; accessibility for adaptive movement options; translation to home practice; and shifting the emphasis to interoceptive skills-building supportive of self-efficacy for exploring and identifying safe movement. Mindful movement approaches of yoga and Tai Chi are in the top 5 Whole Health services delivered via telehealth and have also seen growth year over year.
• Some types of exercise interventions are more effective than others in people with coronary heart disease: systematic review and network meta-analysis. Tai Chi and Qigong are included in the exercise interventions that improve oxygen consumption, quality of life and mortality. 
• Effects of different traditional Chinese exercise in the treatment of essential hypertension: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Conclusion: TCEs combined with antihypertensive medication may be able to achieve more prominent antihypertensive effects with Tai Chi and Wuqinxi (Animal Frolics Qigong) potentially being the higher-priority options. Dr. Ken Sancier, founder of the Qigong Institute, reported that the combination of Qigong and drugs is superior to that of drugs alone in his seminal 1996 paper Anti Aging Benefits of Qigong.
• The effects of different types of Tai Chi exercises on preventing falls in older adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Among the four types of Tai Chi studied, the 24-form simplified Tai Chi has shown better efficacy than other types.
• Effect of exercise based interventions on sleep and circadian rhythm in cancer survivors-a systematic review and meta-analysis. Tai Chi is one of the interventions.
• Enhancing Tai Chi Training System: Towards Group-Based and Hyper-Realistic Training Experiences
• Comparative Efficacy of Mind-Body Exercise for Treating Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain (CNNP): A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. Qigong and Tai Chi demonstrated considerable effectiveness in improving pain intensity, functional disability, cervical mobility, and quality of life in patients with CNNP.
• Tai Chi counteracts age-related somatosensation and postural control declines among older adults. Tai Chi practice increased strength, tactile sensation, kinesthesia, and static postural control among older adults. Tai Chi practice improved tactile, kinesthesia sensations, and static postural control among older adults over 80, who presented with worse strength and kinesthesia than their younger counterparts. Tai Chi practice offers a safe exercise option for those aged over 80 to encourage improvements in sensorimotor control.
• Acute effects of different Tai Chi practice protocols on cardiac autonomic modulation. 
• The effect of Tai Chi lower extremity exercise on the balance control of older adults in assistant living communities. Tai Chi can improve balance and functional mobility in older adults.
• Cognitively enhanced tai chi improved cognition vs. tai chi or stretching at 24 wk in older adults with MCI or memory concerns. 
• Exercise or mind-body exercises for psychiatry symptoms and quality of life in schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders: an overview of systematic reviews with meta-analysis. Tai chi may be more effective than multiple controls for decreasing negative symptoms.
• Effects of Tai-Chi on Quality of Life in People With Neurodegenerative Diseases. A systematic Review of Randomised Clinical Trials. Tai Chi can effectively improve the health-related quality of life of people with neurodegenerative diseases. 
• High-frequency multimodal training with a focus on Tai Chi in people with Parkinson's disease: a pilot study. A multimodal training program with Tai Chi not only improves gait and stability but may also contribute to improving cognition. 
• Effect of Tai-chi on balance, mood, cognition, and quality of life in women with multiple sclerosis: A one-year prospective study. This study indicates the beneficial effects of long-term Tai-chi training on patients with MS and supports the recommendation of regular and long-term Tai-chi exercise in patients with MS.
• Effects of tai chi, ba duan jin, and walking on the mental health status of urban older people living alone: the mediating role of social participation and the moderating role of the exercise environment. The findings of this study indicate that tai chi, ba duan jin, and walking have a positive impact on the mental health of urban older people living alone, which can be influenced by the mediating efficacy of social participation and the moderating effect of the exercise environment.
• Effect of traditional Chinese fitness exercises on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Conclusion: Traditional Chinese fitness exercises can significantly improve the BMD levels of postmenopausal women. Taiji, Yijinjing, and Baduanjin combined with medication showed better intervention effects overall. 
• Impact of traditional Chinese Baduanjin exercise on menstrual health among international female students studying in China: a randomized controlled trial. Conclusion: Regular Baduanjin exercise is a safe, acceptable, and effective form of exercise to promote international female students' menstrual health, reduce stress levels, and improve sleep quality.
• The effects of mind-body exercise on anxiety and depression in older adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Mind-body exercises including Tai Chi and Qigong have positive effects on improving anxiety and depression in older adults. Among the five different types of mind-body exercise interventions, Tai Chi was considered an effective approach for improving anxiety and depression. However, we encourage older adults to choose exercise modalities that suit their interests to enhance adherence.
• Advances in balance training to prevent falls in stroke patients: a scoping review. Tai Chi is safe and effective in improving the balance function of stroke patients. The training is generally 12 weeks, and can be as long as 12 months, training 2–5 times per week, each time is 40–60 min. 
• Tai Chi training as a primary care plan for the prevention and management of hypertension: an opinion and positioning article. The prolonged use of antihypertensive medication may result in dependence and adverse effects, without any substantial improvement in achieving targeted blood pressure leves. As a result, research has focused on using exercise therapy to treat hypertension. Tai Chi, a widely-practiced Chinese health exercise, has evolved into a form of exercise therapy that might help alleviate the risk associated with hypertension. Therefore, this article aims to outline the role of Tai Chi in preventing and managing hypertension.
• Global trends and developments in mindfulness interventions for diabetes: a bibliometric study. Qigong is mentioned as a psychosomatic mindfulness intervention.
• Bibliometric Analysis of Research on Traditional Chinese Exercise and Osteoarthritis. Tai Chi was the most studied TCE with the most detailed content of exercise prescription, followed by Baduanjin and Wuqinxi (two popular forms of Qigong). TCE, such as Tai Chi, Baduanjin, Yijinjing, Wuqinxi, and Liuzijue, has shown beneficial effects on human health. For example, Tai Chi can reduce pain and increase quadriceps strength in patients with OA. In addition, it has been reported that Baduanjin helps to improve proprioception and balance function in elderly patients with OA. These findings suggest that TCE is a promising means of rehabilitation. At present, most studies explain the potential mechanism of TCE treatment of OA from the bio-psycho-social model. Importantly, effective TCE can reduce low-grade chronic inflammation in the development of OA. In addition, some studies have reported that TCE can help reduce anxiety, stress, and depression; improve mental health; and increase the social participation of OA patients.
• Traditional Chinese Exercises for Cardiovascular Diseases: A Bibliometric Analysis. The highest-frequency keywords in this research area were Tai Chi, exercise, blood pressure, quality of life, and older adult. Additionally, important research topics included heart rate variability, quality of life, meta-analysis, Baduanjin exercise, and breathing exercise. In addition, our results revealed that among all the TCEs, Tai Chi, Baduanjin, and Qigong emerged as the most extensively studied.
• Effect of mind-body exercise on risk factors for metabolic syndrome including insulin resistance: a meta-analysis. Conclusion: Mind-body exercise is effective in improving risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome. Current evidence recommends an intervention program of low to moderate intensity fitness qigong, with 6-7 sessions per week for 24-48 weeks in patients with metabolic syndrome.
• Integrative Medicine for Cancer-Related Pain: A Narrative Review. Cancer-related pain (C-RP) is a prevalent and debilitating concern among patients with cancer, with conventional treatments limited in their ability to provide adequate relief, and by the adverse effects associated with their use. Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) modalities have been shown to be potentially effective and safe for the treatment of pain and related symptoms, when used in conjunction with conventional medications and under medical supervision. The term “mind-body medicine” covers a wide range of CIM modalities that include breathing and relaxation exercises, tai chi and qigong, and more. A significant component of mind-body medicine's ability to reduce C-RP is likely related to its ability to reduce anxiety and emotional distress, which can exacerbate both acute and chronic pain. 
• Effects of Mind-Body Qigong Exercise on Overall Health, Fatigue/Sleep, and Cognition in Older Chinese Immigrants in the US: An Intervention Study with Control. Conclusion: We revealed significant positive effects of Qigong in older Chinese immigrants across multiple health domains. Findings highlight the potential of a culturally relevant exercise in addressing health disparities.
• Effect of Tai Chi vs Aerobic Exercise on Blood Pressure in Patients With Prehypertension: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Conclusions and relevance: In this study including patients with prehypertension, a 12-month Tai Chi intervention was more effective than aerobic exercise in reducing systolic blood pressure. These findings suggest that Tai Chi may help promote the prevention of cardiovascular disease in populations with prehypertension.
• Randomized controlled trials of mind-body interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder: a systematic review. Movement based interventions (MoBIs) include Tai Chi and Qigong. MoBIs feature physical postures and breathing practices and impact PTSD through reduced arousal and increased awareness, a skill related to emotion regulation and distress tolerance. 
• Knowledge structure and future research trends of body-mind exercise (BME) for mild cognitive impairment: a bibliometric analysis. Tai Chi and Qigong are among the body-mind exercises have been increasingly employed to enhance cognitive function and to manage MCI among older adults. Compared to Tai Chi, Qigong is a more accessible type of BME. Tai Chi and Qigong are hot research topics in the field of BME for MCI, and they also have greatly promoted the role of traditional Chinese exercise in healthy aging.
• Are Tai Chi and Qigong effective in the treatment of traumatic brain injury? A systematic review. 
• Effects of Tai Chi in diabetes patients: Insights from recent research. Tai Chi, a practice that combines elements of both exercise and mindfulness, offers a wide range of health benefits. The body of evidence concerning the impact of Tai Chi on diabetes has recently been growing. Tai Chi demonstrates a significant effect to enhance glycemic control, lower blood pressure, improve serum lipid profiles, reduce insulin resistance, positively influence obesity-related indices, and improve overall quality of life in individuals with T2D.
• Narrative Review of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis. Investigations demonstrate that exercise therapies including various forms of Qigong and Tai Chi  have considerable therapeutic effects.
• Lifestyle intervention Tai Chi for adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a PRIO-harms based overview of 17 systematic reviews. Tai Chi shows promise as a potentially effective and safe lifestyle intervention for adults with T2DM.
• The influence of tai chi on the death anxiety of elderly people living alone: the chain mediating effect of social support and psychological capital. Conclusion: Tai chi practice may reduce death anxiety in older adults living alone through the chain-mediated effects of social support and psychological capital. This suggests that tai chi may be a beneficial intervention for older adults living alone.
• Effect of aquatic exercise programs according to the International Classification of Functionality, Disability and Health domains in individuals with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis with GRADE quality assessment. Ai Chi, an aquatic version of Tai Chi, is one of the recommended exercise programs. The average duration, frequency, and total time implemented were 50 minutes, three times a week, for seven weeks, respectively. Considering the potential benefits identified in this study, AEP can be recommended as an adjunct treatment strategy for individuals with PD.
• An RCT META analysis based on the effect of tai chi exercise therapy on the outcome of elderly patients with moderate-to-severe sleep disorders-A systematic review study. This study provides a practical approach to reducing the risk of medication side effects in older adults with sleep disorders and offers a potentially effective non-pharmacological treatment option, especially for those who are unable or unwilling to use medication. Tai chi exercise may not only improve sleep, but also improve coordination, muscle strength, balance, and reduce stress and anxiety in older adults. It also helps older adults socialize and enhances their social connections and emotional support. This study suggests that community centers or activity centers for the elderly can organize tai chi classes to promote the participation of older adults, and can be used as a scientific exercise rehabilitation tool in clinical treatment, incorporating tai chi practice into daily life, such as tai chi practice at a fixed time every day or every week, which not only helps to improve the sleep disorders of older adults, but also improves their overall quality of life.
• Effects of home-based exercise interventions on post-stroke depression: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Tai Chi was the most effective way to improve post-stroke depression.
• Meta-analysis of the intervention effects of tai chi on fasting blood glucose, blood pressure and triglyceride in middle-aged and elderly people. Tai Chi, as a gentle form of aerobic exercise, exerts a profound impact on reducing blood pressure, fasting blood glucose levels, and triglyceride concentrations among middle-aged and elderly individuals. Notably, the intervention effect is particularly pronounced among male patients afflicted with hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. Based on the collective advantages underscored by this research, we strongly recommend engaging in Tai Chi exercises for a minimum duration of 16 weeks, with each session lasting 30-50 min and conducted 6-7 times per week, without any restrictions on the style employed.
• The effects of different types of Tai Chi exercise on anxiety and depression in older adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. The body of evidence supporting the beneficial effects of Tai Chi in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms in older adults is steadily increasing. The findings of this study imply that Tai Chi can have beneficial outcomes in the reduction of anxiety and depressive symptoms among older individuals. Specifically, when examining various forms of Tai Chi interventions, it was observed that Yang-style Tai Chi exhibited a greater efficacy in alleviating anxiety symptoms, whereas Tai Chi exercise programs demonstrated a higher effectiveness in improving depressive symptoms. 
• Tai Chi improves non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease: One-year randomized controlled study with the investigation of mechanisms. Conclusions: Tai Chi improved non-motor symptoms in PD, especially in cognition and sleep. Enhanced brain network function, downregulation of inflammation, and enhanced energy metabolism were observed after Tai Chi training.
• Implementation of Virtual Integrative Oncology Shared Medical Appointment Series (VIOSMAS) Within Mixed Diagnosis Population. Integrative oncology is sought-after by patients, endorsed by clinical guidelines, and valued within National Cancer Institute Centers. Qigong is included as part of the mindful movement component of the experiential sessions. 
• Effects of Bafa Wubu and He-Style Tai Chi exercise training on physical fitness of overweight male university students: A randomized controlled trial. Bafa Wubu Tai Chi (a simplified form created by China's General Administration of Sport of China to promote a more user-friendly routine of Tai Chi based on the 24-form simplified Tai Chi) and a more traditional style of Tai Chi effectively improved physical fitness in overweight university students. However, traditional Tai Chi showed superior results in lower limb strength improvement.
• The effect of Tai Chi exercise intervention on sleep quality in community residing older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Conclusions: Tai Chi exercise can serve as an effective non-medication approach for addressing sleep problems in this demographic. Among the various types of Tai Chi exercises, the 24-form Tai Chi exercise emerges as a preferred option. Moreover, Tai Chi exercise proves to be an excellent choice for older people in their later years, promoting their overall well-being and health.
• Effects of aerobic exercise or Tai Chi Chuan interventions on problematic mobile phone use and the potential role of intestinal flora: A multi-arm randomized controlled trial. Tai Chi is an effective, safe and efficient intervention for college students with problematic mobile phone use, providing some physiological and psychological benefits and having some impact on their intestinal flora.