As allied health professionals (AHPs), we're always looking for evidence-based practices to enhance our patients' well-being. Tai chi, a familiar and popular movement practise based on Chinese martial arts is enjoyed by people all over the world has gained recognition in the healthcare community for its numerous health benefits.

In this blog post we offer a guide that we hope will help you effectively incorporate tai chi into your practice whilst maintaining professional standards and respecting cultural sensitivity.

Understanding Tai Chi's Potential

Tai chi offers more than just gentle exercise. Research demonstrates its effectiveness in improving balance, flexibility and stress reduction. A comprehensive evidence map by Solloway et al. (2016) provides an overview of tai chi's wide-ranging health benefits[1].

As AHPs, we should appreciate its cultural significance whilst focusing on its evidence-based applications in healthcare.

Evidence-Based Approach: Key to Credibility

When introducing tai chi to your practice, always rely on the best evidence from recent studies and reviews. For example, a systematic review by Lomas-Vega et al. (2017) shows tai chi's effectiveness in fall prevention[2]. Wayne et al. (2018) demonstrated its benefits for chronic pain management[3].

Use professional language (biomechanics, physiology, psychology) and emphasise measurable outcomes such as improved balance and increased strength.

Men enjoying qigong in a Chinese park. — Baduanjin - Eight Strands of Brocade Qigong

Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting Tai Chi's Roots

Whilst we adapt tai chi for use with patients in clinical settings, we should recognise and respect its Chinese origins and practise. Avoid stereotypical representations, or falling into Orientalism, and distinguish between traditional practices and those with clinical adaptations.

Safety First: Tailoring Tai Chi to Patient Needs

Before implementing tai chi with a patient or patient group:

1. Assess for contraindications or potential risks

2. Modify movements for those with limited mobility or balance issues - We use a Seated to Standing to Stepping progression or regression model to guide our practice for example.

Practical Application: Making Tai Chi Work for Your Patients

Tailor tai chi programmes to address specific objectives like fall prevention or pain management. Focus on the physical aspects of the practice, separating it from spiritual or metaphysical beliefs.

Be ready to adapt movements for specific rehabilitation needs, always prioritising your patient's individual requirements. Huston & McFarlane (2016) offer a clinical-oriented review of tai chi's health benefits with different populations[4].

Woman stands in a park setting with a T-shirt saying Occupational Therapy on it.

Integrating Tai Chi with Other Therapies

Explore how tai chi can complement other physical therapies or rehabilitation techniques. Consider potential synergies with interventions like cognitive behavioural therapy for stress reduction.

Yeh et al. (2016) demonstrated tai chi's benefits for patients with chronic heart failure, suggesting its potential in cardiac rehabilitation programmes[5]. Communicate with other healthcare providers to integrate tai chi into multidisciplinary treatment plans effectively.

Effective Patient Education

Provide clear, accessible information about tai chi's benefits. Address misconceptions directly and encourage critical thinking about health claims.

Set individual goals with patients based on their specific needs and conditions. Yu & Johnson's (2021) meta-analysis on tai chi's benefits for cancer patients and survivors can be a valuable resource for patient education in oncology settings[6].

Leveraging Technology

In today's digital age, consider using video platforms for remote tai chi instruction. Recommend reliable apps or online resources for patients to practise at home, ensuring they can maintain their practice between sessions.

Promoting Long-term Adherence

Encourage patients to make tai chi a sustainable part of their lifestyle. Provide tips for maintaining practice and suggest ways to incorporate tai chi into daily routines. The study by Zhou et al. (2019) showing tai chi's positive effects on cardiovascular health and cognitive function in older adults can be a motivating factor for long-term adherence[7].

Avoiding Unproven Health Claims

Always use neutral, scientific language when describing tai chi practices. Present it as complementary to, not a replacement for, medical care. Create an open environment for discussing beliefs and expectations, whilst providing resources for fact-checking health information.

Professional Considerations

As with any intervention, work within your scope of practice and maintain appropriate professional boundaries. Continuously educate yourself about cultural sensitivity in healthcare and practise self-reflection, using feedback from patients and colleagues to improve your approach.

Man enjoying a laugh with a teenager with downs syndrome.

Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity

Consider adaptations for specific populations, studies show the versatility of tai chi and qigong to have a positive impact on a range health conditions. Siu & Lee's (2018) study on tai chi's effects on cognition in older adults with mild cognitive impairment provides insights for tailoring programmes to for example[8].

Tracking Progress

Use validated tools to measure patient progress and document outcomes to support evidence-based practice. Regularly review and update your approach based on new research and best practice guidelines. Zheng et al.'s (2015) systematic review on tai chi's cognitive benefits can guide your assessment of cognitive outcomes[9].

Continuing Education

Stay updated on tai chi techniques and their clinical applications. Seek out professional development opportunities in this area to enhance your skills and knowledge.

The study by Zou et al. (2019) on mindfulness-based exercises for pain management and sleep quality improvement offers insights into related practices that could complement your tai chi knowledge[10].

In Summary

By following these guidelines, you can effectively integrate tai chi into your allied health practice, offering patients a holistic, evidence-based approach to improving their health and well-being. Remember, the key lies in balancing scientific rigour with cultural respect and patient-centred care.

What We Do

We help health professionals implement tai chi and qigong movements into their practice for the benefit of their patients.

Find out more about our class leading course, Tai Chi for Therapists.

Do you know a colleague, friend or family member that you think might enjoy this blog post? Please do share it with them.

If you have a question or comment do get in touch.

We look forward to seeing you.

All the best,

Phil & Helen

References:

1. Solloway, M. R., et al. (2016). An evidence map of the effect of Tai Chi on health outcomes. Systematic Reviews, 5(1), 126.

2. Lomas-Vega, R., et al. (2017). Tai Chi for Risk of Falls. A Meta-analysis. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 65(9), 2037-2043.

3. Wayne, P. M., et al. (2018). Tai Chi for Chronic Pain Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 5440.

4. Huston, P., & McFarlane, B. (2016). Health benefits of tai chi: What is the evidence? Canadian Family Physician, 62(11), 881-890.

5. Yeh, G. Y., et al. (2016). Tai chi exercise in patients with chronic heart failure: a randomized clinical trial. Archives of Internal Medicine, 171(8), 750-757.

6. Yu, T., & Johnson, J. (2021). Tai Chi and Qigong for cancer-related symptoms and quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 15(6), 870-891.

7. Zhou, S., et al. (2019). The Effects of Tai Chi on Markers of Atherosclerosis, Lower-limb Physical Function, and Cognitive Ability in Adults Aged Over 60: A Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(5), 753.

8. Siu, M. Y., & Lee, D. T. (2018). Effects of tai chi on cognition and instrumental activities of daily living in community-dwelling older people with mild cognitive impairment. BMC Geriatrics, 18(1), 37.

9. Zheng, G., et al. (2015). Tai Chi and the Protection of Cognitive Ability: A Systematic Review of Prospective Studies in Healthy Adults. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 49(1), 89-97.

10. Zou, L., et al. (2019). A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Mindfulness-Based (Baduanjin) Exercise for Alleviating Musculoskeletal Pain and Improving Sleep Quality in People with Chronic Diseases. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(1), 51.

Integrating Tai Chi into Allied Health Practice