Systematic review and meta-analysis: Tai Chi for preventing falls in older adults

It remains unclear whether Tai Chi is effective for preventing falls in older adults. We undertook this systematic review to evaluate the preventive effect of Tai Chi by updating the latest trial evidence. Results 18 trials with 3824 participants were included. The Tai Chi group was associated with significantly lower chance of falling at least once and rate of falls than the control group. Subgroup analyses suggested that the preventive effect was likely to increase with exercise frequency and Yang style Tai Chi was likely to be more effective than Sun style Tai Chi. Tai Chi is effective for preventing falls in older adults. The preventive effect is likely to increase with exercise frequency and Yang style Tai Chi seems to be more effective than Sun style Tai Chi.