Complementary Therapies
Publication Year
Study Type
Content Type
Peer Reviewed
Population
Outcome Type
Chronic Condition Choose up to 3
Complementary Therapies
Complementary therapies offered alongside traditional medical treatment may be offered as non-primarily health related SSBCI. Complementary therapies must be provided by practitioners who are licensed or certified, as applicable, in the state in which they practice and are furnishing services within the scope of practice defined by their licensing or certifying state. Alternative therapies that are considered primarily health related may be offered by an MA plan as a supplemental benefit in PBP category B14c.
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Zenodo repository deposit - no journal identified|
Google Scholar|
10.5281/zenodo.17481418
Prospective comparative study in 60 migraine patients at two centres in Maharashtra: prescriptions derived using Boenninghausen's Therapeutic Pocket Book vs Kent's Repertory, followed over 12 weeks
Outcome type: Favorable
Both groups improved over 12 weeks: mean attack frequency fell from 6.3 +/- 1.2 to 2.8 +/- 0.9 with Boenninghausen's repertory and from 6.1 +/- 1.0 to 3.6 +/- 1.1 with Kent's, with MIDAS scores improving 65% and 48% respectively.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Neurologic Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Homeopathy|
Google Scholar|
10.1055/s-0046-1817091
Multicentric open-label randomized trial in 70 patients aged 18-60 with acute uncomplicated urinary tract infection: individualized homeopathy vs standard allopathic treatment including antibiotics
Outcome type: Favorable
UTISA severity fell comparably in both arms by day 10, with homeopathy showing greater early symptom reduction (51% vs 38% by day 3) and lower 6-month recurrence (17.65% vs 37.5%); microbiologic success by day 10 was higher in the allopathic arm.
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Journal of International Dental and Medical Research|
Google Scholar|
Systematic review of 18 RCTs (1,315 patients) on the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on glycated hemoglobin in type 2 diabetes, with HbA1c at 3 and 6 months
Outcome type: Favorable
HbA1c fell by 1.16 +/- 1.90 at 3 months and 1.45 +/- 2.22 at 6 months, with a significantly greater reduction at 6 months than at 3 months and multiple sessions of nonsurgical periodontal therapy showing greater impact. The authors note these results contrast with previous systematic reviews.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Diabetes
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Indian Journal of Integrative Medicine|
Google Scholar|
Case report of a 15-year-old male with a hypopigmented vitiligo patch on the left cheek, treated with individualized homoeopathy (Natrum muriaticum in centesimal potency) and followed for three months. Improvement was assessed using the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index and clinical photography, with the modified Naranjo criteria for homeopathy (MONARCH) applied to assess causal attribution.
Outcome type: Favorable
Objective improvement in Vitiligo Area Scoring Index was verified over three months alongside clinical photography, with the MONARCH framework used to establish the causal relationship between improvement and the intervention.
Case Study
Age ≤ 65
Autoimmune Disease
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Supportive Care in Cancer|
Google Scholar|
10.1007/s00520-025-09213-2
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 RCTs (1,991 lung cancer patients) on music therapy for anxiety, depression, pain, sleep quality and quality of life. Seven databases searched to 31 December 2023, quality assessed with Cochrane Risk of Bias and certainty with GRADE.
Outcome type: Favorable
Versus routine treatment, music therapy reduced anxiety (SMD -1.43), depression (SMD -1.49) and pain (SMD -1.58) and improved sleep quality (MD -3.02) and quality of life (SMD 1.50). Authors report 30 minutes once or twice daily over 2 weeks to 3 months may alleviate anxiety most effectively.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Cancer
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Jurnal Akademik Keperawatan|
Google Scholar|
Descriptive case study of two patients with type 2 diabetes in the UPTD working area of Ulee Kareng Health Center, Banda Aceh, from 23 to 27 December 2024. Foot exercise therapy was delivered once daily for five consecutive days in 30-minute sessions, with blood glucose measured by glucometer.
Outcome type: Favorable
Blood sugar fell from 295 to 230 mg/dl in the first subject and from 317 to 197 mg/dl in the second over five days.
Case Study
Age ≤ 65
Diabetes
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
World Journal of Gastroenterology|
Google Scholar|
40496364|
RCT in 60 patients with knee osteoarthritis: electroacupuncture alone vs electroacupuncture plus Tuina (n=30 each), 12 sessions, with faecal 16S rRNA sequencing before and after
Outcome type: Favorable
The combined group had higher effective response rates and significantly lower VAS than electroacupuncture alone immediately and at one week (p<0.001), with improved total WOMAC, stiffness and function but no significant change in the WOMAC pain subscale. Gut microbiota beta diversity shifted in the combined group only.
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Nigerian Medical Journal|
Google Scholar|
40703874|
Case report of a 44-year-old woman with beta-thalassemia intermedia who underwent 48 neurotherapy sessions over three months, applying pressure points intended to stimulate pancreas, kidney, thyroid and liver function
Outcome type: Favorable
Haemoglobin rose from 5.9 to 9.7 g/dL, with improvements in haematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC and ferritin, reductions in platelets, serum TSH and ESR, and normalised vitamin B12. The patient reported increased energy, reduced fatigue and improved activity tolerance, with no adverse effects observed.
Case Study
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Innovations in Acupuncture and Medicine|
Google Scholar|
10.1186/s44424-025-00009-z
Four-arm randomized trial in 100 women aged 18-50 with BMI 25-39.9: diet and exercise alone, or with acupuncture, laser acupuncture, or both, assessed to three months post-intervention
Outcome type: Favorable
All four groups significantly reduced BMI and fat mass. Only the combined acupuncture-plus-laser-acupuncture group achieved greater fat mass reduction than diet and exercise alone; acupuncture alone and laser acupuncture alone were not significantly different from the diet group.
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork|
Google Scholar|
41356773|
Case report with follow-up of a 40-year-old woman with chronic sinus headache treated by myofascial release of the posterior chain muscles combined with a manual drainage technique, as a complement to medical management.
Outcome type: Favorable
The patient showed major improvements in headache intensity and frequency and enhanced quality of life. The authors call for controlled trials to validate the findings.
Case Study
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Berita Ilmu Keperawatan|
Google Scholar|
Single-group pre-post study of one wet cupping session in 30 adults aged 26-45 not taking glucose-lowering medication, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Outcome type: Favorable
Mean blood glucose fell from 131 mg/dL before the intervention to 117 mg/dL immediately after, a reduction of 14.2 mg/dL (p = 0.0001).
Other
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Jurnal Keperawatan PPNI Jawa Barat|
Google Scholar|
One-group pretest-posttest study in 36 patients with primary hypertension: autogenic relaxation therapy with Mozart music, 15-20 minutes daily for three consecutive days
Outcome type: Favorable
Mean systolic pressure fell from 144.17 to 126.67 mmHg and diastolic from 90.56 to 82.22 mmHg, both p<0.001.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Journal of Community Research and Engagement|
Google Scholar|
10.38040/jcore.v2i2.1295
Community program with an Indonesian gymnastics group: 36 participants received education and training in self-administered acupressure, with blood pressure, knowledge and skills assessed before and after
Outcome type: Favorable
Reports significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure following the program, alongside increased knowledge and skills, with participants able to demonstrate acupressure points and techniques for hypertension.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Journal of Homeopathy Studies|
Google Scholar|
Narrative review of acupuncture for fibromyalgia covering 23 RCTs and 11 systematic reviews/meta-analyses (over 8,400 participants across 15 countries)
Outcome type: Favorable
Acupuncture significantly reduced pain and improved quality of life and emotional symptoms versus usual care or sham, with a small-to-moderate effect size and rare, mild adverse events. EULAR treats acupuncture as optional while recent Chinese guidelines give it a strong recommendation.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
World Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies|
Google Scholar|
Prospective observational single-arm study in 20 participants aged 25-60 with primary insomnia diagnosed by ICSD-3 criteria, receiving Kothandaadangal Varma point stimulation three times weekly for six weeks. Sleep assessed by Insomnia Severity Index and self-reported sleep diaries.
Outcome type: Favorable
Insomnia Severity Index fell from a baseline mean of 22.5 to 11.2, sleep latency from 60 to 25 minutes, and average total sleep time rose from 4.2 to 6.8 hours, with no adverse effects reported.
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice|
Google Scholar|
10.1016/j.jebdp.2024.102080
Randomized, double-blind, split-mouth trial in 83 patients after bilateral lower third molar extraction: a single 30-second postoperative photobiomodulation session (808 nm diode laser) on one side vs simulated laser on the other
Outcome type: Favorable
Significant pain reduction at all evaluation times (P<.01), with reduced facial oedema and trismus on postoperative days 2 and 7 (P<.01) and lower analgesic consumption on all days except the seventh.
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
International Journal of Nursing and Health Services|
Google Scholar|
Descriptive case study of two elderly hypertensive patients receiving family nursing care at Puskesmas Tambak Wedi, Surabaya. Slow Stroke Back Massage was performed for 30 minutes every two days over one week, with data collected by observation, interview and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
Outcome type: Favorable
Both patients improved on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (14 to 5 and 16 to 6) alongside better blood pressure control. The authors state the findings describe individual improvements in two cases and are not generalizable.
Case Study
Age > 65
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Cadernos de Pos-Graduacao em Direito Politico e Economico|
Google Scholar|
Case-based study of patients with chronic skin disorders (eczema, psoriasis, acne, dermatitis) treated with individualized homeopathic remedies selected on physical, emotional and constitutional characteristics
Outcome type: Favorable
Reports noticeable improvement in skin conditions, with reduced symptom severity and decreased recurrence among patients receiving individualized homeopathic treatment.
Case Study
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Indian Journal of Integrative Medicine|
Google Scholar|
Retrospective observational study of 40 adults with alcohol use disorder treated with individualized homoeopathic medicines (2021-2023), with AUDIT scores at baseline, 6 and 12 months
Outcome type: Favorable
AUDIT scores fell from 27.1 +/- 4.5 at baseline to 17.3 +/- 3.9 at 6 months and 11.2 +/- 3.2 at 12 months (p<0.001), with a large effect size (Cohen's d = 2.6) and no major adverse effects; 36 of 40 patients completed follow-up and intention-to-treat analysis showed similar directional improvement.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Alcohol/Drug Dependence
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Homeopathy|
Google Scholar|
10.1055/s-0046-1817104
Open-label randomized two-arm study in 54 analysed patients with mild-to-moderate chronic periodontitis: 9 months of adjunctive individualized homeopathy vs adjunctive allopathic treatment after non-surgical periodontal therapy
Outcome type: Neutral
Both arms improved in clinical attachment loss with no significant difference (45.84% reduction with homeopathy vs 42.56% with allopathy, p=0.798) and 77% OHAT improvement in both. The homeopathy arm required no anti-inflammatories or antiseptics.
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Materia Novum: The Journal of Homoeopathy|
Google Scholar|
Case series of 30 subjects aged 18-60 with tobacco dependence given individualized homoeopathic medicine, with dependence measured by the Fagerstrom Test
Outcome type: Favorable
Improvement was reported in 26 of 30 patients (86.66%), with frequency and dependency unchanged in 4 (13.33%). Paired t-tests gave t values of 10.16 for dependency and 7.15 for frequency of tobacco consumed per day.
Case Study
Age ≤ 65
Alcohol/Drug Dependence
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Homeopathy|
Google Scholar|
10.1055/s-0046-1817101
Three-month double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 116 participants with peripheral diabetic neuropathy: individualized homeopathic medicinal products vs identical placebos, both alongside standard diabetic care
Outcome type: Favorable
All outcomes favoured individualized homeopathy over placebo: NTSS-6, DN4, SF-MPQ total and DNE (all p<0.001) plus HbA1c (p<0.001, d=1.47). Most frequently used remedies were Sulphur (27.1%), Natrum muriaticum and Lycopodium clavatum.
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Diabetes
Neurologic Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
International Journal of Advanced Academic Studies|
Google Scholar|
Case report of a 34-year-old woman with hypothyroidism presenting with weight gain, fatigue, constipation, hair fall and cold intolerance alongside elevated TSH, treated with an individualized homeopathic remedy and followed over eight months.
Outcome type: Favorable
Gradual improvement in clinical symptoms alongside normalization of thyroid function tests, with symptomatic relief and no adverse effects reported over eight months of follow-up.
Case Study
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge|
Google Scholar|
Open-label randomized pragmatic trial over 3 months in 60 adults with type 2 diabetes: Tinospora cordifolia mother tincture vs individualized homeopathic medicines, both with standardized diet and lifestyle advice
Outcome type: Favorable
Tinospora cordifolia mother tincture outperformed individualized homeopathic medicines on HbA1c (MD -1.3, p=0.006), fasting blood sugar (p=0.007) and post-prandial blood sugar (p=0.003). Secondary outcomes showed non-significant trends, non-inferiority was not demonstrated, and no adverse events occurred.
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Diabetes
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Complementary Therapies in Medicine|
Google Scholar|
10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103152
RCT in 54 patients with stable mild-to-moderate COPD: 12 weeks of Mawangdui exercise, a low-to-medium-intensity traditional Chinese aerobic practice, vs control maintaining daily activities
Outcome type: Favorable
At 12 weeks the Mawangdui group improved on Borg CR-10, SpO2, BMI, body fat, flexibility, mMRC and SGRQ (p<0.05), with 6-minute walk distance up 63.39 m and CAT dyspnoea down 5.50 points. FEV1, FVC and fat-free mass showed no improvement.
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
JAMA Internal Medicine|
Google Scholar|
10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.5723
2-group RCT (RETREAT; 170 adults >=45 with knee OA) of a 12-week unsupervised video-based online Yang-style Tai Chi program vs online OA education control; knee pain and function.
Outcome type: Favorable
The unsupervised online Tai Chi program improved knee pain and function vs education control at 12 weeks, with more participants achieving clinically important improvements, plus gains in quality of life and balance confidence.
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Frontiers in Medicine|
Google Scholar|
10.3389/fmed.2025.1665680
Systematic review / meta-analysis of 11 RCTs (854 participants) on home-based traditional Chinese exercise (Tai Chi, Baduanjin, Yijinjing, Wuqinxi) for knee osteoarthritis.
Outcome type: Favorable
Home-based traditional Chinese exercise significantly improved knee function (SMD -0.61), pain (-0.52), physical quality of life, and depression (-1.00), with minimal adverse events.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
JBI Evidence Synthesis|
Google Scholar|
Meta-analysis of 8 RCTs (398 women) of alternative exercises in cardiac rehabilitation (yoga, tai chi, stepping, Nordic walking, aerobic dance) vs gym-based exercise, education only or usual care
Outcome type: Unfavorable
The primary outcome, cardiac rehabilitation completion, showed little to no effect (RR 1.02; 2 trials, 51 participants). Possible short-term gains in blood pressure, weight and 6-minute walk test, but little to no effect on BMI, lipids, glucose, HbA1c, peak oxygen uptake, quality of life or depression. Certainty was very low throughout.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Chinese General Practice|
Google Scholar|
10.12114/j.issn.1007-9572.2025.0224
Network meta-analysis of 35 studies (2,627 participants, 13 exercise types) comparing exercise modalities for fall efficacy, balance and mobility in older adults. Ten databases searched to August 2025, Cochrane risk-of-bias appraisal, analysed in Stata 18 with SUCRA ranking of treatments.
Outcome type: Favorable
Tai Chi improved fall efficacy versus usual care (MD 9.24) and ranked most likely best (SUCRA 81.2), and was highest ranked for mobility (MD 4.44, SUCRA 95.0) and effective for balance (MD 3.87). Otago exercise performed comparably and ranked highest for balance.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Complementary Therapies in Medicine|
Google Scholar|
10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103145
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 RCTs (323 patients) on traditional Chinese exercises for chronic ankle instability, searching eleven databases to January 2025, with PEDro quality appraisal, GRADE certainty rating, dosage subgroup analysis, and PROSPERO registration (CRD42024613359).
Outcome type: Favorable
Significant improvements versus control in Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool score (WMD 4.02), balance across four directions (SMD 0.38-0.80), joint position sense and muscle strength. GRADE certainty was moderate for balance. Optimal dosage was Tai Chi twice weekly in 60-minute sessions over 12 weeks.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Hearty: Jurnal Kesehatan Masyarakat|
Google Scholar|
Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines of complementary therapies (acupuncture, yoga, music therapy) with telemedicine support in palliative care for breast cancer, covering studies published 2020-2024 and assessing pain and psychological well-being.
Outcome type: Favorable
Review reports complementary therapies significantly reduced pain intensity, anxiety and depression and improved overall quality of life in breast cancer palliative care.
Systematic Review
Age ≤ 65
Cancer
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
International Journal of Information Technology|
Google Scholar|
10.1007/s41870-024-02227-9
Multi-centre RCT of Indian classical music (Raga Therapy) as an adjunct to standard treatment for diabetes, thyroid disorders and hypertension, using condition-specific ragas
Outcome type: Favorable
Authors report significant health improvements among patients who integrated Raga Therapy into standard care for diabetes, thyroid disorders and hypertension.
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Diabetes
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Climacteric|
Google Scholar|
40719542|
10.1080/13697137.2025.2530441
Systematic review of nine studies commissioned to inform the 2024 ESHRE/ASRM/IMS/CRE-WHiRL guidelines on complementary therapies for premature ovarian insufficiency
Outcome type: Neutral
Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture may alleviate menopausal symptoms, but evidence is very limited and of very low quality; adding acupuncture to hormone therapy gave no benefit and evidence was insufficient for all other therapies. The guideline concludes they should not replace hormone therapy.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
International Conference of Advancements in Nursing Care|
Google Scholar|
Nursing case report of acupressure therapy applied at points LI4 (Hegu), GV20 (Baihui), GB20 (Fengchi) and GB21 (Jianjing) for an elderly inpatient with hypertension and anxiety, delivered at Tidar Regional Hospital, Magelang, Indonesia.
Outcome type: Favorable
Author reports a significant reduction in both anxiety and blood pressure in the client following acupressure therapy.
Case Study
Age > 65
Cardiovascular Disorders
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Proceeding Strada International Conference on Health|
Google Scholar|
Pre-post control group study of effleurage massage (three 20-minute sessions weekly for four weeks) vs standard antenatal care in third-trimester pregnant women
Outcome type: Favorable
Anxiety fell significantly in the intervention group from baseline to post-intervention (p<0.001) while the control group's anxiety increased (p=0.042), with a significant between-group difference after the intervention (p<0.001).
Other
Age ≤ 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Indonesian Nursing Journal of Education and Clinic|
Google Scholar|
10.24990/injec.v10i2.658
Rapid review of seven RCTs and quasi-experimental studies (2018-2023) of foot massage therapy for fatigue in adults with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis
Outcome type: Favorable
All seven included studies found massage therapy reduced fatigue in hemodialysis patients, with effective protocols ranging from 15-60 minutes, two to three times weekly, over three to nine weeks.
Systematic Review
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Berita Ilmu Keperawatan|
Google Scholar|
Pretest-posttest control group study in 80 participants with psychiatric disorders: six individual hypnotherapy sessions over four weeks vs standard psychiatric care
Outcome type: Favorable
Hypnotherapy produced significantly greater reductions than control in stress (MD -8.4, p<0.001) and anxiety (MD -7.4, p<0.001), both with large effect sizes (d>0.8), and 90% of the intervention group reported high satisfaction.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Borneo Nursing Journal|
Google Scholar|
Scoping review following JBI and PRISMA-ScR guidelines of complementary therapies for fatigue in hemodialysis patients aged 18 and over, covering RCTs published 2020-2025. Five databases searched; 3,355 articles identified and eight included, analysed by thematic synthesis.
Outcome type: Favorable
Six intervention types were consistently effective for fatigue reduction (p<0.05) with improved psychological well-being: intradialytic exercise, olive oil massage, acupressure with Qur'anic recitation, relaxation techniques, humour therapy, and digital recreational therapy.
Systematic Review
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Journal of Advances in Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences|
Google Scholar|
10.36079/lamintang.jamaps-0401.818
Mixed-methods single-arm study of 200 rheumatoid arthritis patients aged 18-75 receiving regular acupuncture across three Norwegian cities, with interviews alongside biomarker assessment
Outcome type: Favorable
Authors report significant reductions in inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-alpha) and improved blood pressure regulation following acupuncture, with participants also reporting improved quality of life.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Autoimmune Disease
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
International Conference of Advancements in Nursing Care|
Google Scholar|
Nursing case study of a 43-year-old woman with appendicitis and preoperative anxiety given murottal therapy (Quranic recitation) for three consecutive days in 15-minute sessions
Outcome type: Favorable
HARS scores decreased, vital signs improved, and the patient reported greater comfort and readiness for surgery.
Case Study
Age ≤ 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Frontiers in Endocrinology|
Google Scholar|
10.3389/fendo.2025.1499051
Systematic review/meta-analysis of 11 RCTs (944 older diabetes patients) on traditional Chinese exercises (Tai Chi, Baduanjin, etc.) for blood glucose, HbA1c, BMI, and quality of life.
Outcome type: Favorable
Traditional Chinese exercises reduced fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and BMI and improved health-related quality of life in older diabetes patients; Baduanjin appeared particularly beneficial.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Diabetes
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Systematic Reviews|
Google Scholar|
40770824|
Umbrella review of 15 meta-analyses covering 204 RCTs and over 9,000 participants on photobiomodulation (low-level light therapy) across 35 health endpoints in 15 conditions
Outcome type: Favorable
Significant effects for 12 of 35 endpoints, with moderate certainty for burning mouth syndrome pain (eSMD -0.92), knee osteoarthritis disability, fibromyalgia fatigue, hair density and cognitive function. Most remaining outcomes were low or very low certainty; authors advise against widespread adoption pending higher-quality trials.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Multidiscience: Journal of Multidisciplinary Science|
Google Scholar|
Case study of three women aged 60-74 with essential hypertension and not taking antihypertensive medication, receiving combined music therapy and progressive muscle relaxation. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured before and after the intervention alongside qualitative observation.
Outcome type: Favorable
Mean systolic pressure fell 9.11 mmHg (range 2-14) and diastolic 6.11 mmHg (range 1-7), with participants reporting greater relaxation and cognitive focus and less anxiety and sleep disturbance.
Case Study
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
International Journal of Health and Pharmaceutical (IJHP)|
Google Scholar|
Qualitative case study of a 55-year-old man with plantar fasciitis (TCM Cold-Bi syndrome) given six acupuncture sessions with moxibustion at a clinic in Ubud, Bali
Outcome type: Favorable
Progressive improvement across sessions with reduced plantar pain, improved functional mobility, and resolution of calf stiffness and sleep disturbance. The patient reported complete pain relief and normal walking by the fifth session, maintained with no recurrence.
Case Study
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Journal of Neurology and Neurological Research|
Google Scholar|
AI-assisted narrative review of Tai Chi and Qigong effects on BDNF, neurogenesis and cognitive health in older adults. The author states the synthesis was prompted by an inquiry to the AI assistant Grok 4, drawing on RCTs, meta-analyses and reviews.
Outcome type: Favorable
Review reports Tai Chi and Qigong raise plasma BDNF and improve memory, executive control and depressive symptoms, with BDNF used as an indirect proxy because human neurogenesis cannot be measured directly.
Other
Age > 65
Dementia
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Osteoporosis International|
Google Scholar|
10.1007/s00198-026-07910-0
Systematic review / meta-analysis of 19 RCTs on Tai Chi for bone mineral density in middle-aged and elderly adults with osteoporosis or osteopenia.
Outcome type: Favorable
Tai Chi significantly improved bone mineral density, notably at the lumbar spine and hip, in middle-aged and elderly adults with osteoporosis or osteopenia.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Manual Therapy, Posturology & Rehabilitation Journal|
Google Scholar|
10.17784/mtprehabjournal.2026.24.1443
Systematic review of RCTs on adapted Tai Chi Chuan for fall prevention in community-dwelling elderly (>=60 years).
Outcome type: Favorable
Review concludes adapted Tai Chi Chuan is effective for preventing falls in the elderly by improving balance and reducing fall risk.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Geriatric Nursing|
Google Scholar|
10.1016/j.gerinurse.2025.103597
12-week controlled trial (71 Japanese community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain): combined Tai Chi + resistance exercise vs control; sleep quality and pain outcomes.
Outcome type: Favorable
Combined Tai Chi and resistance exercise significantly improved sleep quality and reduced pain intensity and prevalence of sleep difficulty vs control; time-by-group interactions remained significant after adjustment.
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Insights - Journal of Health and Rehabilitation|
Google Scholar|
RCT in 36 stroke patients in Sialkot, Pakistan: 8 weeks of modified Tai Chi plus conventional physiotherapy vs Frenkel's exercises plus conventional therapy
Outcome type: Favorable
Both groups improved significantly on all measures (p<0.05), with the Tai Chi group superior: Barthel Index 58.13 to 85.63 versus 56.88 to 69.38; Berg Balance 35.81 to 45.38 versus 35.50 to 41.94; STRATIFY fall risk 2.62 to 0.94 versus 2.56 to 1.68; between-group differences significant (p<0.05).
Age ≤ 65
Neurologic Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
European Journal of Integrative Medicine|
Google Scholar|
Umbrella review of 17 systematic reviews and meta-analyses covering 93 RCTs of traditional Chinese exercise (Tai Chi, Baduanjin, Liuzijue, Yijinjing) in stroke patients
Outcome type: Favorable
Significant pooled benefits for balance (Tai Chi SMD 1.66; Baduanjin SMD 1.70), activities of daily living (SMD 1.22), depression (SMD -0.33) and anxiety (SMD -0.59), but no significant effect on walking ability or sleep quality. GRADE certainty was very low for every outcome.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Neurologic Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Master's thesis, Faculty of Health Sciences (Poland)|
Google Scholar|
Randomized study of 44 patients with knee osteoarthritis in Chrzanow, Poland: 3 weeks of rehabilitation incorporating Tai Chi vs control
Outcome type: Favorable
Both groups improved, with significantly greater gains in the Tai Chi group on WOMAC functional status and Berg Balance Scale, plus significant improvements in Timed Up and Go and knee flexion range.
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Behavioural Brain Research|
Google Scholar|
10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115274
12-week RCT (61 Parkinson's patients; aerobic exercise vs Tai Chi vs control) assessing antioxidant activity and cognitive function.
Outcome type: Neutral
No significant between-group changes in antioxidant markers; both aerobic and Tai Chi exercise may help preserve cognitive function in Parkinson's disease, with aerobic exercise showing greater benefit than Tai Chi.
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Neurologic Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Physiotherapy Research International|
Google Scholar|
41804917|
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 32 RCTs (n=2,434) on traditional Chinese exercise in COPD pulmonary rehabilitation, searching ten databases to December 2024, appraised with Cochrane RoB 2.0 and prospectively registered (PROSPERO CRD420251007286).
Outcome type: Favorable
Significant pooled effects for 6-minute walk distance, health-related quality of life (SGRQ, CAT), anxiety, depression, dyspnea and forced vital capacity, with no improvement in FEV1/FVC ratio. Heterogeneity was considerable for most physical and quality-of-life outcomes; adherence was high.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
World Wide Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development|
Google Scholar|
Narrative review of six studies on trunk training for balance and gait in stroke patients over 18 with more than six months of recovery, covering core stability exercises, sitting Tai Chi, dance therapy, interactive gaming, robotic-assisted therapy, and cycle ergometry.
Outcome type: Favorable
All reviewed interventions improved trunk control, balance and gait: core stability exercises, sitting Tai Chi and dance therapy via telerehabilitation improved postural stability, robotic-assisted therapy and gaming enhanced motor function, and cycle ergometry promoted balance in acute stroke.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Neurologic Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies|
Google Scholar|
10.1016/j.jbmt.2026.03.019
Meta-analysis of 23 RCTs (1,734 participants) of qigong, yoga and tai chi for fibromyalgia symptoms other than pain
Outcome type: Favorable
Mindful exercises outperformed active and inactive controls across measures including fatigue (SMD 0.63, 95% CI 0.08-1.17, p=0.04), anxiety and depression, but not sleep quality or overall quality of life. Most included RCTs had a high risk of bias and GRADE certainty was very low.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Physiotherapy Research International|
Google Scholar|
40503726|
10.1002/pri.70075
12-week RCT (69 knee-osteoarthritis participants) comparing Tai Chi vs balance and postural-control training; stair-negotiation spatiotemporal gait parameters and dual-task costs.
Outcome type: Favorable
Both Tai Chi and balance/postural-control training reduced pain and improved spatiotemporal gait during stair negotiation; Tai Chi showed greater improvement in stair-descent double-stance time, though dual-task-cost gains were limited.
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
European Journal of Integrative Medicine|
Google Scholar|
10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102540
Systematic review/Bayesian network meta-analysis of RCTs comparing traditional Chinese exercises for sleep disturbances in older people.
Outcome type: Favorable
Across 17 RCTs (1,730 participants), traditional Chinese exercises significantly improved sleep disturbance in older people (SMD -0.48); Qigong-Baduanjin ranked most effective.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Frontiers in Physiology|
Google Scholar|
10.3389/fphys.2025.1681591
RCT (60 community-dwelling older adults, 60-75) of a 16-week Yang-style Tai Chi program vs habitual activity; sit-to-stand performance and lower-limb neuromuscular control (COP, EMG).
Outcome type: Favorable
16-week Tai Chi significantly improved sit-to-stand performance (reduced Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand and reaction times) with greater lower-limb neuromuscular efficiency vs control.
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience|
Google Scholar|
10.3389/fnagi.2025.1553868
Umbrella review of 55 meta-analyses of RCTs on exercise interventions for cognitive function across dementia, MCI, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and post-stroke cognitive impairment. Searched Web of Science, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane, graded with GRADE, registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024587635).
Outcome type: Favorable
High-quality evidence supported Tai Chi (SMD 0.36) and Chinese mind-body exercises (SMD 0.32) for MMSE/MoCA scores in mild cognitive impairment, and moderate-quality evidence supported Tai Chi (SMD 0.27) in dementia. All findings were Class IV evidence due to small sample sizes.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Dementia
Neurologic Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Prosiding Seminar Nasional Penelitian dan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat LPPM Universitas 'Aisyiyah Yogyakarta|
Google Scholar|
Narrative review of 30 international articles (2018-2024) on Tai Chi for improving balance and reducing fall risk in older adults, identified using PICO-structured searches of PubMed, Scopus and Springer Link.
Outcome type: Favorable
Review concludes Tai Chi is effective for improving balance and reducing fall risk in older adults across the 30 articles reviewed.
Other
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health|
Google Scholar|
10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102110
Quasi-experimental pre-post controlled study (56 older adults with cataracts, rural Indonesia) of Tai Chi balance exercise (3x/week, 1 month); fall-risk outcomes.
Outcome type: Favorable
Fall risk significantly decreased in the Tai Chi group after the 1-month intervention, with no significant change in the control group.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Behavioral Sleep Medicine|
Google Scholar|
10.1080/15402002.2025.2475911
Meta-analysis of 11 RCTs (1,052 participants) on meditation-based mind-body interventions (mindfulness, Tai Chi, yoga, Qigong) for older adults with poor sleep quality.
Outcome type: Favorable
Meditation-based mind-body interventions significantly improved sleep quality (SMD -0.66), depression, and anxiety in older adults with poor sleep; no significant effect on stress.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience|
Google Scholar|
40904344|
Systematic review/meta-analysis of 14 RCTs (833 Parkinson's patients) on traditional Chinese exercises (Tai Chi, Qigong) for motor symptoms and mobility.
Outcome type: Favorable
Traditional Chinese exercises improved motor symptoms (UPDRS-III MD -4.38), functional mobility (TUG), and balance (BBS); Qigong optimal for motor symptoms, Tai Chi for walking/balance.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Neurologic Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Cuestiones de Fisioterapia|
Google Scholar|
Systematic review of mind-body therapies for menopausal symptoms, covering yoga and meditation programs, tai chi, muscle relaxation, breath-based techniques, relaxation response training and low-frequency sound-wave therapy
Outcome type: Favorable
Eight of nine studies of yoga, tai chi and meditation-based programs reported improvement in overall menopausal and vasomotor symptoms; six of seven yoga trials improved mood and sleep; four studies reported reduced musculoskeletal pain.
Systematic Review
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2019|
Cancer|
Google Scholar|
10.1002/cncr.31979
Review of 29 randomized controlled trials of yoga across the cancer continuum (13 during treatment, 12 post-treatment, 4 mixed samples), covering quality of life, fatigue, stress, sleep, cognition, and biological markers.
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga improved overall quality of life during and after cancer treatment, most consistently for fatigue, and also reduced stress/distress and improved post-treatment sleep, cognition, and stress and inflammation biomarkers. Findings were limited or mixed for anxiety, depression, pain, and lymphedema; most trials enrolled breast cancer patients.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Cancer
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
European Psychiatry|
Google Scholar|
10.1192/j.eurpsy.2025.343
PRISMA systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 RCTs (862 participants; yoga n=393) comparing yoga with treatment-as-usual, other physical activity, or waitlist in schizophrenia, assessing PANSS symptom severity and social functioning.
Outcome type: Favorable
Overall symptom severity fell relative to control (PANSS MD -6.61, p=0.05, I2=82%). Positive symptoms improved versus waitlist (SMD -0.87) and treatment-as-usual (SMD -0.65) but not versus physical activity, with no effect on negative symptoms or social functioning.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders|
Google Scholar|
10.1186/s12872-025-04745-1
Network meta-analysis of RCTs comparing mind-body exercise types on cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Outcome type: Favorable
Mind-body exercises produced unique and superior effects on cardiometabolic risk factors (glucose metabolism, body composition, cardiovascular measures, lipids) versus conventional exercise in type 2 diabetes.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Diabetes
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Jurnal Kebidanan Malahayati|
Google Scholar|
Quasi-experimental pre-post study of prenatal yoga in 20 third-trimester pregnant women attending antenatal care at Tekarang Public Health Center, Sambas, Indonesia (10 intervention, 10 control; purposive sampling), with mental health measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
Outcome type: Favorable
A significant pre-post difference in HADS scores was reported (p = 0.000).
Other
Age ≤ 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
International Journal on Science and Technology|
Google Scholar|
Narrative review of the literature on yoga for knee osteoarthritis, focusing on pain relief, joint function, muscle strength, and psychological well-being.
Outcome type: Favorable
Review concludes yoga can be an effective adjunct to standard care for knee osteoarthritis, with physical and psychosocial benefits and minimal adverse effects, while noting variability in study designs and yoga protocols and calling for rigorous RCTs.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Advances in Mind-Body Medicine|
Google Scholar|
40489372|
Retrospective cohort of 281 hypertensive inpatients who completed a standardized 15-day integrated yoga and naturopathy program, comparing those on antihypertensive medication (n=156) with those without (n=125)
Outcome type: Favorable
Both groups significantly reduced SBP, DBP, heart rate, pulse pressure, and MAP (p<0.05), with a greater fall in the non-medicated group (SBP 142.1 to 129.8) than the medicated group (SBP 126.2 to 118.7), intergroup p<0.01.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Acta Medica International|
Google Scholar|
Single-arm prospective cohort of 100 adults aged 20-50 with prediabetes receiving structured yoga (90-minute sessions, three times weekly) for six months
Outcome type: Favorable
Mean fasting blood glucose fell from 117.1 to 86.4 mg/dL and BMI from 26.3 to 22.7 kg/m2 (both p<0.001), with 78% of participants reaching normoglycemia and 89% a normal BMI. Efficacy was comparable between males and females.
Age ≤ 65
Diabetes
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Fizjoterapia Polska|
Google Scholar|
RCT in 90 adults with type 2 diabetes randomized to a 12-week yoga program (60-minute sessions, three times weekly; n=45) or usual care (n=45), with short-term heart rate variability assessed in time and frequency domains at baseline and post-intervention.
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga group improved on time-domain HRV (mean RR, mean HR, SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50; p<0.05) and frequency-domain measures (HF power up, p=0.03; LF power down, p=0.02; LF/HF ratio down, p=0.04), indicating greater parasympathetic activity, while controls declined on SDNN and pNN50.
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Diabetes
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Complementary Medicine Research|
Google Scholar|
39701056|
10.1159/000543024
Two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial in 262 hypertensive patients: 10 days of yoga and naturopathy treatments (n=131) versus no intervention (n=131), with lipid profile measured at baseline, day 10, and 9-month follow-up.
Outcome type: Favorable
Study group showed significant changes versus control in total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, VLDL, Apo-A, Apo-B and Lp-A (p<0.001) at 10 days, with Apo-A, Apo-B and Lp-A still differing at 9 months.
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Swasthavritta: Journal on Diet, Hygiene, Yoga & Naturopathy|
Google Scholar|
Case report: 51-year-old woman with Hashimoto's thyroiditis completed a seven-day inpatient integrative program (yoga neck exercises, hydrotherapy, anti-inflammatory diet), continued at home for three months
Outcome type: Favorable
Reported substantial reduction in neck swelling, resolution of dysphagia and improved voice quality, with thyroid hormone levels remaining stable and modest decreases in anti-TPO and anti-TG titres. No adverse effects were observed and the patient was able to defer surgery.
Case Study
Age ≤ 65
Autoimmune Disease
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research|
Google Scholar|
Narrative review of diets, dietary bioactive compounds and alternative therapies (yoga, meditation, time-restricted eating) for gut microbiota and hormonal health in PCOS, endometriosis and menopause
Outcome type: Favorable
Review reports that fibre- and antioxidant-rich diets such as the Mediterranean diet promote beneficial bacteria and hormonal balance, and that yoga, meditation and time-restricted eating show promise in restoring microbial diversity and improving clinical outcomes in gut-mediated disorders.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Jurnal Kedokteran Diponegoro (Diponegoro Medical Journal)|
Google Scholar|
Randomized pre-post controlled trial in 50 first-trimester pregnant women at Polindes Mancon, Nganjuk, Indonesia: Kundalini Yoga versus standard prenatal care over four weeks, with anxiety and nausea and vomiting in pregnancy measured by validated questionnaires.
Outcome type: Favorable
Treatment group showed significant reductions versus control in anxiety (p=0.039) and nausea and vomiting (p=0.000); within-group anxiety fell in the treatment arm (p=0.002) but not the control arm (p=0.102). Nausea and vomiting improved in both arms (treatment p=0.000, control p=0.013).
Age ≤ 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Osteoarthritis and Cartilage|
Google Scholar|
10.1016/j.joca.2025.05.013
Updated systematic review / dose-response meta-analysis of RCTs on Tai Chi for pain and other health indicators in adults with osteoarthritis (28 studies, 1,676 participants).
Outcome type: Favorable
Tai Chi significantly improved pain (Cohen's d -0.64), mobility, self-reported physical function, and stiffness vs non-exercise comparators; effects were similar to other forms of exercise.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
The effect of Tai Chi on plasma homocysteine in 1176 adults: a propensity score matching-based study
2025|
BMC Cardiovasc Disord|
Google Scholar|
39875831|
10.1186/s12872-025-04519-9
Propensity-score-matched cross-sectional study comparing plasma homocysteine and hyperhomocysteinemia risk between long-term Tai Chi practitioners (n=397) and non-exercising controls (n=779).
Outcome type: Favorable
Long-term Tai Chi practice was associated with significantly lower plasma homocysteine levels (p=0.008), a cardiovascular risk marker; causality cannot be established (cross-sectional).
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
J Aging Phys Act|
Google Scholar|
39753119|
10.1123/japa.2024-0017
Analysis within the TACIT RCT (41 community-dwelling people with dementia): adherence to a 20-week Tai Chi exercise program (added to usual care) and its effect on quality of life.
Outcome type: Favorable
Adherence to Tai Chi was high; quality of life was significantly higher in highly adherent participants. Participants' and carers' health conditions were the main barriers to adherence.
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Dementia
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Innovation in Aging|
Google Scholar|
10.1093/geroni/igaf122.1831
Conference presentation synthesizing evidence on Tai Chi's effects on cognition, gait, balance, and fall prevention in older adults, including dual-task cognitive-motor outcomes.
Outcome type: Favorable
Presentation highlights that Tai Chi, as a mind-body exercise, improves balance, gait, fall prevention, and cognitive-motor function in older adults (conference abstract summarizing RCT and cross-sectional evidence).
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences|
Google Scholar|
10.30574/wjbphs.2025.23.1.0653
Review of Tai Chi Chuan as rehabilitation for non-small cell lung cancer survivors, examining biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and immune function alongside health-related quality of life.
Outcome type: Favorable
Review reports Tai Chi Chuan reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha) and raises antioxidant enzyme activity, while improving physical functioning, cancer-related fatigue, psychological well-being, and social connection among survivors. The authors call for rigorous RCTs.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Cancer
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition|
Google Scholar|
10.1080/15502783.2025.2581148
Three-arm RCT in 142 postmenopausal women aged 50-60: time-restricted eating plus 24-form Tai Chi vs time-restricted eating alone vs conventional lifestyle control over 8 weeks
Outcome type: Favorable
Significant group-by-time interactions for total cholesterol (p=0.001) and LDL-C (p=0.003), with the combined group showing the largest reductions versus time-restricted eating alone and versus control. Flow-mediated dilation also improved, but only the combined group exceeded control (p=0.003).
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
National Journal of Medical Research and Yoga Sciences|
Google Scholar|
Single-author narrative review of the physiological and psychological benefits of yoga (postures, breathing, meditation) and its role in managing lifestyle disorders.
Outcome type: Favorable
Review asserts that regular yoga practice improves cardiovascular function, reduces stress, enhances mental clarity, and aids disease prevention, while noting that standardized research is still needed to establish clinical efficacy.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
South Eastern European Journal of Public Health|
Google Scholar|
Four-week yoga therapy intervention in patients with migraine. Primary outcomes were headache frequency (diary), migraine severity (0-10 numerical rating scale), and pain via the McGill Pain Questionnaire; secondary outcomes were HADS anxiety and depression and symptomatic medication use.
Outcome type: Favorable
Significant improvements reported on all outcomes after four weeks: headache intensity, headache frequency, McGill pain rating index, HADS anxiety and depression scores, and symptomatic medication use (all P < .001).
Other
Age ≤ 65
Neurologic Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research|
Google Scholar|
Narrative review of yoga intervention in high-risk pregnancy, searching PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase through February 2023; 138 articles retrieved and 17 included.
Outcome type: Favorable
Review concludes yoga reduces pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and preterm birth, and improves quality of life, mental and physical health, APGAR scores, and fetal birth weight.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Frontiers in Medicine|
Google Scholar|
10.3389/fmed.2026.1795593
Open-label parallel-group RCT in 49 adults aged 20-40 with mild-to-moderate dry eye: online Jyothi Trataka practice 25 minutes, 3 days/week for 12 weeks (24 completers) versus no intervention (22 completers), assessed by OSDI, tear breakup time, Schirmer's score, and tear meniscus height.
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga group improved significantly versus control on OSDI symptom score (p < 0.01) and tear breakup time (p < 0.01), with no significant change in Schirmer's score or tear meniscus height.
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative|
Google Scholar|
10.1016/j.bbii.2024.100101
Retrospective chart review of 407 inpatients with type 2 diabetes who completed a residential integrated yoga and naturopathy program (2019-2022)
Outcome type: Favorable
Significant pre-post reductions in fasting and post-prandial blood glucose, weight, BMI, waist and hip measures, perceived stress, blood pressure, pulse rate, and derived cardiac indices. An erratum was later issued regarding missing data statements.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Diabetes
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Yoga and Meditation (book chapter, Apple Academic Press)|
Google Scholar|
10.1201/9781003568308-13
Single-arm pre-post study reported as a book chapter: 35 participants with type 2 diabetes (mean age 50.3) followed a stepped-care yoga protocol for 40 days, with fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, BMI, well-being, and self-reported sleep quality measured before and after.
Outcome type: Favorable
Reported reductions in BMI, fasting plasma glucose, and total cholesterol, with less depression and anxiety, greater well-being and energy, and improved sleep initiation and fewer sleep disturbances; the author states psychological effects were more pronounced than clinical ones.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Diabetes
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Manipal Journal of Medical Sciences|
Google Scholar|
Systematic review of yoga for chronic low back pain in veterans: PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane searched, 68 articles identified and 6 included covering 608 patients, appraised with PRISMA and the JBI tool and synthesized qualitatively.
Outcome type: Favorable
Pain improvement was statistically significant across all six included studies, with similar results for disability and psychological indexes. Synthesis was qualitative with no pooled estimate; authors call for more RCT evidence.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
International Journal of Medical Science and Dental Health|
Google Scholar|
Case report: 37-year-old woman with 17-year recurrent chronic fungal UTI treated with Yoga Prana Vidya energy healing, breathing exercises, psychotherapy and a salt-free fruit-based diet
Outcome type: Favorable
Patient reported significant symptom relief within two days and complete resolution within one month; a urine test at two months showed no yeast cells and no recurrence over two months of follow-up.
Case Study
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Journal of PACS|
Google Scholar|
RCT in 100 patients with mild-to-moderate bronchial asthma at a tertiary care hospital: 8 weeks of supervised yoga plus standard medical therapy (n=50) versus standard therapy alone (n=50), with spirometry, 6-minute walk distance, and Asthma Control Test measured at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks.
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga group improved more than control on FEV1 (+3.5% vs +1.1%), PEFR (+30.7 vs +12 L/min), FEF25-75 (+47.1% vs +16.2%), Asthma Control Test (+3 vs +1 points), and 6-minute walk distance (+30 m vs +11 m).
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Circulation|
Google Scholar|
10.1161/circ.152.suppl_3.4373688
Retrospective propensity-matched cohort in the TriNetX network: 1,269,231 hypertensive adults with yoga-related encounters vs an equal number with none; incident acute coronary syndrome within 3 years
Outcome type: Favorable
ACS occurred in 0.6% of the yoga group vs 2.0% of controls (HR 0.41), with lower stroke/TIA (HR 0.54) and cardiac arrest (HR 0.88), all p<0.0001. All-cause mortality was higher in the yoga group (12.0% vs 6.9%, HR 2.29), which authors attribute to residual confounding or reverse causation.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Journal of Carcinogenesis|
Google Scholar|
Single-arm pre-post study in 50 healthy men aged 18-35 recruited from one gym in Uttar Pradesh, India: progressive five-week yoga program (six days/week, 33-85 minutes), with anthropometry and body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis, analyzed by paired t-tests.
Outcome type: Favorable
Significant reductions in body weight (63.48 to 57.06 kg), BMI (23.32 to 20.96), body fat (18.45% to 15.62%), and all regional fat indices (all p<0.0001). Lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, and basal metabolic rate (1526 to 1462 kcal/day) also fell significantly.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Frontiers in Medicine|
Google Scholar|
10.3389/fmed.2026.1792208
Systematic review/meta-analysis of RCTs comparing yoga vs active exercise interventions on pain, disability, and emotional well-being in adults with chronic low back pain.
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga improved pain, physical function/disability, and emotional well-being in chronic low back pain, with effects comparable to other active exercise-based programs.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
International Journal of Yoga, Sports, and Health Sciences|
Google Scholar|
Case series of five patients aged 35-54 with musculoskeletal conditions treated over 7-21 days with Varma Chikitsa vital-point stimulation, Panchakarma, Ayurvedic medication and yoga therapy
Outcome type: Favorable
All five patients reported marked improvement, with pain reduction ranging from moderate to about 90%, restored shoulder range of motion, resolution of carpal tunnel symptoms, 7 kg weight loss in one obese patient, and remission of recurrent sinusitis; no adverse events.
Case Study
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Jurnal Keperawatan Muhammadiyah|
Google Scholar|
Case study of two older adults with moderate depression at a nursing home in Surabaya, Indonesia: four-day yoga program with daily 30-40 minute sessions, assessed by Geriatric Depression Scale before and after.
Outcome type: Favorable
Both participants moved from moderate depression to a non-depressed GDS score after four days. The authors attribute the improvement to enhanced physical and psychological functioning and potential reductions in cortisol.
Case Study
Age > 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal|
Google Scholar|
39896828|
RCT in 100 rheumatoid arthritis patients aged 18-60: 12 weeks of structured yoga therapy alongside usual DMARD treatment (n=50) versus control (n=50), with inflammatory markers, DAS-28 disease activity, VAS pain, and SF-36 quality of life assessed.
Outcome type: Favorable
Versus control, the yoga group significantly reduced IL-6 (P<.001), CRP (P<.01), rheumatoid factor (P=.02) and ESR (P=.05), and improved DAS-28 (P<.001), patient global assessment (P<.001), VAS pain (P<.01) and SF-36 quality of life (P=.05).
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Autoimmune Disease
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Advances in Mind-Body Medicine|
Google Scholar|
41217898|
Systematic review of yoga-based interventions for glaucoma, refractive errors, dry eye disease, and visual strain: MEDLINE/PubMed searched January 2000 to April 2025, 14 experimental studies included, risk of bias assessed with Cochrane RoB 2 and ROBINS-I, PRISMA followed.
Outcome type: Favorable
Strong evidence supports meditation and pranayama as adjuncts for reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma, but evidence for myopia and dry eye disease was limited and inconclusive. Included studies commonly had small samples, short intervention durations, and subjective outcome measures.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Practical Oncology (Отечественная Школа Онкологов)|
Google Scholar|
10.31917/2603265
Narrative review of yoga therapy as a modality of integrative oncology and onco-gerontology, summarising research across active treatment, terminal stage, remission, and recovery, and describing the Holistic Approach to Yoga Therapy model for cancer and onco-geriatric patients.
Outcome type: Favorable
Author reports a growing evidence base supporting yoga therapy in oncology for improving quality of life and reducing side effects of conventional treatment, while noting that the underlying biochemical pathways remain unclear and research is still limited.
Other
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Cancer
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
International Journal of Medical and Health Research|
Google Scholar|
A 33-year-old woman with ulcerative colitis localized to the rectum received Yoga Prana Vidya energy-healing sessions from two healers over three months (with gaps), including energy cleansing and energising, pranic breathing, forgiveness-based psychological healing, and dietary regulation.
Outcome type: Favorable
Reported resolution of abdominal discomfort and rectal bleeding, normalized bowel movements, and improved energy, with no surgery required and no adverse effects.
Case Study
Age ≤ 65
Autoimmune Disease
Linking Intervention and Impact
2024|
Journal of Advances in Developmental Research|
Google Scholar|
Single-author narrative review of mechanisms by which yoga affects musculoskeletal health - flexibility, strength, pain reduction, posture correction, and injury prevention - drawing on scientific evidence, clinical studies, and traditional yogic theory.
Outcome type: Favorable
Review asserts yoga has a beneficial effect on musculoskeletal health and argues for integrating yoga into rehabilitation and preventive care for musculoskeletal disorders.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Indian Journal of Integrative Medicine|
Google Scholar|
A middle-aged obese man presenting with weight gain, raised blood pressure, and altered serum lipid profile received combined yoga and naturopathy treatment including massage therapy, fasting, diet therapy, and yoga therapy. Treatment duration is not stated.
Outcome type: Favorable
Weight fell from 110 to 102.5 kg and BMI from 39 to 36.3; blood pressure fell from 160/120 to 118/84 and was maintained without medication; LDL fell from 138 to 116 mg/dl and total cholesterol from 203 to 186 mg/dl, with improvement in breathing difficulty, body heaviness, and walking.
Case Study
Age ≤ 65
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Current Diabetes Reviews|
Google Scholar|
40993952|
10.2174/0115733998383494250827215758
Systematic review/meta-analysis of RCTs on yoga (asanas, pranayama, meditation) as an adjunct to standard care for glycemic control, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and quality of life in type 2 diabetes.
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga as adjunct to standard care improved glycemic control and insulin resistance, reduced oxidative stress, and enhanced psychological well-being in adults with or at risk of type 2 diabetes.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Diabetes
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Advances in Mind-Body Medicine|
Google Scholar|
41118624|
Two-arm assessor-blinded RCT (160 adults with type 2 diabetes, mean age ~53): year-long yoga-based lifestyle vs physical exercise + health education; glycemic control, weight, psychological health, imaging biomarkers.
Outcome type: Favorable
Authors conclude that the yoga-based lifestyle intervention showed superior efficacy over the standard physical exercise and health education program, with improvements in glycemic control, psychological health, and novel imaging biomarkers, and that further mechanistic studies are warranted.
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Diabetes
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Sanatanodaya|
Google Scholar|
Narrative review of yoga (breathing, meditation, asanas) as a complementary approach to irritable bowel syndrome, GERD, inflammatory bowel disease and functional dyspepsia
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga practices reduced symptom severity, improved quality of life and enhanced digestive function, with proposed mechanisms including stress reduction, autonomic regulation and gut-brain axis modulation.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)|
Google Scholar|
A supervised 25-day yoga therapy program (1 hour/day) in a 35-year-old female with a small, reducible paraumbilical hernia; assessed on hernia defect size, abdominal circumference, and body weight.
Outcome type: Favorable
Over 25 days, hernia defect size fell from 10 mm to 5 mm, abdominal circumference from 108 cm to 97 cm, and weight from 63 kg to 58 kg. The author notes controlled trials are needed to substantiate the outcomes.
Case Study
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
University of Exeter (doctoral thesis)|
Google Scholar|
Doctoral thesis: systematic review of five studies of yoga for military sexual trauma-related PTSD, plus phenomenological analysis of interviews with three women
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga may reduce PTSD symptoms in women veterans with military sexual trauma-related PTSD, with clinically significant symptom improvement and high treatment retention across studies of variable quality. Evidence on other wellbeing outcomes was limited.
Systematic Review
Age ≤ 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Complementary Therapies in Medicine|
Google Scholar|
10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103278
4-arm placebo-controlled RCT (164 adults with knee OA): Reiki vs sham Reiki vs mindfulness meditation vs waitlist; four weekly 30-min sessions; WOMAC symptom severity.
Outcome type: Favorable
Both Reiki (p=.02) and mindfulness significantly improved knee-OA symptom severity (WOMAC) at 1- and 2-month follow-up compared with control.
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Sanatanodaya|
Google Scholar|
Narrative review of yoga's neurobiological and anti-aging mechanisms, focused on telomere length and cellular aging.
Outcome type: Favorable
Review concludes yoga and meditation may preserve telomere length and telomerase activity by reducing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, supporting anti-aging effects at the cellular level.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Integrative Medicine Research|
Google Scholar|
10.1016/j.imr.2026.101306
Retrospective nationwide matched cohort in Taiwan (2000-2021) of 4,578 adults with newly diagnosed schizophrenia, comparing Chinese herbal medicine users with propensity-matched non-users
Outcome type: Favorable
Adjunctive TCM use was associated with significantly lower risk of schizophrenia-related rehospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio 0.601; 95% CI 0.482-0.863; p < 0.001), plus shorter average length of stay and fewer cumulative psychiatric admissions over 5 years.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Phytomedicine|
Google Scholar|
10.1016/j.phymed.2025.157231
Retrospective new-user cohort of 40,653 patients with hyperuricemia (China, 2015-2024): 35,511 Chinese herbal medicine users vs 5,142 benzbromarone users, propensity-matched
Outcome type: Favorable
Gouty arthritis incidence was 34.43 vs 58.00 per 1,000 person-years among Chinese herbal medicine versus benzbromarone users, a 43% relative risk reduction (HR 0.57), with comparable drug-induced liver injury risk (HR 1.18).
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Journal of Crohn's and Colitis|
Google Scholar|
RCT in 100 patients with ulcerative colitis in remission: IBD-specific yoga therapy (45 minutes/day, 5 days/week) vs brisk walking, both alongside standard treatment, for 6 months
Outcome type: Favorable
At 6 months the yoga group had lower perceived stress (p=0.03) and anxiety (p=0.01) and higher physical (p=0.014) and psychological well-being (p=0.001) than the walking group; social domain scores were similar. One patient in each arm relapsed.
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Autoimmune Disease
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Advances in Redox Research|
Google Scholar|
10.1016/j.arres.2025.100143
Meta-analysis of 12 RCTs (846 participants) of ozone therapy versus control on oxidative stress markers in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases.
Outcome type: Neutral
No significant difference in oxidative stress parameters overall versus controls. Subgroup analyses found increased SOD activity in type 2 diabetes (WMD 7.59) and arthritis (WMD 9.21) and reduced AOPP at doses >=20 ug/ml (WMD -5.15), but heterogeneity was very high (I2 67-98%).
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Diabetes
Autoimmune Disease
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Evidence-Based Practice|
Google Scholar|
10.1097/EBP.0000000000002405
Evidence summary (clinical inquiry) on whether yoga therapy produces patient-oriented improvements in polycystic ovary syndrome, drawing on a meta-analysis and RCTs with small sample sizes.
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga therapy may improve menstrual cycle irregularity, hirsutism, and anthropometric parameters of PCOS, but did not improve quality of life. Underlying evidence is a meta-analysis and RCTs with small sample sizes.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
The International Journal of Biotechnology and Biomedicine|
Google Scholar|
10.31674/ijbb.2025.v02i03.001
Comparison of homeopathy alone versus combined homeopathy plus integrated yoga therapy for menstrual regularity and hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS (about 31 participants per group). Study design and allocation method are not stated.
Outcome type: Neutral
Regular menstruation was achieved in 64.52% of the homeopathy-plus-yoga group versus 61.29% of the homeopathy-only group, with no statistically significant difference (chi-square = 0.793); no adverse effects were reported.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Advances in Mind-Body Medicine|
Google Scholar|
12-week RCT in 86 adults aged 18-50 chronically exposed to air pollution in Delhi-NCR: structured Hatha yoga (60-minute sessions of asanas, pranayama, and meditation, 5 days/week) versus control, assessed by spirometry, PSS, DASS-21, and SGRQ.
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga group improved on pulmonary function (FVC +0.83 L, FEV1 +0.93 L, PEFR +2.06 L/sec), psychological measures (DASS-21, PSS), and quality of life (SGRQ), while controls deteriorated on all outcomes.
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Indian Journal of Integrative Medicine|
Google Scholar|
A 42-year-old woman with primary hypothyroidism participated in a structured yoga intervention for 3 months alongside continued conventional medical management; assessed on thyroid function tests and symptom profile.
Outcome type: Favorable
TSH fell and T3 and T4 rose after the intervention, with self-reported improvements in energy, sleep quality, and menstrual regularity and no adverse events.
Case Study
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Proceeding Cendekia International Conference Health and Technology|
Google Scholar|
Pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest study (no control) in 56 women using the 3-month DMPA injectable contraceptive: yoga three times a week for four weeks, with body weight measured before and after and analyzed by paired t-test.
Outcome type: Favorable
Body weight fell significantly after the four-week yoga intervention (p < 0.001).
Other
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Retos: Nuevas Tendencias en Educacion Fisica, Deporte y Recreacion|
Google Scholar|
RCT in 55 men aged 55-65 with chronic low back pain: 3-month combined Iyengar yoga and Yoga Nidra program (n=28) versus standard care (n=27), with blinded assessment of inflammatory markers (primary) plus sleep, disability, depression, and pain catastrophizing.
Outcome type: Favorable
Intervention group showed significantly greater reductions in hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-alpha and greater improvements in sleep quality, functional disability, depressive symptoms, and pain catastrophizing, all at p < 0.001, with no serious adverse events.
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
iScience|
Google Scholar|
Meta-analysis of 22 RCTs (1,720 participants aged 18-65, Asian populations) comparing yoga intervention durations of under 12 weeks versus 12 weeks or more for type 2 diabetes outcomes.
Outcome type: Favorable
Interventions of 12 weeks or more significantly reduced HbA1c (SMD -0.70, p=0.0001), total cholesterol, and LDL and raised HDL; shorter interventions were significant only for weight. Heterogeneity was high throughout (I2 79-93%).
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Diabetes
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
APHA Annual Meeting (conference abstract)|
Google Scholar|
Systematic review of evidence on yoga for blood-pressure management in adults with prehypertension/hypertension (conference abstract).
Outcome type: Favorable
Review concludes yoga is associated with reduced blood pressure and may be a useful complementary intervention for hypertension (consistent with meta-analyses showing modest SBP/DBP reductions).
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
International Journal of Medical Science and Health Research|
Google Scholar|
Case report: 39-year-old man with seven-year scalp psoriasis treated with Yoga Prana Vidya energy-healing protocols, yogic breathing and meditation over three months
Outcome type: Favorable
Patient reported 70-80% symptom improvement at two months and 95% resolution by month three, with improved confidence, energy, and stress, sustained at three-month follow-up.
Case Study
Age ≤ 65
Autoimmune Disease
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Int J Educ Psychol Sci|
Google Scholar|
10.59890/ijeps.v4i1.308
One-group pre-post study of the Spiritual Emotional Freedom Technique in 15 pre-caesarean mothers in Ambon, Indonesia
Outcome type: Favorable
Anxiety levels decreased significantly after the SEFT intervention (Wilcoxon p = 0.001). Authors conclude SEFT is effective at reducing preoperative anxiety and can be considered a complementary nursing intervention.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Eur J Transl Myol|
Google Scholar|
10.4081/ejtm.2025.14016
Systematic review (six databases, 1999-2024) of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for ligament and tendon injuries, spanning animal and human studies
Outcome type: Favorable
Review: hyperbaric oxygen therapy improved healing of ligament and tendon injuries across histological, biomechanical, and functional outcomes, whether adjunctive or standalone. Protocols varied widely and larger standardized human trials are needed.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Knowledge - International Journal|
Google Scholar|
Narrative review of the symptom-remedy principle in individualized homeopathy for acute and chronic sleep disorders, drawing on RCTs, pilot studies and case reports
Outcome type: Favorable
Narrative review: individualized symptom-to-remedy homeopathic prescribing was associated with improved sleep quality, reduced concomitant pharmacotherapy, and better tolerability. Author concludes it is a potentially safe alternative for sleep disorders and calls for larger studies.
Other
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Arch Gerontol Geriatr|
Google Scholar|
10.1016/j.archger.2025.106087
Umbrella review of 25 secondary studies on interventions to control fear of falling in adults 60 and over, spanning physical therapy, CBT, combined strategies, multifactorial programs and technology
Outcome type: Favorable
Umbrella review of 25 secondary studies: holistic exercises (Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates) were most effective for mitigating fear of falling in older adults, with multimodal and combined physical-cognitive approaches also beneficial and CBT effective alongside exercise; evidence for exergames was inconclusive.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Ment Health Phys Act|
Google Scholar|
10.1016/j.mhpa.2024.100666
Systematic review of 15 studies (n=2,016) of yoga in acute psychiatric inpatient settings, covering both effectiveness and implementation; narrative synthesis
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga was feasible and acceptable in inpatient psychiatric settings with few adverse events, producing subjective anxiety improvement, and one RCT showed sustained gains in physical health, functioning, and quality of life. Results were mixed for depressive and psychotic symptoms, and limited evidence quality prevents conclusions on effectiveness.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Psychother Psychosom|
Google Scholar|
40288356|
10.1159/000545697
Meta-analysis of 55 RCTs (n=3,608) of yoga vs control on psychological, spiritual and emotional well-being in adults with cancer, with meta-regression
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga largely reduced anxiety (g -0.82) and moderately-to-largely reduced depression (g -0.62), and mildly improved spiritual (g 0.31) and emotional well-being (g 0.23). Heterogeneity was high for the anxiety and depression estimates (I2 85-88%).
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Cancer
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Sports Med Open|
Google Scholar|
10.1186/s40798-025-00943-5
Three-arm RCT in 444 Chinese women with early-stage breast cancer post-treatment: 12-week yoga vs relaxation (active control) vs postoperative exercise DVD (passive control)
Outcome type: Favorable
Versus passive control, the yoga group significantly improved shoulder rotation flexibility (p=0.004) and right back-scratch scores (p=0.013), with no difference in left-hand back scratch or in secondary outcomes (quality of life, fatigue, pain, sleep, anxiety, depression).
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Cancer
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Curr Probl Cardiol|
Google Scholar|
40132783|
10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2025.103036
Review of literature through March 2024 on yoga as a complementary intervention in obesity management and cardiovascular risk reduction
Outcome type: Favorable
Review: yoga consistently reduced BMI, waist circumference, and body fat, with improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, endothelial and autonomic function, stress management, and psychological well-being. Authors conclude yoga is a promising adjunct for obesity management and CVD risk reduction.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Fizjoter Pol|
Google Scholar|
10.56984/8ZG007DJX8D
Single-group pre-post study of a 12-week integrated yoga and music therapy program in 36 middle-aged men with hypertension
Outcome type: Favorable
Combined yoga and music therapy significantly reduced hs-CRP (-1.50 mg/L), IL-6 (-1.56 pg/mL), TNF-alpha (-4.12 pg/mL), and systolic (-11.59 mmHg) and diastolic BP (-5.06 mmHg), all p<0.001, with substantial effect sizes (0.71-0.78).
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol|
Google Scholar|
10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2026.102730
Meta-analysis of 35 studies (23 RCTs, 12 quasi-experimental) of yoga for anxiety, depression and stress during pregnancy and the postpartum period
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga reduced prenatal depression (SMD -0.98), anxiety (SMD -1.15), and stress (SMD -0.88), driven by women without pre-existing symptoms; no significant effect among those with existing symptoms. Certainty of evidence was low to very low.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Ann Behav Med|
Google Scholar|
10.1093/abm/kaaf049
Systematic review of 26 RCTs (n=1,960) of yoga interventions of 8 weeks or more in multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune periodontitis
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga showed positive evidence for fatigue, balance, quality of life, and depression in multiple sclerosis; inflammatory biomarkers and depression in rheumatoid arthritis; physical function and disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis; and clinical attachment loss in periodontitis. No adverse events; effectiveness assessed by vote counting rather than pooled estimates.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Autoimmune Disease
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Indian J Palliat Care|
Google Scholar|
10.25259/IJPC_181_2024
Prospective non-randomised controlled study of yoga in 44 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients (stages II-IV) during neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery
Outcome type: Neutral
Significant within-group reductions in serum TNF-alpha, IL-1-beta, and IL-6 in the yoga group with no change in controls, but between-group differences were not significant. Non-randomised, n=44, biomarker endpoints only.
Peer Reviewed
Cancer
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise|
Google Scholar|
Trial of Hatha yoga with 'YogaCue' on peak power and functional outcomes in older adults (conference abstract).
Outcome type: Favorable
Hatha yoga (with YogaCue) improved peak power and functional outcomes in older adults (per title; conference abstract, limited detail).
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Sport Sciences for Health|
Google Scholar|
10.1007/s11332-025-01641-1
Yoga-based interventions delivered as an adjunct to standard care for adults with atrial fibrillation, reporting arrhythmia symptoms, cardiovascular parameters, quality of life, and psychological health.
Outcome type: Favorable
Two studies showed significant reductions in AF symptom frequency and three in resting heart rate and blood pressure; all reported improved quality of life and two reduced depression and anxiety. No adverse events, high adherence, and moderate risk of bias across studies.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth|
Google Scholar|
10.1186/s12884-025-08279-4
Prenatal yoga classes and practice (moderate aerobic activity with mindfulness-based stress reduction, diaphragmatic breathing, and pelvic-floor conditioning) in addition to general nursing, compared with general nursing alone, in nulliparous women; 14 RCTs pooled with 3,637 women.
Outcome type: Favorable
Meta-analysis: versus general nursing, yoga reduced cesarean section (RR 0.45), premature birth (RR 0.29), and perineal laceration (RR 0.41, all p<0.01) and shortened total labor time (MD -2.10, p<0.0001). Risk of bias was generally low.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2024|
Indian Journal of Integrative Medicine|
Google Scholar|
A 42-year-old female with primary hypothyroidism received a therapeutic diet for 21 days alongside prescribed allopathic medication; assessed pre-post on BMI, thyroid profile, and quality of life (SF-12).
Outcome type: Favorable
Over 21 days, BMI fell from 27 to 23 kg/m2, T3 rose from 34.8 to 117.9 ng/dl, T4 from 1.0 to 13.2 ug/dl, TSH fell from 39.540 to 0.591 uIU/ml, and SF-12 quality of life rose from 72 to 98.
Case Study
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Journal of Crohn's and Colitis|
Google Scholar|
Structured 8-12 week yoga module as an adjunct to standard medical therapy in 15 patients with mild-moderate ulcerative colitis, systematically avoiding poses known to aggravate symptoms
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga reduced stool frequency by a mean of 1.8/day, with improvement in bleeding (10/15 patients), mucus discharge (12/15), and abdominal cramps (11/15). Postures involving abdominal decompression and pelvic floor relaxation helped most, while those requiring abdominal strain worsened symptoms.
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Autoimmune Disease
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Journal of Ayurveda and Naturopathy|
Google Scholar|
Conceptual and narrative review of yoga practices (Asana, Pranayama, Dhyana) as an adjunct in perioperative surgical care, drawing on classical yoga texts, Ayurvedic literature, and modern studies to address preoperative preparation, postoperative recovery, and rehabilitation.
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga practices reduced preoperative anxiety and improved respiratory efficiency and autonomic balance. Postoperatively, yoga supported pain reduction, wound healing, pulmonary function, early mobilization and psychological well-being, contributing to faster recovery and improved quality of life.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Karismavit Health Journal|
Google Scholar|
Four structured prenatal gentle yoga sessions over two weeks for 33 third-trimester pregnant women with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores above 5, delivered in a primary healthcare setting (Puskesmas Biromaru, Indonesia), May to July 2025. Sleep quality measured by PSQI pre and post.
Outcome type: Favorable
Mean PSQI score fell from 9.12 (SD 2.31) to 5.08 (SD 1.94), a mean difference of 4.04 (95% CI 3.37-4.71; p < 0.001) with a large effect size (Cohen's d = 1.72). The proportion classified as having good sleep quality rose substantially.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing|
Google Scholar|
10.1093/eurjcn/zvaf021
Invited commentary on a 3-month RCT in heart failure patients comparing exergaming, yoga, and an active control receiving physical activity advice, with follow-up to 12 months
Outcome type: Neutral
The underlying trial found no between-group differences on any outcome. Within groups, exergaming and yoga each improved 6-minute walk distance, fatigue, and shortness of breath, with exergaming also improving physical and yoga emotional quality of life.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
SSRN Preprint (Preprints with The Lancet)|
Google Scholar|
10.2139/ssrn.5109781
Randomized, open, blinded-endpoint trial in healthy adult tobacco users (18-65): yoga (n=64) vs exercise (n=66); primary outcome 7-day point-prevalence abstinence at 6 months (cotinine-validated), plus quality of life and DASS.
Outcome type: Favorable
RCT of 130 adult tobacco users: 7-day point-prevalence abstinence was 22% with yoga vs 9.1% with exercise (OR 2.8, p=0.043), with significant between-group gains in quality of life and reductions in stress, anxiety (p<0.001), and depression (p=0.008).
Age ≤ 65
Alcohol/Drug Dependence
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Pathol Res Pract|
Google Scholar|
41108985|
10.1016/j.prp.2025.156269
Narrative review of mechanisms by which yoga may enhance male reproductive health, focused on sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress.
Outcome type: Favorable
Review concludes yoga enhances mitochondrial function and antioxidant capacity, reduces oxidative sperm-DNA damage (e.g., 8-OHdG), and promotes DNA repair, presented as a promising adjunct therapy for male infertility.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Front Neurol|
Google Scholar|
10.3389/fneur.2026.1705668
Single-arm pilot of a brain injury-tailored yoga program in 12 women with post-concussion symptoms (6 completed), with outcomes at 1 and 5 weeks
Outcome type: Favorable
Of 12 enrolled, 6 completed at least three sessions. At 1 week post-intervention participants reported substantial improvements in sexual functioning and mood: effect sizes were large for sexual function (change -0.50), medium for anxiety (-0.30), and small for PTSD (-0.15) and depression (0.05). At 5 weeks scores declined slightly but remained above baseline, with sexual function retaining a medium effect size (-0.34). Participant satisfaction was high (mean 8.7/10). Authors conclude yoga has potential to improve women's sexual functioning after concussion and offers a non-pharmacological option, but larger randomized trials are needed.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Neurologic Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
WitWaves J Multidiscip Res|
Google Scholar|
10.64175/wjmr.vol.3.issue1.1
Single-group pre-test/post-test quantitative study of a structured Raj Yoga Meditation (non-physical, cognitive-awareness meditation) intervention in 60 community-dwelling older adults aged 60+, measuring self-compassion and psychological well-being on standardized scales.
Outcome type: Favorable
Post-test mean scores for both self-compassion and psychological well-being were significantly higher than pre-test scores following the Raj Yoga Meditation intervention (paired-sample t-tests). A significant positive relationship was observed between self-compassion and psychological well-being. Authors conclude Raj Yoga Meditation is an effective psychosocial intervention for older adults and support its inclusion in mental health and geriatric care programmes.
Other
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Nat J Med Res Yoga Sci|
Google Scholar|
10.65786/k185hg76
Narrative review (short communication) of clinical and experimental literature on physiological parameters influenced by yoga practices, including asanas, pranayama, and meditation.
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga practice is associated with enhanced parasympathetic activity, improved heart rate variability, reduced blood pressure, improved pulmonary function, and decreased stress biomarkers including cortisol; increased GABA activity has also been reported. Authors conclude yoga exerts measurable systemic physiological effects through autonomic modulation and neuroendocrine regulation and is a safe, cost-effective adjunct in preventive and lifestyle medicine. Narrative review; no pooled effect estimates or defined study population reported.
Other
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Placentum|
Google Scholar|
Quasi-experimental one-group pre-post study of gentle prenatal yoga (five sessions over two weeks) in 40 third-trimester pregnant women in Kebumen, Indonesia
Outcome type: Favorable
Poor sleep quality fell from 85% of participants before the intervention to 7.5% after, with 92.5% reporting good sleep quality post-intervention; the improvement was statistically significant (Wilcoxon signed-rank Z = -5.868, p = 0.001). Authors recommend gentle prenatal yoga as a safe, effective complementary therapy in antenatal care. Single-group design with no control arm; n = 40 at one site.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
J Yoga Sports Health Sci|
Google Scholar|
Conceptual synthesis paper proposing an integrated model that combines traditional yogic practices (asanas, pranayama, dhyana/meditation) with structured resistance-aerobic training for older adults, referencing a 16-week hybrid yoga-exercise intervention.
Outcome type: Favorable
Authors report that the integrative 16-week yoga plus resistance-aerobic model improved cardiovascular efficiency, balance, muscle endurance, and psychological resilience, with gains in VO2 max, heart rate variability, cortisol regulation, neuroplasticity, emotional stability, and functional independence, and greater intrinsic motivation for long-term adherence. They conclude hybridized yoga-exercise interventions offer a sustainable, culturally competent model of preventive geriatric care.
Other
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Front Clin Diabetes Healthc|
Google Scholar|
10.3389/fcdhc.2026.1805160
Meta-analytical review of RCTs on Hatha yoga for sedentary-lifestyle-associated cardiometabolic disorders and non-communicable diseases (blood pressure, glycemic control, lipids).
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga training improved stress-related physiological responses, reduced hypertension risk, served as a complementary intervention for diabetes management, and regulated lipid biomarkers associated with cardiometabolic disorders.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Cardiovascular Disorders
Diabetes
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Sanatanodaya|
Google Scholar|
Narrative review of structural and functional neuroimaging (MRI, fMRI) evidence on yoga-induced neuroplasticity in healthy adults, older adults at risk of cognitive decline, and clinical neurological populations
Outcome type: Favorable
Structural MRI studies consistently show increased gray matter volume in the hippocampus, insula, and prefrontal cortex among long-term yoga practitioners, and functional imaging shows enhanced connectivity in networks for attention, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. These changes correlate with improved cognitive performance, stress resilience, and emotional well-being, and appear age-, experience-, and frequency-dependent. Authors conclude yoga is a promising non-pharmacological intervention for brain health across the lifespan, with particular relevance to preventing age-related cognitive decline. Narrative review; no pooled effect estimates reported.
Other
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Neurologic Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Int J Signal Image Sci|
Google Scholar|
10.29284/5tkzmd10
RCT in 60 infertile women aged 30-40 in Chennai, India: 12 weeks of structured yoga (60 minutes/day, 5 days/week) vs usual care
Outcome type: Favorable
Compared with usual care, 12 weeks of yoga significantly reduced pulse rate (F=32.28, p<0.001) and improved life satisfaction (F=285.09, p<0.001), with large effect sizes (eta-squared >0.35). Authors conclude yoga effectively relieves the combined physiological and psychological strain of infertility and recommend incorporating it into fertility treatment protocols. The enrolled sample was aged 30-40.
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Media of Health Research|
Google Scholar|
10.70716/mohr.v3i1.141
Quasi-experimental pre-post study with control group in 30 first-trimester pregnant women in Mataram, Indonesia: prenatal gentle yoga vs no intervention
Outcome type: Favorable
The prenatal gentle yoga group experienced a significant reduction in first-trimester discomfort (nausea, dizziness, fatigue) compared with the control group. Authors conclude prenatal gentle yoga is an effective method for reducing discomfort and improving physical and mental well-being during pregnancy. Total n = 30 across both arms.
Other
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Circulation|
Google Scholar|
10.1161/cir.151.suppl_1.P1025
Meta-analysis of 14 studies (n=1,180) of stress reduction interventions (CBT, yoga, MBSR, HRV biofeedback, Tai Chi) in adults with cardiovascular disease
Outcome type: Favorable
Meta-analysis: stress reduction interventions significantly lowered systolic (MD -9.70 mmHg) and diastolic BP (MD -5.52 mmHg, both p<0.0001), with no significant effect on heart rate, CRP, or high-frequency power. Qualitative findings favored yoga, Tai Chi, and mindfulness for inflammatory markers, cognition, quality of life, and perceived stress.
Meta Analysis
Age ≤ 65
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Complement Ther Med|
Google Scholar|
10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103382
Trial combining Tai Chi with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in older adults with mild cognitive impairment; resting-state fMRI spontaneous neural activity and cognitive outcomes.
Outcome type: Favorable
Tai Chi and tDCS each significantly improved memory quotient (p<0.001) and other memory measures in mild cognitive impairment, modulating distinct cortical regions; the combination interacted significantly with immediate recall (p=0.016). Authors conclude the two have complementary neural and cognitive effects supporting a multimodal strategy to delay cognitive decline.
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Dementia
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Innov Aging|
Google Scholar|
10.1093/geroni/igaf122.1826
Conference symposium abstract of five presentations on Tai Chi for cardiovascular, neuromuscular, cognitive and balance health, including a 12-week intervention in ankylosing spondylitis
Outcome type: Favorable
The university-community intervention yielded significant improvements in sleep duration and knee osteoarthritis symptoms. The qualitative study found positive effects of lifestyle change on physical activity, diet, sleep and psychological resilience. In ankylosing spondylitis, a 12-week Tai Chi intervention showed statistically significant benefits on pain/stiffness (BASDAI), function (BASFI) and spinal mobility. The final presentation reported on Tai Chi effects on balance/falls, cognition and motor health in older adults under dual-task conditions.
Other
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Autoimmune Disease
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Medicine & Science in Sports & Expercise|
Google Scholar|
10.1249/01.mss.0001158432.35842.34
Trial of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) combined with Tai Chi for executive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment (conference abstract).
Outcome type: Favorable
There were significant differences between the tai chi and control in left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex oxygenation.
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Dementia
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Front Immunol|
Google Scholar|
10.3389/fimmu.2026.1702830
Systematic review/meta-analysis of RCTs on Tai Chi Chuan and NF-κB-driven proinflammatory cytokine gene expression (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) in adult chronic-disease patients.
Outcome type: Favorable
Meta-analysis of 20 RCTs: Tai Chi Chuan significantly reduced NF-kB downstream gene expression (SMD -0.48, p<0.01), including IL-6 and IL-1beta; the TNF-alpha reduction was not significant (p=0.07). Patients with endocrine and respiratory disease benefited most.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Cancer
Neurologic Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
J Mov Disord|
Google Scholar|
40230226|
10.14802/jmd.25038
Multicenter open-label RCT (99 Parkinson's patients) comparing Tai Chi, strength training, yoga, and home-based exercise (12 wks supervised + 12 wks independent); motor function (MDS-UPDRS III, TUG) outcomes.
Outcome type: Favorable
Over 24 weeks in Parkinson's disease, home-based exercise and Tai Chi improved MDS-UPDRS Part III motor scores and 6-minute walk distance, while strength training and yoga improved balance. No modality was superior across all outcomes; authors emphasize tailoring exercise to the patient.
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Neurologic Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Curr Med Res Opin|
Google Scholar|
40079084|
10.1080/03007995.2025.2478160
Retrospective cohort of 10,462 newly diagnosed SLE patients in Taiwan (2005-2020) comparing 1,831 who received at least 28 days of Traditional Chinese Medicine with 7,966 who received none
Outcome type: Favorable
Propensity-matched cohort (1,831 per group): adding TCM to conventional therapy was associated with lower end-stage renal disease at 6 months (aHR 0.24, p=0.02), significantly lower proteinuria through 10 years, and lower all-cause mortality (aHR 0.70). Observational design; residual confounding possible.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Autoimmune Disease
End-Stage Renal Disease
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Integr Med Res|
Google Scholar|
40502406|
10.1016/j.imr.2025.101151
Double-blind RCT of acupoint catgut embedding vs sham in 120 adults with simple obesity; 12-week intervention plus 12-week follow-up
Outcome type: Favorable
After 12 weeks, verum auricular acupressure produced significantly greater reductions in body weight, waist/arm/thigh girth, waist-hip ratio, and appetite than sham, with effects sustained at follow-up and no safety concerns.
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Med Sci (Basel)|
Google Scholar|
10.3390/medsci13040219
Meta-analysis of 8 RCTs (n=672) of extracorporeal shockwave therapy vs standard of care for diabetic foot ulcer healing
Outcome type: Favorable
Meta-analysis: extracorporeal shockwave therapy as an adjunct produced higher complete diabetic foot ulcer healing than standard care alone (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.97-3.84, p<0.01) with negligible heterogeneity.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Diabetes
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Altern Ther Health Med|
PubMed|
40985951|
4-week RCT comparing Otago Exercise Program vs yoga (12 sessions) in young-old adults; balance (Berg Balance Scale), Timed Up-and-Go, and OPQOL-Brief quality of life.
Outcome type: Favorable
Both Otago Exercise Program and yoga produced significant within-group improvements in balance (BBS), mobility (TUG), and quality of life over 4 weeks.
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
J Aging Phys Act|
PubMed|
39773493|
10.1123/japa.2024-0077
Systematic review/meta-analysis comparing low-intensity physical activities (Baduanjin, Tai Chi, walking, general PA) for knee osteoarthritis symptoms in middle and late adulthood.
Outcome type: Favorable
Low-intensity activities (esp. Baduanjin, Tai Chi, walking) significantly reduced knee-osteoarthritis pain (d=-0.65), stiffness (d=-0.71), and improved physical function (d=-0.58).
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Front Aging|
PubMed|
41836317|
10.3389/fragi.2026.1730672
Systematic review (PRISMA) of RCTs and quasi-experimental studies of non-pharmacological mental-health interventions for adults 60+ in Mexico (7 studies, N=267, mean age 71.9).
Outcome type: Favorable
Non-pharmacological interventions (especially physical activity) showed benefit for older adults' mental health, but national evidence was limited and fragmented (only 7 eligible studies).
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Front Public Health|
PubMed|
41567770|
10.3389/fpubh.2025.1710610
Systematic review/Bayesian network meta-analysis of 20 RCTs (1,457 patients) ranking traditional Chinese exercises (Tai Chi, Baduanjin, Wuqinxi, Yijinjing) for knee osteoarthritis in middle-aged/older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
Tai Chi and Baduanjin ranked most effective for pain, joint stiffness, physical function, and quality of life; authors urge caution as studies were overwhelmingly China-based.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
Clin Gerontol|
PubMed|
37941382|
10.1080/07317115.2023.2277333
12-week twice-weekly remotely-supervised online chair yoga vs computer brain game (after digital-literacy training) in rural underserved older adults at risk for Alzheimer's/related dementias; feasibility and cognitive/physical outcomes.
Outcome type: Favorable
Feasibility RCT (avg age ~67): online chair yoga was feasible and showed preliminary benefits for cognition (mini-MoCA) and mobility (TUG); telehealth delivery workable for home-bound rural older adults at risk for ADRD.
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Dementia
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
J Pharm Bioallied Sci|
PubMed|
41164641|
10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1036_25
Quasi-experimental trial of six Reiki therapy sessions over 11 days vs routine care in 230 institutionalized elderly ('inmates' = old-age-home residents); comfort and quality-of-life outcomes.
Outcome type: Favorable
The Reiki group showed significant, sustained improvements in comfort and quality of life vs routine care at all follow-ups through 3 months (p=0.001).
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
PeerJ|
PubMed|
41695691|
10.7717/peerj.20773
Systematic review/meta-analysis of RCTs on traditional Chinese exercises (Tai Chi, Baduanjin, etc.) for psychological health (depression, anxiety, well-being, self-efficacy) in older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
Meta-analysis of 42 RCTs (4,317 older adults): traditional Chinese exercises significantly improved depression (SMD -0.51) and other psychological outcomes (anxiety, subjective well-being, self-efficacy) vs control.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Explore (NY)|
PubMed|
39955806|
10.1016/j.explore.2025.103136
Randomized controlled trial of olive leaf extract (oral capsule and/or topical ointment) vs control for pain and function in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Outcome type: Favorable
RCT in elderly knee-osteoarthritis patients: hydroalcoholic olive leaf extract (oral capsules +/- topical ointment) significantly reduced pain and improved daily functioning vs control; combined oral+topical most effective.
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Acta Psychol (Amst)|
PubMed|
40580915|
10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105207
16-week RCT comparing resistance training vs yoga vs control on psychological distress (Kessler K10) in community-dwelling older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
3-arm RCT (86 community-dwelling older adults, ~66y): both 16-week resistance training and yoga significantly reduced psychological distress (Kessler K10, ~19%) vs control, with no meaningful difference between the two.
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Brain Sci|
PubMed|
40149748|
10.3390/brainsci15030226
Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of a 60-day plant-based nootropic supplement on perceptual decision-making (visual categorization task) and EEG brain-network measures in healthy adults.
Outcome type: Neutral
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (healthy adults, 60-day supplementation): plant-based nootropic produced no improvement in decision accuracy or reaction time, but EEG showed increased brain-network synergy/cohesion (behavioral effect neutral).
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
J Res Med Sci|
PubMed|
41306619|
10.4103/jrms.jrms_48_24
Systematic review/dose-response meta-analysis of RCTs on purslane (Portulaca oleracea) consumption for blood pressure and anthropometric indices in adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
Purslane consumption significantly reduced systolic blood pressure, body weight, and BMI in adults; no significant effect on waist circumference or diastolic blood pressure.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
J Bodyw Mov Ther|
PubMed|
41316618|
10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.09.017
RCT (50 elderly aged 65-78 with metabolic syndrome and chronic periodontal disease): 60-min Baduanjin Qigong 5x/week vs waitlist control; periodontal index and salivary inflammatory/oxidative markers.
Outcome type: Favorable
RCT of 6-month Baduanjin training vs waitlist control in 50 adults aged 65-78 with metabolic syndrome and chronic periodontitis: all measured parameters except oral hygiene index improved significantly in the training group (p<0.05), with no significant change in controls.
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Front Public Health|
PubMed|
41859273|
10.3389/fpubh.2026.1777392
Questionnaire-based cross-sectional study (mediation + network analysis) of Tai Chi practice, psychological resilience, and depression in 1,143 older adults ≥60.
Outcome type: Favorable
In 1,143 older adults, Tai Chi practice was associated with lower depression, with psychological resilience mediating the relationship.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Front Public Health|
PubMed|
41684397|
10.3389/fpubh.2026.1686008
Cross-sectional survey of 710 adults aged 45-65 in Chongqing, China on self-reported Tai Chi exercise volume, mood, self-esteem and subjective well-being (no delivered intervention)
Outcome type: Favorable
Tai Chi exercise volume was associated with lower negative mood, higher self-esteem, and greater subjective well-being (r=-0.33 to 0.41, p<0.001), and directly predicted well-being (beta=0.47) through a chain mediation of mood and self-esteem; outcomes differed significantly by gender.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Front Psychol|
PubMed|
10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1743865
Acute single-session experiment in elderly men comparing 45 minutes of Tai Chi in conventional, green, blue, and balanced green-blue environments (Shandong, China)
Outcome type: Favorable
Acute exposure to green and blue environments had positive effects on the short-term emotional health of elderly males, and combining that exposure with Tai Chi exercise further enhanced short-term emotional outcomes. Continuous exposure maintained positive emotional changes for longer during the recovery period.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
J Appl Gerontol|
PubMed|
40528458|
10.1177/07334648251351697
Non-randomized, controlled, multicenter study (74 older adults with Alzheimer's across 14 nursing homes): equine-assisted intervention vs adapted physical activity vs control; psychological health outcomes.
Outcome type: Favorable
Equine-assisted intervention reduced psychobehavioral disorders by week 6, improved quality of life, and slightly reduced depressive symptoms; no significant effect in the adapted-physical-activity or control groups.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Dementia
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
J Ethnopharmacol|
PubMed|
41763617|
10.1016/j.jep.2026.121444
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Shenqi paste (medicine-food homology herbal formula) vs placebo, with low-intensity exercise, in older adults with diabetic sarcopenia; muscle mass, grip strength, and physical-function outcomes.
Outcome type: Favorable
Of 90 randomized participants, the Shenqi paste group showed greater improvements than placebo control in handgrip strength, skeletal muscle index (SMI), and the five-times chair stand test (all interaction p<0.001 at T2). Secondary outcomes were assessed in 74 participants, covering frailty, nutrition, physical activity and sleep.
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Diabetes
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Aging Clin Exp Res|
PubMed|
41566095|
10.1007/s40520-026-03322-6
Cross-sectional MRI study comparing brain age and brain morphometry between regular balance-exercise practitioners (e.g., yoga, Tai Chi) and controls in healthy adults aged 55-65.
Outcome type: Favorable
Balance-exercise practitioners showed significantly more favorable brain-age and brain-morphometry measures than controls, suggesting balance exercises like yoga/Tai Chi may support healthy brain aging.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
J Transcult Nurs|
PubMed|
41553843|
10.1177/10436596251412642
Systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of RCTs on community-based traditional Chinese exercises (Tai Chi, Qigong) for sleep disturbance in community-dwelling older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
Community-based traditional Chinese exercises reduced sleep disturbance in community-dwelling older adults; authors support integrating them into community aging-health programs.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Int J Environ Res Public Health|
Google Scholar|
41007471|
10.3390/ijerph22091326
Qualitative thematic analysis of perceived benefits of an adaptive (wheelchair-accessible) Tai Chi program among aging veterans with ambulatory limitations.
Outcome type: Favorable
Veterans perceived adaptive Tai Chi to improve mindfulness, emotional regulation, and sense of control (especially for PTSD), foster social connection, and help reframe their disability.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Clin Rehabil|
PubMed|
40625025|
10.1177/02692155251355083
Bayesian dose-response meta-analysis of 37 RCTs (n=2,843 older adults) on Tai Chi for anxiety, depression, and sleep quality
Outcome type: Favorable
Tai Chi significantly reduced anxiety (SMD −0.47) and depression (SMD −0.41) and modestly improved sleep; optimal dose 500–700 MET-min/week
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Front Public Health|
PubMed|
40697847|
10.3389/fpubh.2025.1616053
Systematic review & meta-analysis of 27 RCTs (n=1,781) on active mind-body movement therapies (Tai Chi, yoga) for older adults with osteoarthritis
Outcome type: Favorable
Active mind-body movement therapies significantly reduced WOMAC pain and stiffness and improved joint function vs control; Tai Ji most effective
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
BMJ Open|
PubMed|
40441767|
10.1136/bmjopen-2024-087340
Systematic review/meta-analysis of RCTs assessing cupping therapy for chronic musculoskeletal pain (pain intensity, functional disability, mental health).
Outcome type: Favorable
Cupping therapy significantly reduced pain intensity (SMD -1.17; moderate-quality evidence); also improved functional disability.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
J Clin Nurs|
PubMed|
39902611|
10.1111/jocn.17674
Meta-analysis of 17 RCTs (980 patients) on massage and touch as a non-pharmacological intervention for agitation in dementia.
Outcome type: Favorable
Massage and touch significantly reduced agitation and behavioural problems; hand/head/foot massage and short-term (<=4 wks) interventions were most effective.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Dementia
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
J Diabetes Investig|
PubMed|
40820574|
10.1111/jdi.70138
Secondary analysis of 3-arm RCT (328 adults >=60 with T2D and MCI): 24-wk supervised Tai Chi Chuan vs fitness walking vs control; balance outcomes.
Outcome type: Favorable
Tai Chi Chuan improved balance measures (timed-up-and-go, single-leg stance, 5x sit-to-stand) vs fitness walking and control at 36 weeks.
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Diabetes
Dementia
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Front Public Health|
PubMed|
40969649|
10.3389/fpubh.2025.1517350
Systematic review/meta-analysis of 11 RCTs (782 participants) evaluating Tai Chi for depressive mood in young individuals aged 15-24.
Outcome type: Favorable
Tai Chi significantly reduced depression scores in young people aged 15-24 (SMD -0.80, 95% CI -1.14 to -0.46).
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Am J Mens Health|
PubMed|
40304406|
10.1177/15579883251332745
12-wk RCT (140 healthy men aged 55-65): Tai Chi Softball (4-5x/wk) vs usual routine; strength, flexibility, balance, and blood-lipid outcomes.
Outcome type: Favorable
Tai Chi Softball significantly improved handgrip strength, flexibility, single-leg stance, vital capacity, blood pressure, and lipid profile (TC, TG, LDL-C) vs control.
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Front Physiol|
PubMed|
40236822|
10.3389/fphys.2025.1556622
Systematic review/meta-analysis of RCTs on stand-alone Tai Chi Chuan for global cognition, memory, and executive function in adults ≥60 with mild cognitive impairment.
Outcome type: Favorable
Meta-analysis of 9 RCTs (1,066 adults ≥60, mean age 74): long-term Tai Chi Chuan significantly improved global cognition (SMD 0.488) plus memory and executive function.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Dementia
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Prev Med Rep|
PubMed|
40290641|
10.1016/j.pmedr.2025.103072
Systematic review/meta-analysis of RCTs on traditional Chinese exercises (Tai Chi, Qigong, etc.) for pain and disability in middle-aged/older adults with low back pain.
Outcome type: Favorable
Meta-analysis of 11 RCTs: traditional Chinese exercises reduced low-back pain (VAS MD −1.38) and disability (ODI MD −4.36) vs control; evidence rated low quality (GRADE).
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Int J Exerc Sci|
PubMed|
41210924|
10.70252/COQS7170
8-week once-weekly chair yoga program (breathwork, movements, cool-down) in 4 independent-living older adults; balance (Tinetti) and quality-of-life (SF-36) outcomes.
Outcome type: Favorable
Case series (4 adults aged 77–92): 8-week chair yoga improved Tinetti balance/gait for all and SF-36 subscales for most; feasible with potential functional-mobility benefits.
Case Study
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
J Educ Health Promot|
PubMed|
40979358|
10.4103/jehp.jehp_482_24
Eight 45-minute laughter yoga sessions vs control in 220 community-dwelling elderly (Iran); happiness (Oxford) and hope/life-expectancy (Snyder) outcomes.
Outcome type: Favorable
RCT (220 elderly): eight 45-min laughter yoga sessions significantly increased happiness and hope/life expectancy vs control (p<0.001).
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Complement Ther Clin Pract|
PubMed|
39908682|
10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.101956
Systematic review/network meta-analysis of RCTs comparing traditional Chinese fitness exercises (Taiji, Baduanjin, Wuqinxi, etc.) for bone mineral density in middle-aged and elderly people.
Outcome type: Favorable
Network meta-analysis of RCTs: traditional Chinese fitness exercises may safely improve bone mineral density in middle-aged/elderly; no significant differences among most types (SUCRA rankings provided).
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
BMC Cardiovasc Disord|
PubMed|
40826319|
10.1186/s12872-025-05084-x
Network meta-analysis of 49 RCTs assessing six traditional Chinese mind-body exercises (Tai Chi, Baduanjin, Liuzijue, Qigong, etc.) on obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensive patients ≥45 years.
Outcome type: Favorable
Network meta-analysis of 49 RCTs (hypertensive adults ≥45): traditional Chinese mind-body exercises improved obesity and cardiovascular risk factors, with rankings identifying the most effective modalities.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Front Public Health|
PubMed|
41675088|
10.3389/fpubh.2025.1718120
Systematic review/Bayesian network meta-analysis of 17 RCTs comparing 10 exercise interventions on grip strength, SPPB, and Timed Up-and-Go in pre-frail adults ≥60.
Outcome type: Favorable
Exercise interventions improved muscle strength and balance; elastic band exercise and progressive exercise + Tai-chi snacking ranked most effective (no significant differences in TUG time).
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
Geriatrics (Basel)|
PubMed|
41718364|
10.3390/geriatrics11010016
12-week yoga program (postures, breathing, meditation) vs waitlist control in older adults aged 65-85; balance, fear of falling, mobility, anxiety, and depression outcomes.
Outcome type: Favorable
Quasi-experimental study (50 analyzed, ages 65-85): yoga significantly improved balance and functional mobility and reduced fear of falling, anxiety, and depression vs waitlist control (which deteriorated).
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2026|
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth|
PubMed|
41652364|
10.1186/s12884-026-08659-4
Prospective cohort (nuMoM2b) of nulliparous pregnant women assessing whether leisure-time yoga is associated with lower risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Outcome type: Favorable
Cohort of 7,502 nulliparous women: yoga was associated with fewer adverse pregnancy outcomes (RR 0.86 some yoga, 0.78 high yoga), lower preterm birth with high yoga (RR 0.42), and less inadequate or excessive gestational weight gain; no association with other outcomes.
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
J Family Med Prim Care|
PubMed|
41089999|
10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_2005_24
Systematic review/meta-analysis comparing yoga vs light exercise on health-related quality of life and mental wellbeing in people aged 60+.
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga significantly improved quality-of-life dimensions (including cognitive function and sleep) and reduced anxiety, depression, and stress, with greater cognitive benefit than light exercise.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Front Psychol|
PubMed|
10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1550174
8-week 24-form simplified Tai Chi (five 30-minute sessions weekly) vs usual lifestyle in 60 healthy older adults in Zhengzhou, China
Outcome type: Favorable
Tai Chi practice significantly improved emotional regulation efficacy (d=1.29), positive and negative affect, and subjective wellbeing; emotional regulation efficacy mediated the effect on wellbeing.
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Front Neurol|
PubMed|
41127293|
10.3389/fneur.2025.1643957
Systematic review/network meta-analysis of 24 RCTs ranking physical-activity interventions (resistance, mind-body, aerobic) for executive function in older adults with dementia.
Outcome type: Favorable
Resistance exercise ranked most effective for executive function (SUCRA 89.2%), followed by mind-body exercise (71.4%) and aerobic exercise (60.0%).
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Dementia
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Aging Ment Health|
PubMed|
39107930|
10.1080/13607863.2024.2385454
3-arm RCT comparing laughter yoga vs music intervention vs control on depression, anxiety, and stress in 91 depressed older adults aged 60-75.
Outcome type: Favorable
Both laughter yoga and music reduced depression, anxiety, and stress; laughter yoga showed a superior effect and better acceptance among elders.
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
JAMA Netw Open|
PubMed|
40198073|
10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.3698
12-week structured yoga vs strengthening exercise program in adults (≥40y) with knee osteoarthritis
Outcome type: Neutral
Both groups improved knee pain over 12 weeks with no significant between-group difference; yoga was noninferior to strengthening and showed modest gains in symptoms, quality of life, and depression
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Lancet Healthy Longev|
PubMed|
40294622|
10.1016/j.lanhl.2025.100706
15-month three-arm RCT: combined cognitive training + mind-body exercise + nurse-led risk-factor modification (CPR) vs nurse-led RFM vs health advice in older adults (60–80y) with MCI
Outcome type: Favorable
At 15 months neither CPR nor RFM significantly improved cognition (ADAS-Cog) over health advice; authors conclude such interventions need further refinement before being recommended
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Dementia
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
Orthop Rev (Pavia)|
PubMed|
40688454|
10.52965/001c.142059
Meta-analysis of 17 RCTs (n=1,253) on Tai Chi and bone mineral density in middle-aged and older adults
Outcome type: Favorable
Significant BMD improvements at lumbar spine, greater trochanter, Ward's triangle, femoral neck, and calcaneus; effects greater with ≥6 months of training
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2025|
BMC Public Health|
PubMed|
40050815|
10.1186/s12889-025-22035-5
Cross-sectional analysis of BRFSS surveys (2015/17/19; n=279,885 adults ≥45) comparing yoga practitioners, other exercisers, and non-exercisers
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga associated with lower odds of multimorbidity and individual chronic conditions in a dose-response manner
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2024|
Ann Neurosci|
PubMed|
39544669|
10.1177/09727531241282516
PRISMA systematic review of 8 studies (n=421) with 3–6 month yoga interventions in hypothyroidism patients
Outcome type: Favorable
Yoga showed positive effects as an adjunct therapy on thyroid markers and comorbid conditions; evidence limited by small samples
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology|
Google Scholar|
10.52711/0974-360X.2023.00252
Systematic review evaluating the effect of complementary therapy, including aromatherapy massage, acupuncture, and mindfulness, on health outcomes and quality of life among colorectal cancer patients.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found multiple beneficial health effects of complementary therapies that may improve quality of life among cancer patients. For example, acupuncture significantly improves anxiety, stress, and sleep quality, and Chinese herbal medicine was associated with lower tumor recurrence and metastatic tumor rate.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
STRADA Jurnal Ilmiah Kesehatan|
Google Scholar|
https://doi.org/10.30994/sjik.v10i1.768
This review looked at literature on the impact of music therapy on blood pressure. The target population included elderly individuals with hypertension.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 12 eligible studies demonstrating a positive impact on lowering blood pressure from a music therapy intervention.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
Jurnal Ners|
Google Scholar|
http://dx.doi.org/10.20473/jn.v15i2.19025
This review looked for literature on the impact on complementary therapies on Osteoarthritis. The complementary therapies included were flaxseed poultice compress, acupressure, acupuncture therapy, cumin black oil compress, aromatherapy massage, ginger oil massage, lavender oil massage, sensorimotor exercise, application of heat, exercises with elastic bands, ultrasound therapy, geotherapy combination kinesiotherapy, phonophoresis therapy, and stimulation of compression.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found studies that demonstrated the complementary therapy interventions could improve total index WOMAC and Lequesne, VAS and increase in the physical function in the target population.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences|
Google Scholar|
10.4314/ejhs.v30i3.16
This review looked for literature on the impact of aromatherapy on labor pain and anxiety.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review identified 33 studies that demonstrated positive impact on reducing labor pain and anxiety.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
Haseki Tip Bulteni|
Google Scholar|
This study looked at the use, information sharing between physician and patients, and effect on survival of complementary therapies used by lung cancer patients.
Outcome type: Neutral
The study found that 60.7% of patients used at least one type of complementary therapy, but physician-patient information sharing was weak and there was not impact on survival.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Cancer
Linking Intervention and Impact
2019|
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine|
Google Scholar|
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2018.0479
This review looked for literature on the impact of five-element music on language treatment for patients with poststroke aphasia (PSA).
Outcome type: Favorable
The review identified 6 studies that demonstrated the five-element music intervention had significant effect on increasing language scores compared to western music therapy or the control group.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine|
Google Scholar|
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2020.0315
This review looked for literature on the impact of aromatherapy on menopausal symptom management.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review identified 7 studies that demonstrated improved menopausal symptoms and sexual desire from aromatherapy.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2018|
Int J Environ Res Public Health|
PubMed|
30544873|
10.3390/ijerph15122791
This review found studies looking at mind-body exercise interventions and their impact on cognitive decline.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 19 eligible studies that demonstrated mind-body exercise had significant positive impact on cognitive performance, global cognition, executive function, learning and memory, and language.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
PeerJ|
PubMed|
33194354|
10.7717/peerj.9845
This study looked at the feasibility of a combined intervention of min-body physical exercise, cognitive training, and nurse-led risk factor modification. The aim was to determine the effect on cognitive decline in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the interventions were feasible and showed preliminary results that were beneficial
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Dementia
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
Int J Environ Res Public Health|
PubMed|
32916879|
10.3390/ijerph17186556
This review found literature on mind-body interventions to determine the impact on quality of life, depressive symptoms, fear of falling, and sleep quality.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 37 eligible studies that demonstrated the intervention had significant impact on all outcomes compared to the control groups.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2014|
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry|
PubMed|
24677282|
10.1002/gps.4086
This study looked at the impact of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention that included a 8-session group and 12-session group. The study looked at individuals 65+ with significant anxiety-related distress and cognitive dysfunction.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that the intervention led to improvements in worry severity, mindfulness, and memory. There was not a significant difference between the 8 week and 12 week groups.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2019|
PLoS One|
PubMed|
31295270|
10.1371/journal.pone.0219120
This study looked at the impact of a mindfulness training intervention in two rats. The first had a 2-week smartphone-based intervention and the second had an 8-weed mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention. Both studies assigned participants to a monitor and accept group, monitor only group, or control group to understand the impact on inflammation in older adults.
Outcome type: Neutral
The study found the monitor and accept group did not have significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) that was an inflammatory biomarker. They did find that both programs might reduce CRP.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2024|
Holist Nurs Pract|
PubMed|
37966990|
10.1097/HNP.0000000000000627
This study looked at a move meditation exercise on adults 65+ to under to understand the impact on depression level and sleep quality.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the intervention led to decreased depression and improved quality of sleep.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2016|
Adv Mind Body Med|
PubMed|
27250213|
This study looked at the impact of the Feldenkrais method awareness through movement (ATM) intervention on cognitive decline in other adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
There were two participants in the study and both improved the Trail Making Test A and B after the intervention.
Case Study
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2018|
European Journal of Integrative Medicine|
Google Scholar|
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2017.10.009
Study evaluating the effect of four complementary therapy outpatient services including aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, and Reiki on a range of health outcomes among cancer patients.
Outcome type: Favorable
Patients reported significant improvements after receiving four sessions of complementary therapies; the greatest improvements were seen in relaxation, sleep problems, and pains/aches.
Prospective Cohort Study
Peer Reviewed
Cancer
Linking Intervention and Impact
2018|
International Journal of Palliative Nursing|
Google Scholar|
https://doi.org/10.12968/ijpn.2018.24.3.146
Study evaluating the effect of six complementary therapy outpatient services on patient wellbeing among patients in palliative cancer care.
Outcome type: Favorable
Patients reported significant improvements after receiving a series of six complementary therapies, reporting improved feelings of wellbeing on a standardized scale.
Prospective Cohort Study
Peer Reviewed
Cancer
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
Jurnal Ilmiah Kesehatan|
Google Scholar|
https://doi.org/10.30994/sjik.v10i2.855
Review evaluating the effect of various complementary therapies on health outcomes among patients with hypertension.
Outcome type: Favorable
Study found that the most effective use of therapy was herbal therapy among the elderly, reporting its accessibility and affordability as facilitators to use. However, successfully managing hypertension also requires conventional therapy, exercise, and other methods.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
6f6i|
Holistic Nursing Practice|
Google Scholar|
10.1097/HNP.0000000000000226
Narrative review evaluating the effect of various complementary therapies on postoperative health outcomes among patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Outcome type: Neutral
Most studies analyzed reported positive results noting postoperative health improvements in patients after receiving complementary therapies. However, some studies found no evidence of improvement.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
2015|
Complementary Therapies in Medicine|
Google Scholar|
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2015.03.009
Randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of inhaled ginger aromatherapy on nausea, vomiting, and health-related quality of life among breast cancer patients in chemotherapy.
Outcome type: Neutral
Nausea decreased significantly after ginger essential oil inhalation compared to the control group, but effect was not sustained for overall treatment effect. Intervention also had no effect on vomiting. However, global health status significantly changed after ginger inhalation, as well as appetite loss.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Cancer
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
Complementary Therapies in Medicine|
Google Scholar|
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102913
Systematic review assessing studies on the effect of music therapy on pain, anxiety, and physiologic parameters among patients undergoing prostate biopsy.
Outcome type: Neutral
Music therapy only slightly reduced heart rate, but not blood pressure and respiratory rate after biopsy. There is little evidence to suggest that music therapy during prostate biopsy reduces pain and anxiety.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2014|
Urolithiasis|
Google Scholar|
Systematic review evaluating studies on the effect of complementary therapies including acupuncture, auricular acupressure, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and music during shock wave lithotripsy among patients with renal stones.
Outcome type: Neutral
Complementary therapy music and acupuncture significantly lowered anxiety. However, there was no reported difference in stone-free rates among patients with the use of complementary therapy.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2015|
East African Medical Journal|
Google Scholar|
Observational study evaluating the effect of various complementary therapies on clinical outcomes among hypertensive or diabetic patients.
Outcome type: Neutral
Use of complementary medicine was associated with reduced blood pressure. Complementary medicines were found to have positive effects on health in hypertensive patients but not diabetic patients, though results were not statistically significant.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Cardiovascular Disorders
Diabetes
Linking Intervention and Impact
2018|
The Journal of Urology|
Google Scholar|
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2017.11.117
Systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effect of music therapy on outcomes of outpatient urological procedures.
Outcome type: Favorable
Music therapy decreased anxiety and pain among patients in surgery, and increased procedural satisfaction and patient willingness to undergo the procedure again.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology|
Google Scholar|
10.1080/0167482X.2021.1977277
Systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effect of music therapy on anxiety and pregnancy rates among infertile women undergoing to perform assisted reproductive technologies.
Outcome type: Favorable
Music therapy significantly reduced anxiety and pain, and improved satisfaction. Music also was associated with a statistically insignificant increase in the pregnancy rate among the population.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
Journal of Religion and Health|
Google Scholar|
Randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of spiritist "passes", laying on of hand with the intention of healing, on preoperative anxiety among hospitalized patients.
Outcome type: Favorable
"Passe" intervention group reported greater improvements in preoperative anxiety, muscle tension, and wellbeing compared to the control group.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2015|
Nutrition and Cancer|
Google Scholar|
10.1080/01635581.2015.1004731
Systematic review evaluating studies on the effect of oral complementary alternative medicines (tablets, powders, liquids, capsules) on cancer-related health outcome among breast cancer patients.
Outcome type: Neutral
Study results vary, but there is some evidence to suggest that oral complementary alternative therapies may improve fatigue and oral mucositis. However, results are inconclusive.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Cancer
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice|
Google Scholar|
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101391
Systematic review evaluating studies on the effect of essential oil therapy on health outcomes among patients with rheumatic diseases.
Outcome type: Favorable
Nearly all studies analyzed demonstrated the effectiveness of aromatherapy for improving health outcomes among patients.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
J Ayurveda Integr Med|
PubMed|
33349568|
10.1016/j.jaim.2020.11.003
This study looked at the impact of an 8-week Yoga and/or Ayurveda Rasayana intervention in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Outcome type: Favorable
This study found the combined intervention of Yoga and Ayurveda Rasayana had significant results in improving learning, attention, processing speed, and working memory in the study group.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
Front Neurol|
PubMed|
37188307|
10.3389/fneur.2023.1167957
This study looked at a 12-week Tai Chi program to understand the impact on neuromuscular responses and postural control. The intervention included 40-minute sessions 3 times a week for 12 weeks for elderly patients with sarcopenia.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that the Tai Chi intervention significantly reduced neuromuscular response times.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2024|
Eur Geriatr Med|
PubMed|
38227110|
10.1007/s41999-023-00923-6
This review looked at literature on the impact of Tai Chi on sleep quality for older adults living in the community.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review identified 12 eligible studies that demonstrated the Tai Chi intervention led to significant improvement in sleep quality in the target population.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2018|
Issues Ment Health Nurs|
PubMed|
29436896|
10.1080/01612840.2017.1417519
This study looked at the impact of a Tai Chi intervention combined with music on depressive symptoms in older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that the combined Tai Chi and Music intervention significantly reduced depressive symptoms after three months.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2016|
Rev Recent Clin Trials|
PubMed|
27480968|
10.2174/1574887111666160729100829
This review looked at research on the impact of Tai Chi interventions on mental health.
Outcome type: Neutral
The review found 21 eligible studies, but there was limited evidence found on the impact of Tai Chi on mental health.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2018|
Mil Med|
PubMed|
29415222|
10.1093/milmed/usx071
This study looked at the impact of Yoga on PTSD symptoms in veterans 18 years or older.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that the Yoga intervention led to a significant decrease in PTSD symptoms.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
Arch Gerontol Geriatr|
PubMed|
36796181|
10.1016/j.archger.2023.104949
This review found studies looking at the impact of mind-body approach interventions on improving resilience in older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 9 eligible studies that demonstrated mind-body approaches improved resilience in older adults.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
Front Neurol|
PubMed|
37077563|
10.3389/fneur.2023.1086417
This review found studies looking at the impact of mind-body approach interventions on improving cognition, memory, and executive function in older adults with cognitive impairment.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 15 eligible studies that demonstrated a significant improvement in global cognitive function from Chinese mind-body exercises. Banduanjuin showed significant improvement in global cognitive function, memory function, executive function, and some dimensional scores on the auditory verbal learning test after treatment.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2018|
Aging Ment Health|
PubMed|
28691506|
10.1080/13607863.2017.1348474
This review found studies looking at the impact of music therapy on the cognitive function of individuals with dementia.
Outcome type: Neutral
This review found 7 eligible studies but no significant impact of music therapy on outcomes from the meta-analyses. A subgroup analysis indicated that music therapy might benefit global cognition.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Dementia
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
Pilot Feasibility Stud|
PubMed|
37559112|
10.1186/s40814-023-01366-3
The study looked at the feasibility of a hypnosis intervention of 2 sessions, once per week, with the usual rehabilitation program compared to a control group. The aim was to understand the impact on older adults a reduce the fear of falling.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study was found to be feasible with no adverse events related to the intervention.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
Arch Gerontol Geriatr|
PubMed|
32135393|
10.1016/j.archger.2020.104037
This review found studies looking at the impact of different non-pharmacologic interventions on depression for older Chinese adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 15 eligible studies that identified Qigong, reminiscence, Tai Chi, and Life Stories as interventions used for depression therapies. Qigong was the only intervention they found to have significant impact on depression.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2016|
JBI Database System Rev Implement Rep|
PubMed|
27532469|
10.11124/JBISRIR-2016-002499
This review found studies that looked at the impact of interventions that combined physical and cognitive elements and the impact on the risk of falls in cognitively impaired older adults. These interventions included physical and cognitive activities, music-based group exercises, and mind-body tai chi.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 8 eligible studies that demonstrated the interventions improved the number of falls, balance, functional mobility, and gait speed.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2016|
BMC Geriatr|
PubMed|
26767506|
10.1186/s12877-016-0180-y
This study looked at the impact of hypnosis versus message interventions on chronic pain in older, hospitalized adults.
Outcome type:
The study found the interventions were feasible and the hypnosis group had greater decrease in the brief pain index than the massage group and depression scores also decreased over time. However, the effect was not long term past 3 months.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2016|
Adv Mind Body Med|
PubMed|
27925606|
This study looked at the impact of mindfulness-based interventions (MBI). The study looked at the BMI program, Mindfulness and Movement of Integration (MMI).
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found significant improvement in the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) scores and the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS) scores from the intervention. The correlation between scores was not significant.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2018|
Complement Ther Med|
PubMed|
29857876|
10.1016/j.ctim.2018.03.011
This study looked at the impact of a horticultural intervention that included once-weekly sessions of a 10-session plan cultivation-based horticultural therapy program.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the intervention significantly decreased cortisol levels.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2015|
Int J Nurs Pract|
PubMed|
24750268|
10.1111/ijn.12307
This study looked at the impact of a light therapy intervention that included 30 min of sitting in front of a 10000-lux light box 30 min three times a week for 4 weeks. The aim was to determine the impact on depression and sleep disruption in older adults.
Outcome type: Neutral
The study found the intervention significantly decreased depression scores, but there was not significant difference between the experimental group and control group.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2019|
Res Theory Nurs Pract|
PubMed|
31123162|
10.1891/1541-6577.33.2.183
This review found literature on the impact of music therapy interventions on cognition in older adults with dementia.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review identified 28 eligible articles that demonstrated that active and active-passive approaches had significant impact on cognition in the target population.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Dementia
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
Gerontologist|
PubMed|
30476083|
10.1093/geront/gny149
This study found literature on the impact of an animal-assisted intervention (AAI), dog visiting, for depressive symptoms in older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
This review found studies that demonstrated a positive impact on depressive symptoms from dog visiting.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2016|
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry|
PubMed|
25965388|
10.1002/gps.4300
This study looked at the impact of spiritual reminiscence therapy on the well-being of elderly individuals with dementia.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the intervention had significant improvement in the Heart Hope index, the Life Satisfaction Scale, and the Spirituality Index of Well-Being.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Dementia
Linking Intervention and Impact
2018|
Innov Aging|
PubMed|
29938231|
10.1093/geroni/igy013
This study looked at a storytelling/poetry intervention for hospitalized older adults to understand the effect on delirium screening and patient satisfaction.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the intervention led to lower delirium screening scores.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Front Aging Neurosci|
PubMed|
35800981|
10.3389/fnagi.2022.921069
This study looked at a Mind-body exercise program (MBE) and how it impacted chronic pain, function, quality of life, and adverse events in older and middle-aged people.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 17 eligible studies that demonstrated the MBE intervention led to reduced pain, but with low-certainty evidence.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
Healthcare (Basel)|
PubMed|
32947783|
10.3390/healthcare8030342
This study looked at the impact of a Tai Chi (TC) training intervention combined with mental imagery (MI) on individuals with diabetes. The intervention was a one hour session twice a week for 8 weeks to study the impact on blood pressure and cutaneous microcirculatory function.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the Tai Chi and mental imagery combined intervention had posstive impact on functional outcomes and blood pressure.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Diabetes
Linking Intervention and Impact
2018|
NeuroRehabilitation|
PubMed|
30400109|
10.3233/NRE-162061
This study aimed to test the feasibility of an individualized Tai Chi program for older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the individualized Tai Chi intervention showed improved performance on balance control.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2017|
Int J Yoga|
PubMed|
28149064|
10.4103/0973-6131.186156
This study looked a t the impact of a 12-week yoga intervention that had 60 min session twice a week. The study looked at the impact of the program on mental health status in elderly women inmates.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that the Yoga intervention led to an increase in the level of self esteem and decrease in depression and anxiety.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2018|
Complement Ther Med|
PubMed|
29458919|
10.1016/j.ctim.2017.12.010
The study looked at the impact of a 6 week Yoga intervention for older individuals with 45 minute sessions 3 days a week. The study analyzed the impact of the intervention on proprioception, balance and power in older individuals who have fallen in a YoMed group (YM) and a Proprioception Training Group (PT).
Outcome type: Neutral
The study found that neither the YM or PT group saw changes in measures outside of the dynamic posturography overall score, which was improved in the YM group.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2019|
Chin J Integr Med|
PubMed|
30519872|
10.1007/s11655-018-3056-5
This study looked at the impact of a Tai Chi Exercise intervention for older community-dwelling adults. The intervention include 60 minutes sessions five times a week for 12 weeks to understand the impact on cardiac and static lung function.
Outcome type: Neutral
The study did not show significant changes in any of the measures analyzed and would need longer duration interventions studies.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Stroke
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Glob Adv Health Med|
PubMed|
35601466|
10.1177/2164957X221100405
The study looked at the effect of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Yoga interventions.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that the CBT group had more improvement in pain interference group than the yoga group. Both intervention groups had significant changes in depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety, and fatigue. Neither group showed difference in physical function or social participation.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
Clin Gerontol|
PubMed|
37941382|
10.1080/07317115.2023.2277333
This study looked at the impact of a home-based online chair yoga program and computer brain game (CBG) that included 45 minute sessions 2 times a week for 12 weeks. The study analyzed rural community-dwelling older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that both groups had significant improvement in pain interference, cognitive function, mobility and computer skills. There was not a difference between the groups.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2016|
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med|
PubMed|
27956920|
10.1155/2016/5867810
This study looked at two Tai Chi programs to understand the impact on the Functional Movement Screening (FMS). This included a traditional Tai Chi exercise (TTC) and simplified Tai Chi exercise (TCRT) in older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that both groups had significant improvement in FMS scores after 6 months. The TCRT group had greater improvement than the TCC group
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2019|
Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci|
PubMed|
30690554|
10.1093/scan/nsz001
This study looked at the impact two mind-body interventions including Tai Chi Chuan and Banuanjin. The study focused on elderly individuals.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the Tai Chi Chuan group to have greater improvement of rsFC. Tai Chi Chuan also increased posterior cingulate cortex rsFC. Banduanjin decreased rsFC between the mPFC and orbital prefonal gyrus/putamen.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2019|
J Alzheimers Dis|
PubMed|
31743998|
10.3233/JAD-190487
This study looked at the impact of a Tai Chi exercise program for older adults with mild dementia.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that the Tai Chi intervention might improve cognitive function and mental well being in the study population.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Dementia
Linking Intervention and Impact
2014|
Res Gerontol Nurs|
PubMed|
24568209|
10.3928/19404921-20140218-01
This study looked at the feasibility of an 8-week chair yoga program (Sit'N'Fit Chair Yoga Program) for older adults with Alzheimer's.
Outcome type: Favorable
This study found positive impact of the program in Six-Minute Walk test, the Gait Speed Test, and the Berg Balance Scale.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Dementia
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
Mindfulness (N Y)|
PubMed|
37808263|
10.1007/s12671-023-02165-w
This study looked at a medication practice and cognitive function intervention. The study aimed to understand the impact on cognitive function in middle aged and older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study did not find meditation to be significantly related to total recall, global cognitive function and quantitative reasoning among the full group. Participants that did not have depressive symptoms at the start of the study did show positive changes in cognitive outcomes with medication more than twice a week.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Comput Biol Med|
PubMed|
35016098|
10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.105184
This study looked at the impact of a 6-month Tai Chi intervention on joint function for knee osteoarthritis patients.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found Tai Chi to positively impact walking gait dynamics.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
Front Psychol|
PubMed|
32328017|
10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00668
This study looked at the impact of Tai Chi (TC) on balance and global cognitive function. The intervention was 12 weeks with a focus on middle aged and older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found Tai Chi was positively correlated with change scores of cognitive function and balance.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
Effects of a short eight tai chi-forms for the pre-frail elderly people in senior living communities
2022|
Physiother Theory Pract|
PubMed|
34076569|
10.1080/09593985.2021.1926023
The study looked at the impact of an 8 week 8 form Tai Chi exercise intervention on pre-frail elderly individuals. The study observed the impact on physical function, fear of falling, and depression.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study showed the 8-form Tai Chi intervention had significant positive impact on 30s chair rise tests, fear of falling and the Geriatric Depression Scale at week 8 of the intervention..
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2018|
BMC Geriatr|
PubMed|
29394884|
10.1186/s12877-018-0720-8
This study looked at the impact of a Tai Chi program that included two one-hour sessions a week for 16 weeks. The goal was to determine the intervention effect on instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) on community-dwelling individuals 60+ with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the Tai Chi intervention significantly improved scores on the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (CMMSE) and IADL questionnaire. Minimum detectable change (MDC) was not exceeded.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
Complement Ther Clin Pract|
PubMed|
33217706|
10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101252
This study reviewed literature analyzing the impact of laughter yoga on physical function and psychosocial outcomes.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found 7 eligible studies that demonstrated a significant impact on physical function and psychosocial health from laughter interventions.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2024|
BMC Complement Med Ther|
PubMed|
38448853|
10.1186/s12906-024-04382-9
This study looked at an 16-week Tai Chi program to understand the impact it had on balance and functional mobility for older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the Tai Chi intervention led to significant improvement in the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, room mean square amplitude of COP displacement in the anterior-posterior, and medial, lateral directions.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2017|
PeerJ|
PubMed|
29062610|
10.7717/peerj.3943
This cross-sectional study looked at the impact of different exercises on cognitive tasks. The study groups included a Tai Chi (TC) group, a brisk walking group (BG) and a control group (CG).
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the TC and BG intervention groups had significantly improved executive condition of cognitive tasks and fitness than the CG. The study did not find significant results for reaction time.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2017|
J Bodyw Mov Ther|
PubMed|
28167186|
10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.06.004
This study looked at the impact of Bikram yoga intervention of 3 weekly classes for 8 weeks on endothelial function in young, middle-aged, and older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that brachial artery flow mediated dilation was increased in middle and older aged adults. This indicated the yoga intervention could have benefits for these two groups.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2018|
J Sport Health Sci|
PubMed|
30356498|
10.1016/j.jshs.2017.01.013
This study looked at the impact of Tai Chi on cognitive and physical function in older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that the Tai Chi intervention significantly improved in the Driving Scenes Test, maze navigation, Useful Field of View Test, Rapid Walk test, and the Right Foot Tapping Test.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
BMC Geriatr|
PubMed|
34332537|
10.1186/s12877-021-02390-9
This study looked at the impact of tai chi for community-dwelling older adults with degenerative osteoarthritis in the knee.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the Tai Chi intervention significantly increased functional fitness test scores in the intervention group after the 12-week intervention.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2016|
Cochrane Database Syst Rev|
PubMed|
27272131|
10.1002/14651858.CD009953.pub2
This study looked at the impact of Tai Chi on dyspnoea and exercise in individuals with CPOD.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 12 eligible studies that demonstrated positive impacts of Tai Chi on six-minute walk distance and pulmonary function. Other measures were inconclusive and more research needs to be done.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
Arch Gerontol Geriatr|
PubMed|
33338831|
10.1016/j.archger.2020.104319
This study reviewed current research on the impact of Yoga-related mind-body therapies on cognitive decline in older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 12 eligible studies that demonstrated the yoga intervention had significant positive impact on memory, executive function, and attention and processing speed.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Front Aging Neurosci|
PubMed|
35370622|
10.3389/fnagi.2022.761053
This study looked at the impact of two Tai Chi (TC) programs offered in 36 training sessions for 12 weeks on cognitive function and dual-talk walking in older adults with MCI. The two programs were exergaming-based TC (EXER-TC) and Traditional TC (TC)
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that the TC intervention and EXER-TC groups both had positive impact on Stroop Color and Word Test, the Trail Making Test Parts A and B, one-back test, gait speed, and dual-task cost of gait speed compared to the control. The EXER-TC group also had positive effect in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test compared to the control group.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
J Cardiovasc Nurs|
PubMed|
32544110|
10.1097/JCN.0000000000000703
This review looked at current evidence for the impact of Tai Chi on individuals with chronic health failure (CHF).
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 6 eligible studies the demonstrated Tai Chi led to significantly better exercise capacity, improved quality of life, decease depression, and decreased b-type natriuretic peptide expression.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Disabil Rehabil|
PubMed|
33043709|
10.1080/09638288.2020.1830311
This study looked at current evidence on the impact of Tai Chi on cognitive rehabilitation. The study focused on elderly adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found 12 eligible studies that demonstrated the Tai Chi intervention had positive effect on global cognitive ability and long-term delayed recall. It also had a moderate significant impact on improving executive function.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2014|
J Phys Act Health|
PubMed|
24366852|
10.1123/jpah.2012-0365
This study looked at the impact of a yoga intervention for older adults that included chair yoga, chair exercise and control groups. The study looked at how the intervention impacted psychological health.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that yoga was had significant improvement in participant anger, depression, anxiety, well-being, general self-efficacy, and self-efficacy for daily living than the exercise and control participants.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2017|
J Frailty Aging|
PubMed|
28721435|
10.14283/jfa.2017.16
This study looked at the impact of Tai Chi combined with resistance training and a diet intervention on cognitive function in a 12-week intervention. The study participants included 25 older, obese women.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the combined intervention let to improved domain specific cognitive function.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Age Ageing|
PubMed|
35380607|
10.1093/ageing/afac086
The study looked at the impact of Tai Chi on physical and cognitive function, frailty, quality of life (QOL) and mortality in community-dwelling adults 55+.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the Tai Chi intervention was associated with decreased impaired physical QOL, odds of incident prefrailty/frailty, and impaired mental QOL. The mortality risk findings were not significant.
Prospective Cohort Study
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2018|
J Women Aging|
PubMed|
28368782|
10.1080/08952841.2017.1295689
This study looked at the impact of yoga on mucosal immune function and mental stress in adult women .
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that SIgA concentration and secretion rate increased after yoga. Cortisol was lower and testosterone was higher after yoga.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2017|
Sports (Basel)|
PubMed|
29910412|
10.3390/sports5030052
This study looked at the impact of a Tang-Style Tai Chi intervention in adults 65+. The study looked at the impact on gait parameters and musculoskeletal flexibility.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the 8-week Tai Chi intervention led to significant improvement in gate parameter, stance phase, gate speed, swing phase, double support time, flexibility-related outcomes, single hip flexor, plantar flexion, range of motion, lateral pelvic tilt, pelvic rotation, hip range of motion, and ankle range of motion.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2024|
Aging Male|
PubMed|
38259166|
10.1080/13685538.2023.2282977
This review looked at literature on the impact of Tai Chi on blood pressure, lipid levels, and glucose concentrations for older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 57 eligible studies demonstrating Tai Chi led to improved systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride, and fasting glucose concentrations in middle-aged and elderly adults.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
Res Sports Med|
PubMed|
32546105|
10.1080/15438627.2020.1777553
This study looked at the impact of a combination intervention of a 12-week Wheelchair Tai Chi Ball (WTCB) with mind-body excise and strength training in elderly adults with disability. The goal was to determine the impact on mental health and functional ability.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the Tai Chi intervention significantly improved Pain Self Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ) results, physical health and muscle strength.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Geriatr Nurs|
PubMed|
35217325|
10.1016/j.gerinurse.2022.02.003
This study looked at the impact of a Yoga intervention for older community-dwelling adults on motivation of physical activity.
Outcome type: Neutral
The study found the Yoga intervention had significant impact on BMI, but had no effect on physical activity and cardiovascular outcomes.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2024|
Front Public Health|
PubMed|
38259770|
10.3389/fpubh.2023.1295342
This review looked at evidence of the impact Tai Chi interventions have on anxiety and depression in older adults.
Outcome type:
The review found 20 eligible studies that demonstrated Tai Chi reduced anxiety and depression compared to control groups.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
Complement Ther Med|
PubMed|
34118391|
10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102751
This study looked at the impact of a movement-based mind-body practice intervention on long-term cognitive health in middle aged and older adults.
Outcome type: Neutral
The study found that the Mind-body practice intervention led to a smaller decline in episodic memory, but did not have a significant effect on executive function.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2019|
J Am Geriatr Soc|
PubMed|
31116883|
10.1111/jgs.15986
This study looked at the impact of Tai Chi on physical function for older adults. The study specifically looked at older adults living in low-income housing facilities.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the Tai Chi intervention led to improved Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores over 12 months.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Front Aging Neurosci|
PubMed|
36105909|
10.3389/fnagi.2022.936027
This study looked at the impact of Tai Chi on balance and motor ability for individuals with Parkinson's
Outcome type:
The study found that the 24-from Tai Chi and Tai Chi Exercise programs were the most effective interventions.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
Front Psychol|
PubMed|
34093345|
10.3389/fpsyg.2021.656141
This study looked at the impact of Chinese mind-body exercises (CMBEs) on executive function (EF) for middle aged and older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 29 studies that demonstrated CMBEs positively impact overall EF and subdomains of working memory and shifting.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
Eur J Transl Myol|
PubMed|
37199220|
10.4081/ejtm.2023.11155
This study looked at the impact of Tai Chi on balance, motor function and fear of falling in older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that the Tai Chi intervention improved functional fitness and decreased risk of falling.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
BMJ Open|
PubMed|
36167364|
10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059658
This cross-sectional study loos at the impact of yoga on quality of life.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found there was significant increase in QOL associated with the yoga intervention
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2018|
Clin Gerontol|
PubMed|
28452644|
10.1080/07317115.2016.1252453
This study looks at the impact of Yoga on physical fitness in older individuals with chronic stoke.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that the yoga intervention show significant improvement in endurance, and lower and upper body strength.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Stroke
Linking Intervention and Impact
2019|
Clin Gerontol|
PubMed|
30204557|
10.1080/07317115.2018.1518282
This qualitative review looked at the impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found that the MBSR and MBCT interventions are feasible and could have benefits for older adults, but additional research is needed.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
Ageing Res Rev|
PubMed|
37944706|
10.1016/j.arr.2023.102120
This study reviewed current research on the impact of dance movement interventions (DMI) for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and dementia.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that there was a significant impact of dance interventions on global cognition, memory, balance, and depression.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
Int J Nurs Stud|
PubMed|
33751992|
10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2021.103911
This study looked at the literature on the impact of sitting Tai Chi on different health outcomes for individuals with impaired physical mobility.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review identified 11 studies that showed significant impact of the sitting Tai Chi intervention on depressive symptoms, heart rate, and social domain of quality of life.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med|
PubMed|
33424991|
10.1155/2020/6683302
This study looked for literature on the impact of Tai Chi Chuan( TCC) on cognitive function in elderly individuals.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review identified 19 studies that showed significant impact on cognitive function.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2016|
Phys Ther|
PubMed|
26450972|
10.2522/ptj.20150349
The study identified research looking at the impact of nonpharmacological interventions on dizziness in older people.
Outcome type: Neutral
The review found 7 studies, but found insufficient evidence
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2019|
J Aging Phys Act|
PubMed|
30747548|
10.1123/japa.2018-0232
This study looked at the impact of Tai Chi on adults at risk of ischemic stroke.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the intervention had significant improvement on the minimum of blood flow velocity after 12 weeks.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2018|
BMC Geriatr|
PubMed|
30541474|
10.1186/s12877-018-0988-8
This study aimed to understand the feasibility and safety of a yoga intervention for older adults at risk of mobility limitations.
Outcome type:
The study found high 10-week follow-up and attendance of participants. There were no serious adverse events and they determined the study was feasible and could be conducted as a larger RCT.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2018|
Neurorehabil Neural Repair|
PubMed|
29353543|
10.1177/1545968317753682
This study analyzed the impact of Tai Chi on cognitive function.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the Tai Chi intervention significantly improved logical memory and trial making test B minus A (TMT B-A). The TC group also had significantly increased plasma BDNF levels.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
PLoS One|
PubMed|
33481829|
10.1371/journal.pone.0242963
This cross-sectional and randomized trial looked at the impact of Tai Chi on falls, balance, gait in health adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that higher co-contraction index (CCI) scores were correlated with slower gait speed in cognitive dual-task conditions. It showed that Tai Chi experts had lower CCI than Tai Chi naïve participants.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
Complement Ther Clin Pract|
PubMed|
33706066|
10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101345
This study looked at the impact of Thai Yoga on fitness measures in elderly, overweight/obese women.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that the Thai Yoga intervention showed significant improvement in all fitness measures compared to the control group.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci|
PubMed|
31814012|
10.1093/gerona/glz284
This study looked a the impact of Yoga on mental well-being (MWB) and health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) in older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the Yoga intervention significantly improved HRQOL and MWB.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
Malays J Med Sci|
PubMed|
32863751|
10.21315/mjms2020.27.4.11
This study looked at the impact of Laughter Therapy (LT) on depression and quality of life (QOL) in older individuals.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that the intervention led to decreased depression.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Percept Mot Skills|
PubMed|
35613041|
10.1177/00315125221100820
This study analyzed the impact of Yoga on falling in older adults by comparing participants in a yoga program, exercise program, and control group with no program.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that the Yoga participants scored higher on lower extremity flexibility than the exercise program participants, and might be at less risk of falling.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
Int J Nurs Stud|
PubMed|
32891966|
10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2020.103737
This study looked at current literature on the impact of Tai Chi on quality of life (QOL), depressive symptoms and physical function in older adults living in the community with chronic disease.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 13 eligible studies that indicated a small positive impact of Tai Chi on QOL and depressive symptoms.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Disabil Rehabil|
PubMed|
34100670|
10.1080/09638288.2021.1933617
This study looked at the feasibility of a 10-week chair-based yoga intervention for adults with neutralizability and moderate to severe physical dependence.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study showed the intervention was feasible. IT found that their was a significant positive effect on body awareness, emotional awareness, and trusting. There was not significant impact on HRQoL.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
Front Behav Neurosci|
PubMed|
34803624|
10.3389/fnbeh.2021.747733
This study looked at the impact of an 8-week Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) intervention on functional brain activity and cognitive function in young adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that TCC had a positive correlation with processing efficiency.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2015|
J Phys Ther Sci|
PubMed|
26157242|
10.1589/jpts.27.1467
This study analyzed the impact of Tai Chi for a 6 month period on physical function in elderly individuals
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found mixed results with no significant difference between groups for one let standing time with eyes open, left grip strength or frontal assessment battery. The study found higher Mini-Mental State Examinations scores in the Tai Chi group after 3 and 6 months and increased right grip strength. There was a significant decrease in 5m high walking speed and 10m normal walking speed in the Tai Chi Group.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
BMC Geriatr|
PubMed|
37280512|
10.1186/s12877-023-04070-2
This study looks at existing studies showing the impact of Tai Chi and Qigong interventions on cognitive and physical function in older adults
Outcome type: Favorable
This study found 17 studies that demonstrated a significant positive impact on cognitive and physical function from Tai Chi and Qigong
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
BMC Geriatr|
PubMed|
36869290|
10.1186/s12877-023-03840-2
This study uses a quasi-experimental design to look at the impact and feasibility of a Tai Chi intervention on older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia.
Outcome type: Favorable
This study found that Tai chi significantly improved right-hand grip strength and physical-health-related QoL in individuals with MCI. TUG scores significantly improved in both MCI and dementia groups.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Dementia
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
Complement Ther Clin Pract|
PubMed|
36521407|
10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101715
This study analyzed the impact of an 8-week online Hatha yoga intervention on the psychological and quality of sleep of older adults
Outcome type: Favorable
The study showed that the Yoga intervention significantly decreased depression, anxiety, and stress. The study also found that the PSQI score related to the quality of sleep significantly improved in the intervention group.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Mental Health
Linking Gap and Impact
2016|
Chin J Integr Med|
PubMed|
26015074|
10.1007/s11655-015-2104-7
This cross-sectional study looked at the long term impact of Tai Chi over a 6-12 month period on muscle strength.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found increased strength in the intervention group but the strength did not differ between age groups.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
Int J Older People Nurs|
PubMed|
37577926|
10.1111/opn.12562
This study looked at the existing literature on the impact of yoga on physical and psychological outcomes in adults 60+.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found significant improvement in balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and depressive symptoms from Yoga. It also found that yoga decreased anxiety. There were inconclusive results on the impact on gait and other psychological outcomes.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2019|
Int J Environ Res Public Health|
PubMed|
31438638|
10.3390/ijerph16173033
This study looked at a Tai Chi Chuan intervention and its impact on negative emotions such as anxiety and depression.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found 14 studies that demonstrated the intervention had a positive impact on negative emotions. They also found that older adults benefit more from the intervention than young adults.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Sci Prog|
PubMed|
35379041|
10.1177/00368504221088375
This study looked at the impact of Tai Chi in older adults with knee osteoarthritis.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that Tai Chi had significant positive effects on pain, stiffness, and physical function.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs|
PubMed|
32515204|
10.1177/1474515120926068
This study looks at the impact of a Tai Chi intervention on the psychological well-being of individuals with cardiovascular disease.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 15 studies that demonstrated the intervention significantly improved general QOL, mental health QOL, physical health QOL, depression and phycological distress.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Cardiovascular Disorders
Linking Intervention and Impact
The effect of tai chi exercise on postural time-to-contact in manual fitting task among older adults
2020|
Gait Posture|
PubMed|
32896796|
10.1016/j.gaitpost.2020.08.124
This study looked at the impact of a Tai Chi intervention on postural time to contact. This was measured by having participants fit a block through two different openings/distances.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that those in the Tai Chi group had significantly longer postural time to contact than those who were not.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2017|
J Altern Complement Med|
PubMed|
27967210|
10.1089/acm.2016.0095
This cross-sectional study looked at how complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) impacted falls in older adults. The CAM interventions included alternative medical systems, biologically based therapies, manipulative and body-based therapies, mind-body therapies, and movement therapies
Outcome type: Unfavorable
The study found that individuals that had tried manipulative and body-based therapies had a higher likelihood of falling. The study noted this could be due to this group seeking therapy for chronic pain. There were no other significant findings.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
J Geriatr Phys Ther|
PubMed|
30531200|
10.1519/JPT.0000000000000218
This study looked a the impact of Tai Chi on health promotion in older adults (50+)
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 7 studies that met the criteria. The studies demonstrated that Tai Chi significantly improved upper and lower extremity muscle strength, aerobic endurance, balance, and mobility.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
Int J Environ Res Public Health|
PubMed|
33808633|
10.3390/ijerph18063179
This study looked at the impact of Tai Chi on cognitive impairment in older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
This review found 16 studies that demonstrated Tai Chi had positive impact on cognitive function, but not on dose duration effects on cognition.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2019|
Complement Ther Med|
PubMed|
30670231|
10.1016/j.ctim.2018.11.005
This study looked at the impact of Tai Chi on cognitive function. The study included Tai Chi for mind-body exercise and arm ergometry that was a body focused exercise.
Outcome type: Favorable
This study found that the Tai Chi intervention significantly changed the levels of oxyhemoglobin and total hemoglobin for the Tai Chi group. The study found that brain activity was higher in the TC group versus the AE group.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2016|
Res Sports Med|
PubMed|
27248716|
10.1080/15438627.2016.1191487
This study analyzed the impact of a 12-week Wheelchair Tai Chi From Intervention on physical and mental health measures in older adults with disability.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the intervention showed significant improvement in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, shoulder external rotation, left trunk rotation, and total trunk rotation.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2016|
Maturitas|
PubMed|
27180158|
10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.04.012
This study looked at 2012 National Health Interview Survey data to understand the impact of complementary health approaches (CHA) on midlife and older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that individuals using wellness-only and combined treatment had significantly higher odds of reporting benefits than treatment only users.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
Chin J Integr Med|
PubMed|
33420583|
10.1007/s11655-021-3278-9
This study looks at the impact of Tai Chi (TC) and Resistance training (RT) on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life for middle-aged and elderly cancer patients. The TC group had sessions 40 minutes per day, 3 days a week, for 12 weeks. The RT group had 10 sessions, 6 designated movements per day, 3 days a week for 12 weeks.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that the 12-week intervention had significant improvement in cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and quality of life (QoL) in both the TC and RT groups. The TC group also showed significant improvement in lower limb muscle strength and GAD-7, PHQ-9, and PSQI scores compared to the RT groups.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Cancer
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
BMJ Open|
PubMed|
38151281|
10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070540
The study aimed to understand the impact of Yoga on the fear of falling in older adults.
Outcome type: Neutral
The study reports the design but does not currently have the findings.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Complement Ther Med|
PubMed|
35143970|
10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102815
This study looked at the impact of yoga and aerobic exercise (AE) in older adults that are physically inactive.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that both yoga and AE shooed a positive impact on well-being. Yoga was found to be associated with fewer adverse events.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
J Bodyw Mov Ther|
PubMed|
34391308|
10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.04.012
This study looked at the impact of Yoga over a 3 month intervention on the sleep and constipation related quality of life (QOL) in older women
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that the yoga intervention significantly improved sleep quality and constipation related QOL.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2016|
BMC Psychol|
PubMed|
27245444|
10.1186/s40359-016-0137-0
The study looked at the impact of a 16-week Tai Chi intervention on specific mental-attentional executive processes
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that the Tai Chi group had significant gain on Figural Intersections Task (mental-attentional capacity), Antisaccade (attentional inhibition), and Matrix Reasoning (fluid intelligence measure). It also found that both interventions improved Water Level Task (attentional balance).
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
2021|
Res Sports Med|
PubMed|
33401978|
10.1080/15438627.2020.1870976
The study looked at the impact of a 24 week Tai Chi intervention on the psychological health and sleep quality of older adult women.
Outcome type: Favorable
Tai Chi had a positive effect on fatigue, depression, vigor, and sleep quality on older adult women. The effect on depression and sleep quality lasted 4 weeks after the intervention stopped
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
J Altern Complement Med|
PubMed|
`|
10.1089/acm.2021.0084
The review looked at literature on the impact of Tai Chi intervention among different populations' cognitive function improvement.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 33 studies demonstrating Tai Chi could improve cognitive function in middle-aged and elderly people with cognitive impairment and older adults and college students
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
Int J Gen Med|
PubMed|
37814642|
10.2147/IJGM.S434800
This review looked at literature on the impact of Tai Chi for Knee Osteoarthritis in older individuals.
Outcome type: Neutral
The review found six eligibility studies that demonstrated Tai Chi is effective in the integrative treatment of KOA but does not have enough quality of evidence.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
Cent Asian J Glob Health|
PubMed|
35866093|
10.5195/cajgh.2020.442
This review found literature on the impact of aromatherapy with lavender essential oil on depression.
Outcome type: Neutral
The review found 9 eligible studies with mixed results. Some studies showed positive effects of aromatherapy with lavender essential oil on depression and some reported no significant effect.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Eur Geriatr Med|
PubMed|
35377128|
10.1007/s41999-022-00639-z
This review found literature on the impact of mind-body therapies (MBTs) on older adults with dementia
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 9 eligible studies demonstrating that MBTs could improve some health outcomes among older populations with dementia
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Dementia
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
Complement Ther Med|
PubMed|
33989797|
10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102731
This study looked at the impact of two Tai Chi interventions (PRESSURE and BALANCE) that aimed to improve blood pressure or balance.
Outcome type: Favorable
PRESSURE significantly improved chair sit-to-stand (CSTS) test and gait speed compared to the control. BALANCE significantly improved single let stance test and CSTS and tended to lower SBP compared to the control group.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2018|
BMC Palliat Care|
PubMed|
29463240|
10.1186/s12904-018-0286-4
This study aimed to understand providers' and users' perspective on music therapy in palliative care
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 12 eligible studies that showed positive changes in psycho-physiological well-being from both quantitative and qualitative research.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
Appl Physiol Nutr Metab|
PubMed|
33054334|
10.1139/apnm-2020-0279
This review looked at literature on the effect of balance and functional strength training on health outcomes.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 5 eligible studies that demonstrated a positive impact from balance and functional training on reduced falls and improved health outcomes. The studies all focused on adults 65 and older.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
Comparing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy versus Yoga for Helping Older Adults Address High Levels of Worry|
PubMed|
38237006|
10.25302/03.2021.CER.151133007
This study looked at the impact of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and yoga on worry.
Outcome type: Favorable
Both CBT and yoga led to decrease in worry and anxiety symptom. CBT improved sleep more than Yoga.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2024|
Aging Cell|
PubMed|
37905388|
10.1111/acel.14023
This study looked at the impact of both long-term and short-term Tai Chi (TC) training on age-related decline in physical function in healthy older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that long term TC training improved physical function in older adults, but the short term impact was not significant. The study found that more research will be needed.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2016|
Age Ageing|
PubMed|
26707903|
10.1093/ageing/afv175
This review found literature looking at the impact of a yoga-based exercise intervention on balance and physical mobility.
Outcome type: Favorable
This review identified 6 eligible studies that showed small improvements in balance and medium improvements in physical mobility.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
Arch Gerontol Geriatr|
PubMed|
32860990|
10.1016/j.archger.2020.104236
This review found literature on the impact of complementary therapies on prefrail and frail older adults. Tai Chi was the therapy with the main findings.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review identified 15 eligible studies that demonstrated Tai Chi could improve functional capacity and quality of life.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Front Aging Neurosci|
PubMed|
36466597|
10.3389/fnagi.2022.1000427
This study looked at the impact of Tai Chi on cognitive function of the prefrontal cortex in a 16 week intervention.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the Tai Chi intervention led to improved cognitive resources.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
J Orthop Surg Res|
PubMed|
38072989|
10.1186/s13018-023-04324-0
This study looked a the impact of a 16-week Tai Chi intervention on bone mineral density (BMD). The target population was elderly individuals with osteoporosis (OP)
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found the Tai Chi intervention led to significant improvement sin BMD.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
Complement Ther Med|
PubMed|
32951703|
10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102421
The study looked at the impact of Yoga on cognitive and mental health in elderly individuals.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 13 RCTs and found that the yoga intervention had positive impacts on attention, executive functions among cognitive variables and depression in elderly individuals.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Mental Health
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil|
PubMed|
35599469|
10.3233/BMR-210247
This study analyzed the impact of Tai Chi on the gait and dynamic balance of elderly women. The intervention included Tai Chi 3 times a week for 6 weeks in 60 minute sessions.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that the Tai Chi intervention significantly decreased VAS, stride width, gait velocity, stride length
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Front Aging Neurosci|
PubMed|
35721018|
10.3389/fnagi.2022.860762
This study looks at the impact of Tai Chi on Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in elderly women.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that the Tai Chi intervention significantly improved pain, stiffness, and physical function using the Western Ontario and McMaster university Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) measure.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
Int J Environ Res Public Health|
PubMed|
34770176|
10.3390/ijerph182111663
This study looks at the impact of a yoga intervention for 9-12 weeks on physical fitness of elderly individuals in their 60s and 70s.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that the yoga intervention had a positive effect on muscle strength, balance, and flexibility.
Meta Analysis
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Ageing Res Rev|
PubMed|
36223875|
10.1016/j.arr.2022.101747
This review found literature on the impact of Tai Chi on muscle mass, strength, and physical function. The target population included elderly individuals with sarcopenia and frailty.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 11 eligible studies that demonstrated significant benefit from Tai Chi on 30-second chair and stand test, timed up and go test, number of falls, and fear of falling. No effect was found on muscle mass, grip strength, gait speed, or Short Physical Performance Battery Scores.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2019|
Soc Sci Med|
PubMed|
31029483|
10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.02.018
The review found literature on the impact of laughter inducing therapies on mental and physical health.
Outcome type: Favorable
Laughter-inducing therapies were shown to improve depression, but the study quality was low and had a substantial risk of bias.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
JAMA Netw Open|
PubMed|
37022680|
10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.7004
This study looked at the impact of Tai Chi Chuan and fitness walking for cognitive function. The study had a target population of individuals with T2D and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that Tai chi Chuan improved Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores after 36 weeks. The study found that Tai Chi had more of an impact on global cognitive function than fitness walking.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Diabetes
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
Ann Intern Med|
PubMed|
36913687|
10.7326/M22-2553
This review found literature on the impact of a yoga-based interventions on frailty in older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review identified 22 studies that demonstrated Yoga had positive impact on frailty markers, but might not be more effective than other active interventions.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
Cochrane Database Syst Rev|
PubMed|
32813272|
10.1002/14651858.CD003150.pub3
The review looked literature on the impact of aromatherapy interventions on individuals with dementia in a
Outcome type: Neutral
The review identified 13 eligible studies, but no benefit was found from aromatherapy.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2020|
PLoS One|
PubMed|
33332396|
10.1371/journal.pone.0243989
The study looked at the impact of 12 weeks of qigong and tai chi for middle-aged and older adults with T2DM.
Outcome type: Favorable
Outcomes included fasting plasma glucose (FpG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C),and C-peptide (C-P) levels. There was significant influence on HbA1C and C-P levels. Study found qigong intervention could have more impact on patients with longer duration of T2DM and Tai Chi could be risky for people with central obesity.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Diabetes
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
Ann Intern Med|
PubMed|
34058100|
10.7326/M20-7014
The study looked at the impact of a Tai Chi intervention for management of central obesity.
Outcome type: Favorable
Primary outcome: waist circumference (WC) Secondary outcomes: body weight; body mass index; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride, and fasting plasma glucose levels; blood pressure; and incidence of remission of central obesity.
The study found that Tai Chi improved waist circumference in adults with central obesity.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
J Prev Alzheimers Dis|
PubMed|
35098980|
10.14283/jpad.2021.40
The study looked at the impact of a mindfulness-based Tai Chi Chuan intervention on physical performance and cognitive function. The study aimed to understand the impact for cognitive frailty older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found improvement in cognitive function and physical performance between time groups. Rate of CF was significantly different between groups after 6 months. The MTCC intervention group had lower prevalence of frailty and better cognitive function.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Clin Rheumatol|
PubMed|
35854165|
10.1007/s10067-022-06280-2
This review found literature on the impact of yoga therapy interventions on systemic chronic diseases
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that yoga improved chronic pain, lung function, improved balance, and mental health.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2016|
Syst Rev|
PubMed|
27460789|
10.1186/s13643-016-0300-y
The study looks at the volume and focus of Tai Chi research that shows health outcomes.
Outcome type: Favorable
Studies found in this reviewed showed promising results for hypertension, fall prevention outside of institutions, cognitive performance, osteoarthritis, depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pain, balance, confidence, and muscle strength. The review did find methodological limitations in the studies.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Appl Physiol Nutr Metab|
PubMed|
34914565|
10.1139/apnm-2021-0736
The s study looked at the impact of yoga for men and postmenopausal women with increased risk of fracture.
Outcome type: Neutral
Evidence had low certainty and yoga did now show effect on health-related quality of life and mixed results for other outcomes.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
Front Public Health|
PubMed|
37736087|
10.3389/fpubh.2023.1236050
This review found literature on impact of Tai Chi on fall prevention and balance improvement in older adults
Outcome type: Favorable
Tai Chi reduced the risk of falls and decreased the number of falls in older adults. It also improved balance.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Arch Gerontol Geriatr|
PubMed|
36058045|
10.1016/j.archger.2022.104796
Examined the impact of Tai Chi on the physical/psychological conditions, cognitive abilities and quality of life in older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found 24 eligible studies that demonstrated Tai Chi can be an effective intervention for older adults for improving physical and psychological conditions, cognitive abilities, and QoL.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
Front Public Health|
PubMed|
37608981|
10.3389/fpubh.2023.1199246
This study looks at the impact of a Tai Chi intervention combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the cognitive performance of patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that there was significant improvement in global cognitive performance, memory, execution function, and attention in patients with MCI from the Tai Chi intervention combined with tDCS.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2016|
West J Nurs Res|
PubMed|
26689218|
10.1177/0193945915618610
The review looked for literature on yoga-based physical activity interventions to understand the impact on cardiovascular health in older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review found there was significant improvement in blood pressure, body composition, glucose, and lipids from yoga-based interventions.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
Complement Ther Med|
PubMed|
34118389|
10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102748
The review found literature on the impact of Tai Chi interventions.
Outcome type: Favorable
987 studies were identified and 93.8% reported a least one favorable outcome from Tai Chi.
Other
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2023|
Altern There Health Med|
PubMed|
35839111|
The review found literature on the impact of Tai Chi on cognitive and physical function in elderly individuals with dementia.
Outcome type: Favorable
The review identified 7 studies that demonstrated the Tai Chi intervention improved cognitive function among persons with dementia but had no significant impact on physical and emotional benefits.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Dementia
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
Exp Gerontol|
PubMed|
33887380|
10.1016/j.exger.2021.111363
This study looked at the impact of a 10-week Tai Chi intervention to understand the effect on psych emotional state, cognition, and motor learning in older adults. The study looked at this during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that Tai Chi decreased perceived stress, decreased depressive symptoms and increased BDNF levels. It demonstrated Tai Chi could improve mental and physical function in older adults during pandemic conditions.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65
Linking Intervention and Impact
2021|
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med|
PubMed|
34394392|
10.1155/2021/6679153
This review found literature on the impact of Tai Chi on cognitive impairment patients
Outcome type: Neutral
The review found 9 studies but limited evidence to show that Tai Chi is effective for older adults with cognitive impairment.
Systematic Review
Peer Reviewed
Linking Intervention and Impact
2022|
Am J Geriatr Psychiatry|
PubMed|
34404606|
10.1016/j.jagp.2021.07.008
This study looked at a combined Tai Chi Chih (TCC) or Health Education and Wellness training (HEW) with the stable standard antidepressant treatment intervention to understand the impact on mood and cognitive functioning in depressed older adults.
Outcome type: Favorable
The study found that both TCC and HEW showed improved symptoms of depression in older adults when combined with a standard antidepressant treatment. TCC improving general health more than HEW.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Peer Reviewed
Age > 65
Age ≤ 65