Measurement Issues Related to Lifelong Comprehensive Benefits of Tai Chi

In recent years, Tai Chi has been one of the hot topics in public media, medical and health-related publications. It has been referenced as an effective exercise method to improve quality of life, mentally and physically. Some questions rise regarding the scientific evidences of the benefits of Tai Chi practice: What is the level of the scientific evidence available regarding the benefits of Tai Chi? Are the comprehensive benefits of Tai Chi measurable? What has been and what has not been (or cannot be) measured? To provide the preliminary answers of these questions, this study uses meta-analysis method to synthesize the scientific inquiry in last two decades on measuring comprehensive benefits of Tai Chi. The peer reviewed scientific publications are searched in major electronic databases (MEDLINE, ERIC and PSYCINFO). The publications in Chinese language are also referenced. The research publications confirmed following benefits of Tai Chi on a broad range of measures: (1) physical function including exercise intensity, activity tolerance and cardiovascular function, (2) physiological measures including blood pressure and lipid profiles, enhancing immune response, and improving flexibility and strength, (3) psychological measures including self-efficacy, sleep quality, mood and attitude. These synthesized results show there is clear scientific evidence regarding the effective benefits of Tai Chi practice in improving the function and quality of life. However, the results also lead us to conclude that there maybe lack of research focus on the why and how the Tai Chi practice affects the attributes mentioned above. There are few studies available regarding the biological mechanism of Tai Chi in the literature. The results also indicate that there maybe lack of communication among the researchers from different countries. There are many overlapped/redundant research published in different languages. In conclusion: Is the Tai Chi practice effective in producing lifelong comprehensive benefits? Yes, absolutely. Do we understand the biological mechanism of Tai Chi? Not yet in detail as we would like to. For example, it is difficult for researchers to understand the key concept “Qi” in Tai Chi. I am not sure whether it is a legitimate scientific question for the scientists and researchers: What is Qi in Tai Chi and can we measure it? Exploring answers on the biological mechanism of Tai Chi would be an exciting journey and we may have a long way to go.