Myeong Soo Lee and  Edzard Ernst received substantial international media attention for their BJSM article: “Systematic reviews of t’ai chi: an overview” (published online, May 16^th 2011). In their critical evaluation of 35 systematic reviews, the authors report that T’ai Chi effectively prevents falls and improves psychological health in older adults.

This BJSM feature was picked up by:

• The guardian, UK
• Barchester Healthcare, UK
• Irish Medical Times
• The West Australian
• French Tribune.com
• Edmonton Journal, Canada
• The Boston Globe, USA

This international coverage of Soo Lee and Ernst’s paper is significant for three reasons –

First, it reflects the global interest in practical, and accessible strategies to improve the health of older adults.

But don’t get too excited just yet.

Second, this mainstream attention promotes a more realistic notion of the degree of potential benefits for T’ ai Chi (read: it is not a ‘panacea’). The authors emphasize that more rigorous research is needed to demonstrate that T’ ai Chi significantly reduces the effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Parkinson’s Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, and cancer. They also suggest that T’ai Chi is not effective as a treatment for cardiovascular disease.

But don’t give up hope!

Third, some of the articles accurately promote that even moderate exercise, 2 times a week has significant benefit on health and well being (although degree of benefits increase in correlation to exercise frequency).

So in short, while T’ ai Chi may not be a ‘wonder activity’ that cures all sickness, even a small dose reduces falls risk and improves mental health in older adults.

What is your experience? Comment below or on Twitter (we are @BJSM_BMJ).