Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the single leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke is caused by blockage of blood and/or oxygen to the brain due to a clot, blood vessel or artery rupture. It can result in total or partial paralysis, coma, and even death, depending on the extent of the damage. Stroke, unfortunately, can occur in people of all ages.
There are many risk factors associated with stroke, although in some cases, doctors are unable to determine what caused the stroke. Doctors do feel that 90% of strokes are preventable. There are over 4 million stroke survivors in the United States and over 7 million in China. In fact, stroke happens in every country in the world. Rehabilitation can be a very slow, arduous process with little options. Survivors may be faced with limitations and having to learn a new way of living.
Tai Chi and/or Qigong work well for treating stroke survivors because of the focus on slow, relaxed, controlled and repetitive movements. The key here is movement, not static postures. Traditional exercise programs mostly work on static or standing balance. Tai Chi and Qigong help to restore motor control, increase aerobic capacity, improve balance, circulation, and sensorimotor function, while calming and relaxing the mind. They also help prevent recurrent strokes, which can be more devastating than the first one.
One of the major areas that Tai Chi has made a big difference for stroke survivors is with balance. Often balance issues include problems with vision, equilibrium (due to inner ear issues), and/or physical weakness (usually on one side of the body). Tai Chi improves motion while coordinating movement, extremely important in order to prevent falls. Tai Chi also requires the participant to be mindful of their movements and promotes overall body awareness, and a sense of control over their body.
Many studies and meta-analyses have been done regarding the benefits to stroke survivors when practicing Tai Chi and/or Qigong. Here are just a few:
A 2009 study conducted in Hong Kong compared Tai Chi with a control group (stretching, breathing, walking, sitting, and mind exercises). Researchers determined that in only 6 weeks the Tai Chi group outperformed the control group in balance, especially when it was necessary to shift their weight. The Tai Chi group also improved strength and cardiovascular fitness.
The University of Arizona researchers presented the finding of their 4 year study on physical functioning improvement among elderly stroke survivors at the International Stroke Conference in 2013. The study compared Tai Chi, Silver Sneakers program, and usual-care post-stroke education group. Stroke survivors experience up to seven times more falls every year because of lack of balance and equilibrium. The Tai Chi group had 1/3 the falls of the other control groups and showed improvement in balance, strength, speed of walking and quality of life.
In 2015, researchers looked at the current trends in Tai Chi for stroke rehabilitation and published an article appearing in the July issue of the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences. Their study indicated that Tai Chi does appear to be beneficial for stroke survivors but that the “reporting quality of existing studies was sub-optimal”.
A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted in 2018 comparing Tai Chi to conventional rehabilitation therapy determined that Tai Chi was beneficial for balance, motor function, walking, mental health, and sleep.
While numerous studies have been done, many researchers have determined that higher quality studies, larger number of subjects, and longer term follow-up is needed. Relevant studies from other countries (such as Japan, Korea, European countries) may be missing from current publications. Studies also lack standardization because they use different styles of Tai Chi and/or Qigong, different frequency of intervention, and duration (length) of classes.
A different approach: In the 4th Edition of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Tai Chi and Qigong, Bill Douglas states that doctors often recommend Tai Chi to survivors because of the mind/body (brain) interaction. Survivors often fear falling and it is a challenge for them to coordinate their movements. Bill has been advocating a mountain-climbing harness (secured to the ceiling) for those with balance problems to remove the fear from falling. He predicts that hospitals will eventually provide a room with harnesses for stroke survivors. For those survivors desiring a harness in their homes, Bill suggests finding an experienced climbing expert who may be ble to help.
Bottom line: Tai Chi and Qigong do help! Many of the Tai Chi and/or Qigong movements are similar to things we do in everyday life. Movements can be done standing or seated. Best of all, they are easy to do and don’t stress the body or mind.
Let’s keep in mind that in order for any of us to reap all the benefits that Tai Chi and/or Qigong have to offer, it is necessary to practice on a routine, long-term basis.
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