Article

This focused review summarizes and critically evaluates clinical trial evidence
for the effectiveness of Tai Chi as a supportive therapy for stroke
rehabilitation. All prospective, controlled clinical trials published in English
or Chinese and involving the use of Tai Chi by survivors of stroke were searched
in eight electronic databases. Information from the included studies was
extracted and synthesized.
The methodological quality of all studies was assessed
with the Jadad score.
Five randomized controlled trials, four in English and one
in Chinese, met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The methodological
quality of the trials was moderate (Jadad score, range, 1-4; average score, 2.6).
Meta-analysis was not performed because of the heterogeneity of the study
conditions and outcome measures. Three studies reported benefits of Tai Chi with
respect to improved balance in participants who have had a stroke. Three studies
assessed mobility function and reported no improvement after Tai Chi intervention
in survivors of stroke. Improvements in quality-of-life and mental health were
reported in three trials.
This focused review suggests that Tai Chi exercise
might be beneficial with respect to balance, quality-of-life, and mental health
in survivors of stroke. More rigorous randomized controlled trials are required
to determine whether Tai Chi is effective in stroke rehabilitation.

Langue : ANGLAIS