Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurologic disorder. Parkinson’s biggest initial impact is on how patients move. Patients have tremors and have difficulty initiating movement. They walk with short shuffling steps. Balance worsens and falls are common. Parkinson’s disease is treated with medications and rarely with brain surgery. Resistance-based exercise has been shown to slow the worsening of balance and strength in patients with Parkinson’s disease, but these exercises frequently require equipment and supervision.
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art. Its emphasis on slow graceful movements, balance, and attention to breathing has made it a very popular form of exercise and meditation. Researchers thought that it would be a good way to improve balance in Parkinson’s patients. A ” target=”_blank”>Tai Chi may help Parkinson’s patients regain balance (Los Angeles Times Booster Shots)
” target=”_blank”>Tai Chi and Postural Stability in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease (New England Journal of Medicine)
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