Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on the Physical and Mental Health of the Elderly: A Systematic Review

Background: Many studies revealed that the elderly people are more susceptible to respiratory infections including the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pneumonia. The outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus has caused serious psychological and physical damage to the elderly. Tai Chi chuan is both rigid and flexible, with unique breathing and movement rhythms, and has a positive effect on the mental and physical health of the elderly. Related research is scattered in the literature.

Research purposes: This article summarizes and analyzes the effects of Tai Chi chuan on the Psychological and Physiological Health of the elderly and its mechanism, and provides corresponding methods of Tai Chi chuan practice for reference when practicing. Provide a reference for the health promotion of the senior citizens under the normalized prevention and control of the epidemic.

Methods: literature systematic evaluation, through Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed and other databases to search the literature on the effects of Tai Chi chuan on the health of the elderly, sort out the research progress at home and abroad, and determine the relevant literature for analysis according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this study.

Results: Through the preliminary screening of literature titles and abstracts, 84 articles were obtained, 64 articles were excluded according to the elimination criteria, and 20 articles were obtained; 15 articles were excluded according to the final criteria, 1 article included based on reference searching, and finally 6 articles were included in the study.

Conclusion: Tai Chi chuan has a potential effect on the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of COVID-19. Its potential mechanisms include reducing anxiety, relieving depression and stress, enhancing pulmonary and cardiovascular function, enhancing immunity and improving quality of life.