Using Tai Chi and Qigong to Treat Parkinson’s Disease: An Application of Artificial Intelligence to Traditional Chinese Medicine Volume 65- Issue 3

Robert W McGee*

• Fayetteville State University, USA

Received: April 13, 2026; Published: April 29, 2026

*Corresponding author: Robert W McGee, Fayetteville State University, USA

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2026.65.010195

Abstract PDF

ABSTRACT

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with disabling motor and non motor symptoms, and current pharmacologic therapies often provide incomplete and time limited relief. Tai Chi and Qigong, traditional Chinese mind body practices, have been proposed as complementary interventions to improve balance, motor function, and quality of life in this population.

Objective: This study used an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant to systematically summarize and synthesize the evidence from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta analyses evaluating Tai Chi and Qigong as adjunctive therapies for PD.

Methods: Studies were identified in PubMed and then processed with an AI system (Grok) to generate structured summaries of study design, participant characteristics, intervention protocols, key outcomes, mechanisms, limitations, and clinical implications. Eight eligible publications—primarily systematic reviews, meta analyses of systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials—were included.

Results: Across studies, Tai Chi consistently improved balance, functional mobility, and fall rates, with several meta analyses reporting moderate effect sizes in favor of Tai Chi versus control conditions. Individual trials also demonstrated significant improvements in motor symptoms (e.g., Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III scores) and selected neurocognitive measures following 12 week Tai Chi interventions. Qigong showed potential benefits for motor function, sleep quality, and other non motor symptoms, although the evidence base remains smaller and more heterogeneous. Effects on health related quality of life were mixed, with some reviews suggesting small, favorable but statistically non significant trends. Overall, the available literature indicates that Tai Chi and Qigong are safe and feasible complementary therapies for people with mild to moderate PD.

Conclusions: AI assisted evidence synthesis suggests that Tai Chi and Qigong can provide clinically meaningful adjunctive benefits for motor and selected non motor outcomes in PD, particularly in balance, mobility, fall prevention, and depressive symptoms. Given persisting methodological limitations, including small sample sizes, heterogeneous interventions, and limited long term follow up, high quality randomized trials with standardized protocols are needed to confirm and extend these findings. Nevertheless, integrating Tai Chi and Qigong into multidisciplinary PD management appears reasonable for appropriately selected and motivated patients.

Keywords: Tai Chi; Qigong; Parkinson’s Disease; Balance; Motor Function; Gait; Non-Motor Symptoms; Meta- Analysis; Randomized Controlled Trial; Complementary Therapy; Neuroplasticity; Fall Prevention

Introduction

Tai chi and qigong are both forms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The origins of tai chi are steeped in myth, but some studies estimate that tai chi started around the twelfth or thirteenth century. Qigong is much older, going back several thousand years. Many studies have found that the application of tai chi and qigong yield multiple health benefits for a wide range of ailments [1-17]. Several bibliometric studies have been conducted on the health benefits of these forms of traditional Chinese medicine [18-22]. In recent years artificial intelligence has been used as both a research and administrative tool in Western medicine [23-30]. The present study utilizes artificial intelligence to summarize studies where tai chi and qigong have been used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability, as well as non-motor symptoms including depression, cognitive impairment, and sleep disturbances. Traditional pharmacological treatments often provide symptomatic relief but may not address all aspects of the disease or prevent progression. Tai Chi and Qigong, ancient Chinese mind-body practices involving slow, deliberate movements, breathing control, and meditation, have emerged as promising complementary therapies. This compilation summarizes 8 studies, primarily systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and RCTs, to evaluate their effects on PD patients, highlighting improvements in balance, mobility, motor function, and quality of life while exploring underlying mechanisms and practical implications.

Methodology

Studies were selected from the PubMed database. Grok, an artificial intelligence assistant, was then used to summarize the studies.

The Studies

The studies are summarized below.

Study 1 [31]

1. Study Design: This is a comprehensive updated review synthesizing findings from meta-analyses and systematic reviews on non-pharmacological interventions, including Tai Chi and Qigong, for depression in Parkinson’s disease (PD), aggregating data from multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) without detailing individual study designs.

2. Participant Details: Aggregated from included studies, typically involving PD patients with varying stages and durations, but specific totals, age means/ranges, sex distributions, or condition specifics like Hoehn and Yahr stages are not detailed.

3. Intervention Protocols: Tai Chi and Qigong are described as mind-body exercises involving muscle stretching, coordination, relaxation, movement, and breathing control, typically of moderate intensity, but durations, frequencies, and session lengths are not specified.

4. Key Findings: Meta-analyses show significant antidepressant effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on PD depression compared to controls, with moderate effect sizes (e.g., SMD = -0.57, 95% CI [-0.94, -0.20], p = 0.003 for non-motor symptoms including depression), though specific stats for depression alone vary due to heterogeneity.

5. Potential Mechanisms for Medical Professionals: May promote hippocampal neurogenesis, serotonin biosynthesis, endogenous cannabinoid system activation, cerebral blood flow enhancement, and inhibition of neuroinflammation, mitochondrial impairment, and oxidative stress.

6. Benefits for Tai Chi/Qigong Enthusiasts: Enhances holistic well-being through physical-cognitive integration, potentially aiding Qi cultivation via improved energy flow, balance, and relaxation.

7. Strengths: Synthesizes recent trials and reviews for a broad perspective on complementary therapies.

8. Limitations: High heterogeneity in sample sizes, criteria, durations, and assessments; lack of long-term data and variable depression diagnosis methods.

9. Clinical Recommendations: Recommend as complementary approaches for PD depression, especially for motivated patients, but integrate with pharmacological treatments due to limited definitive evidence.

Study 2 [32]

1. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of systematic reviews evaluating Tai Chi’s effects on functional mobility, balance, and falls in PD, including 16 studies identified up to October 2021.

2. Participant Details: Aggregated from included reviews, but specifics like total numbers, age means/ranges, sex distributions, or PD stages/durations are not provided.

3. Intervention Protocols: Tai Chi interventions, but types, durations, frequencies, and session lengths are not detailed.

4. Key Findings: Significant improvements in balance (SMD = -0.777, 95% CI [-0.921, -0.633], p = 0.000), functional mobility (SMD = -0.719, 95% CI [-0.944, -0.494], p = 0.000), and falls (SMD = -0.456, 95% CI [-0.668, -0.245], p = 0.000).

5. Potential Mechanisms for Medical Professionals: Not explained, though implied through enhanced postural stability and coordination.

6. Benefits for Tai Chi/Qigong Enthusiasts: Improves functional mobility and balance, contributing to holistic well-being and potential Qi cultivation via mindful movement.

7. Strengths: Meta-analysis of reviews provides robust synthesis.

8. Limitations: Lack of detailed participant and intervention data; potential heterogeneity not addressed.

9. Clinical Recommendations: Tai Chi shows promise for PD management; recommend as adjunct therapy for mobility and fall prevention.

Study 3 [33]

1. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial comparing longterm Tai Chi Chuan, aerobic exercise, and control on motor and neurocognitive performance in early-stage PD, with pre- and post-12-week assessments using UPDRS-III and event-related potentials during working memory tasks.

2. Participant Details: 56 participants (16 in Tai Chi group for final analysis), mean age 66.31±6.54 years, 7 males/9 females in Tai Chi group; early-stage PD (Hoehn and Yahr 1-2), mean duration 6.75±5.49 years.

3. Intervention Protocols: Yang-style short-form Tai Chi Chuan (24 postures), 12 weeks, twice weekly, 60-minute sessions including warm-up and postural control focus.

4. Key Findings: Significant UPDRS-III reduction (8.00±5.27 to 4.69±2.92, p=0.001); increased ERP P3 amplitude (11.86±1.55 μV to 13.40±1.29 μV, p=0.038); group×time interaction for UPDRS-III (F [2,40] =11.47, p<0.001, η²P=0.36) and P3 (F [2,40] =7.68, p=0.001, η²P=0.27).

5. Potential Mechanisms for Medical Professionals: Enhances prefrontal cortex activity and attention via rhythmic movements and mindfulness, improving cognitive processing and motor control.

6. Benefits for Tai Chi/Qigong Enthusiasts: Promotes mindbody integration for better attention and well-being, aligning with Qi flow through focused breathing and movement.

7. Strengths: First comparison of neurocognitive effects; high adherence (>85%), no adverse events.

8. Limitations: Assessed only in “on” medication state; limited to Yang-style; no biochemical markers.

9. Clinical Recommendations: Use Tai Chi for motor and cognitive improvements in early PD; explore styles for broader benefits.

Study 4 [34]

1. Study Design: Systematic review of 11 studies (7 RCTs, 4 quasi-experimental) on Tai Chi’s effects on physical function and well-being in PD.

2. Participant Details: 548 participants, average age 68 years, 50% women; PD specifics like stages/durations not detailed.

3. Intervention Protocols: Tai Chi exercises, but durations, frequencies, and session lengths not specified.

4. Key Findings: Better balance and well-being improvements, but mixed results; no specific stats (SMD, p-values, CI) provided.

5. Potential Mechanisms for Medical Professionals: Not explained.

6. Benefits for Tai Chi/Qigong Enthusiasts: Enhances balance and well-being, supporting holistic health and Qi cultivation.

7. Strengths: Broad review of multiple designs.

8. Limitations: Needs rigorous designs, larger samples, adequate dosing, better measures.

9. Clinical Recommendations: Further research needed before widespread use; potential as adjunct for function.

Study 5 [35]

1. Study Design: Review of clinical trials including open-label, RCTs, and wait-list-controlled trials on Tai Chi and Qigong for PD.

2. Participant Details: 1-195 for Tai Chi, 7-98 for Qigong; typically adults >60 years, mild-moderate PD, but sex/stages/ durations inconsistent.

3. Intervention Protocols: Tai Chi (Yang/Sun/Ai Chi styles), 5 days-24 weeks, 2-5 sessions/week, 60 minutes; Qigong (six-healing sounds/Baduanjin/Turo), 6 weeks-6 months, 2-5 sessions/week, 45-60 minutes.

4. Key Findings: Tai Chi improved balance (e.g., BBS effect size=1.03, p=0.04), quality of life (PDQ-39 effect size=1.03, p=0.04), falls (p<0.001); Qigong improved mUPDRS (p=0.038), sleep (p=0.045).

5. Potential Mechanisms for Medical Professionals: Enhances postural stability, coordination; reduces inflammation (e.g., TNF-α) for sleep/motor benefits.

6. Benefits for Tai Chi/Qigong Enthusiasts: Mind-body focus aids relaxation, Qi cultivation, emotional well-being.

7. Strengths: Variety of designs, large samples in key trials.

8. Limitations: Inconsistent reporting, small samples in some, no long-term data.

9. Clinical Recommendations: Safe complementary therapy for motor/non-motor symptoms; integrate into rehab.

Study 6 [36]

1. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of systematic reviews on Tai Chi and Qigong for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in PD, including 7 reviews up to November 2018.

2. Participant Details: Aggregated, but totals, ages, sexes, PD stages/durations not specified.

3. Intervention Protocols: Tai Chi/Qigong, but types, durations, frequencies, lengths not detailed.

4. Key Findings: No significant HRQoL effect (SMD = -0.166, 95% CI [-0.676, 0.344], p=0.523), but small effect favors benefits.

5. Potential Mechanisms for Medical Professionals: Not explained.

6. Benefits for Tai Chi/Qigong Enthusiasts: Potential HRQoL gains support holistic well-being, Qi cultivation.

7. Strengths: Comprehensive database search, synthesis of reviews.

8. Limitations: Heterogeneity, small effect limits conclusions.

9. Clinical Recommendations: Potential benefits; further research needed for PD HRQoL.

Study 7 [37]

1. Study Design: Scoping review synthesizing 19 systematic reviews (74 trials) on Qigong, Tai Chi, Yoga for neurological diseases including PD.

2. Participant Details: Aggregated from 74 trials, but totals, ages, sexes, PD stages/durations not provided.

3. Intervention Protocols: Movement-based mindful exercises like Tai Chi/Qigong, but durations, frequencies, lengths not specified.

4. Key Findings: Improves balance, functional mobility in PD; no specific stats (SMD, p, CI).

5. Potential Mechanisms for Medical Professionals: Not explained.

6. Benefits for Tai Chi/Qigong Enthusiasts: Enhances balance/ mobility for holistic well-being, Qi cultivation.

7. Strengths: Broad synthesis, overlap analysis (high for Tai Chi in PD).

8. Limitations: Low methodological quality, evidence certainty; high overlap.

9. Clinical Recommendations: Effective for balance/mobility; integrate as complementary.

Study 8 [38]

1. Study Design: Systematic review of RCTs and quasi-experimental studies on Tai Chi and Qigong as complementary treatments for PD.

2. Participant Details: Aggregated, but totals, ages, sexes, PD specifics not detailed.

3. Intervention Protocols: Tai Chi/Qigong therapies, but types, durations, frequencies, lengths not specified.

4. Key Findings: Potential benefits, but insufficient content for stats.

5. Potential Mechanisms for Medical Professionals: Not explained.

6. Benefits for Tai Chi/Qigong Enthusiasts: Supports well-being through mindful practice.

7. Strengths: Focus on complementary role.

8. Limitations: Insufficient content for detailed analysis.

9. Clinical Recommendations: Consider as adjunct; more research needed.

Concluding Comments

This AI assisted review of eight studies, including systematic reviews, meta analyses, and randomized controlled trials, indicates that Tai Chi and Qigong offer promising complementary benefits for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The most consistent findings relate to improvements in balance, functional mobility, and fall prevention, outcomes of clear clinical importance in a population at high risk for injury and loss of independence. In addition, selected trials report meaningful reductions in motor symptom severity and enhancements in neurocognitive measures, while some reviews suggest potential improvements in depressive symptoms and sleep, although the evidence for global health related quality of life remains mixed. From a mechanistic standpoint, Tai Chi and Qigong may exert their effects through a combination of neuromuscular training, postural control, attentional focusing, and mind body regulation, potentially influencing neuroplasticity, mood, and overall well being. While these pathways remain incompletely understood, they align with broader literature on movement based mindful exercises in neurological disorders. Importantly, the reviewed interventions were generally well tolerated, with high adherence and no serious adverse events reported, supporting their safety and feasibility as adjunctive therapies. However, several limitations temper the strength of current conclusions. Many studies involved small samples, short intervention periods, heterogeneous Tai Chi and Qigong styles and dosing, and incomplete reporting of PD stage, duration, and concomitant treatments. Meta analyses frequently noted high heterogeneity and limited certainty of evidence, and long term maintenance of benefits has not been adequately explored. These methodological constraints underscore the need for rigorously designed, adequately powered randomized trials with standardized protocols, longer follow up, and consistent use of validated motor, non motor, and quality of life measures. The present project also highlights the potential value of artificial intelligence as a research tool in integrative medicine. By rapidly extracting, organizing, and synthesizing key features from a dispersed literature, AI can help clinicians and researchers gain an efficient overview of the evidence base, identify gaps, and generate hypotheses for future work. At the same time, AI generated summaries remain dependent on the quality and completeness of the underlying studies and should be viewed as complementary to, not a replacement for, traditional critical appraisal. In practical terms, Tai Chi and Qigong can reasonably be recommended as safe, low cost, and accessible adjuncts to standard pharmacologic and rehabilitative care for patients with mild to moderate PD who are medically cleared for exercise and interested in mind body approaches. Collaboration between neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, and experienced Tai Chi/Qigong instructors may facilitate appropriate program design, patient education, and monitoring. Future research should explore optimal styles, intensity, session frequency, and duration, as well as the differential responsiveness of motor versus non motor outcomes and the sustainability of benefits over time.

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