Research & Evidence

Tai Chi and Qi Gong have been practised for centuries, but over the last few decades they have also become the subject of growing scientific research.

Researchers around the world have explored how these practices may support physical health, emotional wellbeing and healthy ageing. The result is an expanding body of evidence that helps us better understand where Tai Chi and Qi Gong may be beneficial, where the evidence is still developing and where further research is needed. (NCBI)

At Movement In Mind, we believe it is important to combine traditional knowledge with modern research. We value both lived experience and scientific evidence, recognising that each offers a different perspective on health and wellbeing.

Why Research Matters

Research helps us understand whether an intervention is likely to be safe, effective and appropriate for different groups of people.

It also helps healthcare professionals, researchers and practitioners make informed decisions about the advice they give and the services they provide.

Scientific research doesn’t replace individual experience, but it does help us ask important questions:

What does the evidence show?
Who is most likely to benefit?
How strong is the evidence?
What are the limitations of current research?
What questions still need to be answered?

Understanding both the strengths and limitations of research allows us to make balanced, evidence-informed decisions.

What Does the Research Tell Us?

Research into Tai Chi and Qi Gong has grown considerably over recent decades. Studies have explored their effects on physical function, balance, mental wellbeing, cardiovascular health and quality of life. Although the strength of evidence varies between conditions, systematic reviews increasingly suggest that these practices can play a valuable role alongside conventional healthcare for many people.

Large reviews of hundreds of individual studies suggest there is good evidence that these practices can support some aspects of health and wellbeing, while evidence for other conditions is still emerging. Recent evidence maps show the research base is becoming stronger, with moderate- to high-certainty evidence now available for several health conditions, although more high-quality studies are still needed. (NCBI)

Areas where research has been particularly encouraging include:

balance and falls prevention
healthy ageing
osteoarthritis
Parkinson’s disease
blood pressure and cardiovascular health
chronic pain
mental wellbeing
sleep
physical function and mobility

Research also continues to explore potential benefits for many other long-term health conditions.

Understanding Different Types of Evidence

Not all research provides the same level of confidence.

Some studies involve only a small number of participants, while others combine the results of many high-quality studies to provide a broader picture.

As you explore the research on this website, you may come across terms such as:

Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs)

These studies compare one intervention with another or with usual care, helping researchers understand whether a treatment is likely to make a difference.

Systematic Reviews

These bring together all the available research on a particular topic and assess its overall quality.

Meta-Analyses

These combine the results of multiple studies using statistical methods, providing one of the strongest forms of evidence when the underlying studies are of good quality.

No single study provides the final answer. Confidence grows when similar findings are repeated across many well-designed studies.

Looking Beyond Headlines

Research findings are sometimes presented as simple statements such as:

“Tai Chi cures…”

“Qi Gong prevents…”

In reality, research is rarely that straightforward.

Most studies explore whether an intervention may improve symptoms, physical function or quality of life—not whether it provides a cure.

The strength of evidence also varies between different health conditions.

At Movement In Mind, we aim to present research accurately and in context, avoiding exaggerated claims while recognising where evidence is genuinely encouraging.

Research Is Always Evolving

Science is a continual process of learning.

New studies are published every year, sometimes confirming earlier findings and sometimes challenging them.

Recent reviews suggest that the overall evidence for Tai Chi and Qi Gong has strengthened since earlier assessments, particularly for some conditions, while also highlighting the need for more high-quality research in many areas. (NCBI)

Rather than seeing research as fixed, we view it as an evolving conversation that continues to deepen our understanding.

How We Use Research

Research is one part of good practice.

Equally important are:

professional training and experience
listening to each individual
adapting movement to personal needs and abilities
working within current professional guidance
respecting the person’s own goals and lived experience

Evidence-informed practice means bringing these different sources of knowledge together rather than relying on any single one in isolation.

Explore the Evidence

This section of the Information Hub brings together accessible summaries of research relating to Tai Chi, Qi Gong and embodied wellbeing.

Topics include:

Healthy Ageing
Balance and Falls Prevention
Arthritis
Parkinson’s Disease
Osteoporosis
Heart Health
Diabetes
Chronic Pain
Fibromyalgia
Mental Wellbeing
Sleep
Cognitive Health

As new research becomes available, we will continue to update and expand this library.

A Balanced Perspective

Research provides valuable guidance, but it cannot predict exactly how any one individual will respond.

Some people notice meaningful improvements within a few weeks of regular practice. Others experience more gradual changes, and some may find that different approaches suit them better.

Tai Chi and Qi Gong should not be seen as replacements for medical treatment. They are best understood as complementary practices that may support health, wellbeing and quality of life alongside appropriate healthcare.