Tai Chi Interventions Promoting Social Support and Interaction Among Older Adults

Tai chi is known to improve balance and reduce falls in older adults. Yet, little is known about the impact of group tai chi on perceived social support and its relationship with participant self-efficacy and adherence. The current systematic review, guided by Social Cognitive Theory and Successful Aging, includes an overview of tai chi interventions with and without enhancements (e.g., music, mentorship, group practice) that evaluated social support among their outcomes (N = 10). PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases were searched for studies eligible under the inclusion criteria: sample population aged >= 60 years and published between 1999 and 2019. Four articles reported on tai chi interventions with specific enhancements to promote social interaction and reported increased perceived social support (p < 0.05). Six studies evaluated social support outcomes of tai chi programs without specific modifications to promote social engagement. Four of the six traditional tai chi intervention studies reported improved social support (p < 0.05). Group tai chi interventions for older adults may increase social support and therefore further increase health benefits of tai chi exercise among this population.

Automated summary

Group tai chi interventions for older adults are found to increase social support, which may further enhance the health benefits of tai chi exercise among this population.