Trends and characteristics of Tai Chi and Qi Gong use among US adults: Results from the 2007-2017 National Health Interview Survey

Objective: To provide updated information about the prevalence, patterns, and predicting factors of Tai Chi and Qigong (TCQ) use among U.S. adults to better inform the future directions of TCQ application and research.Methods: Using 2007, 2012, and 2017 National Health Interview Survey, we examined the trends and charac-teristics of TCQ use by descriptive analysis, Wald F chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression models among U.S. adults (n = 85,360), adjusting for the complex sampling design.Results: The prevalence use of TCQ among U.S. adults use was 1.17% in 2007, 1.27% in 2012, and 1.70% in 2017, which presents a 64% increase from 2007 to 2017 (p < 0.0001). Correlates of TCQ use are older adults (>= 65 years old), Asians, having higher education levels, having lower income, and being more physically active (p < 0.001). The greater prevalence of TCQ use in 2017 than in 2012 occurred in some vulnerable demographic subgroups, including older adults, people with income less than $35,000/year, and those who were physically inactive. Those with delayed access to the conventional medical care system (e.g., had difficulty getting through on phone; couldn't get an appointment soon enough; had to wait too long to see doctor;)were also more likely to use TCQ (p < 0.001).Conclusions: The use of TCQ has significantly increased among U.S. adults from 2007 to 2017. Given that the greatest increases in use of TCQ were among older adults, females, low-income individuals, and people who were physically inactive, TCQ may serve as age-appropriate, cost-effective, mind-body exercises for these groups of populations to help ameliorate health disparities.

Automated summary

The use of Tai Chi and Qigong has significantly increased among U.S. adults from 2007 to 2017. Older adults, Asians, individuals with higher education levels, lower income, and those who are more physically active are more likely to use Tai Chi and Qigong. In 2017, there was an increase in Tai Chi and Qigong use among vulnerable groups such as older adults, low-income individuals, and the physically inactive. People with delayed access to conventional medical care are also more likely to use Tai Chi and Qigong.