STORY AT-A-GLANCE
Engaging in the gentle exercise of tai chi may be a simple way to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and slow disease progression over time
Tai chi’s potential to improve muscle strength, balance and flexibility, along with cognitive problems, may be particularly useful for people with Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s patients who engaged in tai chi had slower disease progression and reduced need for medications
Improvements in gait, imbalance, sleep and cognition were also noted in the tai chi group while Parkinson’s symptoms were reduced
In terms of Parkinson’s disease and other nervous system disorders, the popular Yang style of tai chi, which involves big, exaggerated movements that are slow and controlled, may be ideal