Tai chi and physical functional performance: research overview

Not medical advice. This page lists research about tai chi and physical functional performance. It does not say whether tai chi works for any person or condition. Talk to a qualified health professional before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have a medical condition.

Studies in PubMed

11 (tagged with “Physical Functional Performance” as a major topic)

Years

2019–2026

Registered trials

0 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Types of studies

Each study is counted once, under its strongest type in this order: meta-analysis, systematic review, randomized controlled trial, clinical trial, review, observational study.

Studies, newest first

1. Comparative efficacy of Tai Chi versus balance training on functional performance and postural control during sit and stand transitions in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized trial. — Journal of science and medicine in sport, 2026 · DOIRandomized Controlled Trial
2. Dose-Related Effects of Different Tai Chi Styles Versus Traditional Community-Based Exercises on Cardiometabolic Health and Physical Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial. — JMIR aging, 2026 · DOIRandomized Controlled Trial
3. Effects of Tai Chi-based combined interventions on muscle function, muscle mass, and physical performance in older adults with sarcopenia, frailty, or risk of functional decline: a systematic review and meta-analysis. — Frontiers in public health, 2026 · DOIMeta-AnalysisSystematic Review
4. Effects of digitalized Tai Chi intervention on muscle function and physical performance in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. — Frontiers in public health, 2026 · DOISystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
5. Feasibility and effectiveness of a multimodal exercise intervention on physical activity and physical functions in low-income older adults. — Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.), 2026 · DOI
6. A Tai Chi Program Improves Physical Performance Measures in Adolescents With Down Syndrome and Enhances Their Parents' Psychological Well-Being: A Randomized Controlled Trial. — Adapted physical activity quarterly : APAQ, 2025 · DOIRandomized Controlled Trial
7. Assessment of physical performance and muscle function in hemodialysis patients participating in an exercise regimen: A cluster-randomized, single-center study. — Advances in clinical and experimental medicine : official organ Wroclaw Medical University, 2025 · DOIRandomized Controlled Trial
8. Efficacy of the power centering for seniors intervention on physical functional performance in older community-dwelling adults: a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial. — Scientific reports, 2025 · DOIRandomized Controlled Trial
9. Impact of a functional gait training program as a complementary strategy to improve physical function in older adults: a randomized clinical trial. — BMC geriatrics, 2025 · DOIRandomized Controlled Trial
10. Effects of Tai Chi on physical performance, sleep, and quality of life in older adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. — BMC complementary medicine and therapies, 2024 · DOIRandomized Controlled Trial
11. Balance and Functional Outcomes for Older Community-Dwelling Adults Who Practice Tai Chi and Those Who Do Not: A Comparative Study. — Journal of geriatric physical therapy (2001), 2019 · DOI

Government health information

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health summarizes the evidence on tai chi.

Study list: PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), citation data only. Trials: ClinicalTrials.gov. Retrieved 2026-10-22.

Data: PubMed (NLM citation data, free to use (abstracts not reproduced)); ClinicalTrials.gov (Public domain (U.S. Government work)); NCCIH (Public domain (U.S. Government work)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.