Study: Tai Chi May Slow Parkinson's Symptoms

Study: Tai Chi May Slow Parkinson's Symptoms
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The Facts

  • According to a study by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Tai chi — a traditional Chinese martial art — can help slow down Parkinson's disease symptoms for years.

  • The researchers asked a group of 143 patients to practice Tai Chi twice a week for an hour while a group of 187 patients were given standard care for the degenerative disease.


The Spin

Narrative A

While it's promising to see that Tai Chi can help Parkinson's patients lead a higher quality of life, the study is observational and can't establish cause and effect. The medical community shouldn't get too excited about this development too soon.

Narrative B

As there's currently no cure for the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, the research shows Parkinson's symptoms can be reduced considerably. If Tai Chi can increase flexibility, improve balance, and help patients prolong their time without disability, it must be given due consideration.


Metaculus Prediction


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