Tai Chi, a form of Chinese martial arts often practiced for its health benefits, may be an effective treatment option for patients who suffer from dizziness and balance disorders.
Researchers evaluated the utility of Tai Chi in managing patients with vestibular symptoms who have failed conventional balance disorder (also known as vestibular disorder) therapy. It could include individualized physical therapy or different sets of physical maneuvers that a doctor performs on a patient, according to the researchers' findings, which they presented in a paper at the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation's annual meeting and OTO EXPO in San Diego.
Researchers conducted a questionnaire study from April 2008 to March 2009 at an outpatient rehabilitation program, using the activities-specific balance confidence scale and dynamic gait index survey, both before therapy and at the conclusion of an eight-week course. A total of 21 patients (18 females, three males) completed the study to date. Patients reported subjective improvements in their vestibular symptoms.
Researchers theorize that the technique may be effective because Tai Chi promotes coordination through relaxation, rather than muscular coordination.