Older people who practice tai chi appear to be less likely to fall, according to new research in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Scientists at the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine and the University of Exeter analysed data contained in 35 reviews, all of which had looked at the benefits of tai chi.
They found relatively clear evidence that the Chinese martial art is effective at preventing falls and improving mental wellbeing among older people.
However, evidence for many other health conditions was contradictory and the researchers found that tai chi was not beneficial for relieving symptoms of cancer or rheumatoid arthritis.
'Our overview showed that tai chi, which combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow and gentle movements, may exert exercise-based general benefits for fall prevention and improvement of balance in older people, as well as some meditative effects for improving psychological health,' the researchers concluded.
Tai chi is said to have originated in the 16th century and has since developed into dozens of different styles.