This focused review summarizes and critically evaluates clinical trial evidence for the effectiveness of
Tai Chi as a supportive
therapy for
stroke rehabilitation. All prospective, controlled clinical trials published in English or Chinese and involving the use of
Tai Chi by survivors of
stroke were searched in eight electronic databases. Information from the included studies was extracted and synthesized. The methodological quality of all studies was assessed with the Jadad score. Five randomized controlled trials, four in English and one in Chinese, met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The methodological quality of the trials was moderate (Jadad score, range, 1-4; average score, 2.6). Meta-analysis was not performed because of the heterogeneity of the study conditions and outcome measures. Three studies reported benefits of
Tai Chi with respect to improved balance in participants who have had a
stroke. Three studies assessed mobility function and reported no improvement after
Tai Chi intervention in survivors of
stroke. Improvements in quality-of-life and mental health were reported in three trials. This focused review suggests that
Tai Chi exercise might be beneficial with respect to balance, quality-of-life, and mental health in survivors of
stroke. More rigorous randomized controlled trials are required to determine whether
Tai Chi is effective in
stroke rehabilitation.