The impact of community-based Tai Chi exercise on intrinsic capacity improvement in the elderly: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Community-based Tai Chi is a low-cost, low-risk intervention that enhances intrinsic capacity, particularly motor, cognitive, and psychological domains, in older adults. It should be considered in managing age-related decline. Further large-scale, long-term RCTs are warranted to confirm these findings and clarify underlying mechanisms. Key message What is already known on this topic: Decline in intrinsic capacity threatens independence and well-being in older adults. Tai Chi has been reported to improve balance, cognition, and mood, but evidence on its overall effect across multiple domains of intrinsic capacity has been inconsistent. What this study adds: This meta-analysis of 26 RCTs demonstrates that community-based Tai Chi significantly improves activities of daily living, cognitive function, motor function, and depressive symptoms in elderly populations. How this study might affect research, practice or policy: Findings support the integration of Tai Chi into community-based aging programs as a safe, low-cost strategy to preserve intrinsic capacity. Future large-scale, long-term studies could refine protocols and inform public health policy on healthy aging.