The Positive Role of Tai Chi in Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The ongoing coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed a significant threat to both people’s physical and mental health. Physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, and negative emotions among the general population have been significantly increased because of COVID-19 home confinement. These are major risk factors associated with higher incidences of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, effective exercise management should be proposed as a prevention strategy to improve both physical and mental health while diminishing the effects of COVID-19. Tai Chi as a low-to-moderate aerobic exercise combines physical and mental training and plays a positive impact on human health. Here we aim to outline the effects of Tai Chi on the immune system, inflammatory responses, pulmonary function, and emotional control. The benefits of Tai Chi practice for individuals coping with COVID-19 are stated here which include immune system promotion, inflammation response reduction, rehabilitation in respiratory diseases, and emotional improvement. This statement has been supported by available clinical, physiological, and biological research. As a result, we hope to introduce Tai Chi as an effective exercise intervention for people coping with COVID-19 and as a beneficial exercise for maintaining an active lifestyle during a pandemic.

The combined effect of physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake on decreasing cognitive decline in older Taiwanese adults

“…For example, Dr. Li, a founder of the Chinese Biological Energy Medical Qigong, has authored the Seventeen-Steps-of Physical Wellness and documented health benefits of hand-shaking moments as part of the Chi-Kung exercise that will enhance the blood circulation and stimulate the growth of energy. Evidence based on the medical Qigong and Tai-chi also shows that cognitive function improvement is related to the Chi-Kung practice, including hand-shaking moments 73 , 74 . PA with low intensity and resistance yielded less health-promoting effects; most elderly individuals were engaged in a more specific PA in parks or schools near their homes, and the intensity of PA was insufficient 75 , 76 .…”

When Eastern Meets Western Medicine to Manage SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Patient: a Case Report

“…Acute and chronic stresses can affect the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, affecting antiviral immune responses and innate immunity, as well as deregulating several immunological parameters, most notably the inflammatory pathways [22][23][24]. Various eastern medicine practices such as Jala neti, yoga, Taichi, steam inhalation, hot foot immersion, acupressure, and counseling have been reported to aid in maintaining immune homeostasis or boosting the innate immune response, as well as improving psychosocial states and reducing physical symptoms in patients [5,12,[25][26][27][28]. The integrated medicine not only helped the patient to manage his physiological symptoms but also helped to control his anxiety and stress.…”

Effectiveness and safety of Tai Chi for anxiety disorder of COVID-19: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 require isolation, and during isolation, the patients tend to experience fear, loneliness, sadness, and other negative emotions, which result in anxiety. [ 23 ] Although several patients with COVID-19 recover, they experience serious psychological effects of the disease, including anxiety. [ 24 ] Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese rehabilitation therapy with a long history.…”