Research & Evidence

Evidence-Informed Practice

Tai Chi and Qi Gong have been practised for centuries, but over the last few decades they have also become the subject of growing scientific research. At Movement In Mind, our teaching is informed by the best available research, professional experience and the lived experiences of the people we work with.

Research into Tai Chi and Qi Gong has grown considerably over the past thirty years. Studies have explored their effects on balance, mobility, cardiovascular health, chronic pain, mental wellbeing and healthy ageing. While no single practice is a cure for every condition, the growing body of evidence suggests that gentle, mindful movement can make a valuable contribution to health and wellbeing when practised regularly.

This section brings together summaries of current research in a way that is practical and accessible.

How to Use This Section

Not everyone wants to read academic papers. Our research summaries explain:

what researchers studied
what they found
what the findings might mean in practice
where the limitations are

Where possible, we’ve linked to the original publications so you can explore them further.

research highlights

Research Summaries

Tai Chi

Balance and Falls Prevention

Healthy Ageing

Cognitive Function

Cardiovascular Health

Qi Gong

Health Conditions

Embodied Wellbeing

Understanding Research

Research helps us understand whether a particular approach is likely to be helpful, but it’s important to remember that no single study tells the whole story.

Some research involves only a small number of participants, while other studies bring together the findings from many different pieces of research to give a broader picture. The strongest evidence usually comes from systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which carefully assess the quality of multiple studies rather than relying on a single result.

It’s also important to recognise that research describes what happened for the people who took part in a study. Every individual is different, and factors such as age, health, previous experience and the way a programme is taught can all influence the outcome.

At Movement In Mind, we take an evidence-informed approach. That means we draw on the best available research alongside professional training, clinical experience and careful observation of the people we work with. Research helps guide our practice, but every person remains at the centre of what we do.

The summaries in this section are written in plain English. Rather than focusing on statistics and technical language, we explain what researchers investigated, what they found, what the findings may mean in practice, and any important limitations. Where possible, we’ve also included links to the original research for anyone who would like to explore further.tial benefits for many other long-term health conditions.

The articles in this section are written to make research accessible to a general audience. They summarise published evidence as accurately as possible but are not intended to replace medical advice. Where appropriate, we reference systematic reviews, meta-analyses and clinical guidelines, recognising that scientific understanding continues to evolve.

Our Approach

Research is one part of good practice.

We also draw on years of teaching experience, professional training and careful adaptation to meet the needs of each individual. Evidence informs what we do, but every person is different. Our aim is always to combine current research with safe, person-centred teaching.

How We Use Research

Research is one part of good practice.

Equally important are:

professional training and experience
listening to each individual
adapting movement to personal needs and abilities
working within current professional guidance
respecting the person’s own goals and lived experience

Evidence-informed practice means bringing these different sources of knowledge together rather than relying on any single one in isolation.

Looking Beyond Headlines

Research findings are sometimes presented as simple statements such as:

“Tai Chi cures…” or “Qi Gong prevents…”

In reality, research is rarely that straightforward. Most studies explore whether an intervention may improve symptoms, physical function or quality of life – not whether it provides a cure. The strength of evidence also varies between different health conditions.

At Movement In Mind, we aim to present research accurately and in context, avoiding exaggerated claims while recognising where evidence is genuinely encouraging.

Research Is Always Evolving

Science is a continual process of learning.

New studies are published every year, sometimes confirming earlier findings and sometimes challenging them. Recent reviews suggest that the overall evidence for Tai Chi and Qi Gong has strengthened since earlier assessments, particularly for some conditions, while also highlighting the need for more high-quality research in many areas. (NCBI)

Rather than seeing research as fixed, we view it as an evolving conversation that continues to deepen our understanding.

A Balanced Perspective

Research provides valuable guidance, but it cannot predict exactly how any one individual will respond.

Some people notice meaningful improvements within a few weeks of regular practice. Others experience more gradual changes, and some may find that different approaches suit them better.

Tai Chi and Qi Gong should not be seen as replacements for medical treatment. They are best understood as complementary practices that may support health, wellbeing and quality of life alongside appropriate healthcare.