Tai Chi for falls prevention promotes strength and increased flexibility of the muscles and joints, as well as improved balance in clients who are at risk of falling. This is in line with the recommendations of NICE clinical guidelines 161 and NG249.
Its gentle flowing nature aids relaxation of the mind and body whilst improving agility, proprioception and kinaesthetic awareness. Tai Chi and falls prevention in older people has considerable research evidence; this has been accumulated since 1990 and shows that practicing Tai Chi for falls prevention can ameliorate multiple characteristics in older adults that place them at increased risk of falling, including poor balance, loss of strength, limited flexibility, and fear of falling.
RESULTS: Nine randomized controlled trials utilizing Tai Chi (n = 6), or Tai Chi-inspired exercise (n = 3), were published between 1996 and July, 2007.
Falls are one of the most significant health risks facing older adults. They account for over half of A&E admissions in older populations and are a major cause of loss of independence. Hip fractures alone cost the NHS an estimated £1.7 billion per year, and more than one-third of people over the age of 65 experience at least one fall annually. As the population ages, evidence-based, accessible and low-risk fall-prevention strategies are increasingly important. Tai Chi — a gentle, mindful, and adaptable form of movement — has become one of the most researched and recommended options.
Evidence from Clinical Research
Tai Chi is one of the few community-based exercises repeatedly shown in clinical trials to reduce both the risk and rate of falls.
A 2016 meta-analysis covering 18 trials (3,824 participants) found that Tai Chi practitioners had:
- a 20% lower likelihood of experiencing at least one fall
- a 31% reduction in the rate of falls overall
(Sherrington et al., 2016)
A more recent 2023 systematic review of 24 randomised controlled trials supported these findings, reporting:
- a significant reduction in fall risk (RR = 0.76)
- improvements in balance tests, including the Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) and Functional Reach
- enhanced gait speed, single-leg standing time and overall physical performance
(Liu et al., 2023)
Earlier work also confirmed Tai Chi’s effectiveness for balance control and fall reduction, especially when practised regularly over longer periods (Logghe et al., 2012).
These results demonstrate that Tai Chi is not just gentle exercise — it is an evidence-based fall-prevention method recommended by physiotherapists, rehabilitation specialists and community health organisations.
Why Tai Chi is an Ideal Long-Term Solution
What makes Tai Chi especially suitable for fall prevention is that it:
- is safe and has no contraindications when properly taught
- is adaptable for seated, standing, or assisted practice
- improves both physical and psychological determinants of fall risk
- can be maintained long-term due to its gentle, enjoyable nature
Because Tai Chi strengthens the body and enhances body awareness and confidence, its benefits extend beyond balance into overall wellbeing, mobility and independence.
Conclusion
Falls pose a significant threat to the health and independence of older adults, but Tai Chi offers a practical, evidence-supported and highly accessible solution. Decades of clinical research show that regular Tai Chi practice can significantly reduce fall risk, improve balance, enhance mobility, and increase confidence.
Training
We offer a one-day tai chi for falls prevention course which is designed to give you a background to our work and develop an understanding in the use of this art as an enrichment/enhancement of your current knowledge.
Key Benefits
- Improved balance awareness through Tai Chi skills
- Improved personal awareness and relaxation
- Introduction to full training program potential
Full Course - Tai Chi for Falls Prevention and Rehabilitation is a 8-day course delivered in 2-day modules over the year (3-monthly) which allow chance to review and develop the skills further through the use of experience gained and case study review. This 8 day Tai Chi Diploma course is designed to support patients in both the short term and long term.
Key Benefits
- Improved balance awareness through Tai Chi skills
- Improved personal awareness and relaxation
- Improved postural alignment, breathing and circulation
- Learn to help yourself to increase your potential to help others
Please click the links for more details on the background and research into tai chi for falls prevention or or how tai chi reduces falls
If you are interested in our training courses, please complete the form below