Enhanced Tai Chi: A Randomised, Controlled, Single-Site Study of the Effects of Enhanced Tai Chi Training on Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study
Enhanced Tai Chi: A Randomised, Controlled, Single-Site Study of the Effects of Enhanced Tai Chi Training on Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study
This pilot study evaluates whether a structured, Parkinson's disease-specific Tai Chi programme ("Enhanced Tai Chi") can improve motor and non-motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease (PD).
PD is a progressive neurological condition associated with motor impairments such as bradykinesia, rigidity, gait disturbance and postural instability, as well as non-motor symptoms including fatigue, pain, mood disturbance, sleep problems and cognitive changes. Although pharmacological treatments improve many motor symptoms, balance and postural control often respond poorly, contributing to falls and reduced independence.
Enhanced Tai Chi is a tailored programme developed specifically for people with PD, incorporating elements of Tai Chi and Qi Gong focused on balance control, coordination, postural alignment, body awareness and confidence in movement. This single-site, randomised, controlled pilot trial will enrol 30 adults with idiopathic PD (Hoehn & Yahr stages I-III), randomised in a 2:1 ratio to Enhanced Tai Chi plus usual clinical care or usual clinical care alone.
Participants in the intervention group will complete 36 supervised one-hour sessions over 12 weeks (three sessions per week: one in-person and two delivered remotely), with optional independent practice encouraged. Adherence will be monitored through attendance records. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, post-intervention and 3-month follow-up. Findings will inform feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy estimates to support the design of a future definitive randomised controlled trial.
Background and Rationale
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by motor and non-motor symptoms that substantially affect quality of life and functional independence. While dopaminergic therapies remain the cornerstone of treatment, symptoms such as balance impairment and postural instability often respond incompletely, increasing the risk of falls and injury. Exercise-based interventions are increasingly recommended as adjunctive therapies in PD and may improve mobility, balance, non-motor symptoms and overall quality of life.
Tai Chi and related mind-body practices emphasise slow, controlled movements, weight shifting, postural control, breathing and mental focus. Previous studies suggest Tai Chi may improve balance and reduce falls in people with PD; however, many trials vary in methodological quality and provide limited detail regarding intervention content. Enhanced Tai Chi for Parkinson's (Enhanced-Tai-Chi-PD) was developed to address these limitations by providing a structured, PD-specific programme targeting balance, proprioception, coordination and movement confidence.
Study Design
This is a single-site, randomised, controlled, interventional pilot study. Thirty adults with idiopathic Parkinson's disease will be randomised in a 2:1 ratio to either Enhanced Tai Chi plus usual clinical care or usual clinical care alone. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, after completion of the 12-week intervention period, and at 3-month follow-up.
Intervention
Participants allocated to the intervention arm will attend three one-hour sessions per week for 12 weeks (36 sessions total), comprising one in-person session and two remotely delivered sessions via a secure video platform. The programme consists of seven structured movement components adapted for Parkinson's disease, including Qi Gong-based exercises, silk-reeling movements, balance walking, standing postural exercises and coordinated directional movement forms. Optional independent practice is encouraged. Attendance and adherence will be recorded throughout the intervention period.
Participants in the control arm will continue with usual clinical care as determined by their treating clinicians.
Safety, Data Handling and Oversight
Adverse events, serious adverse events and medication changes will be monitored throughout the study. Study data will be pseudonymised and stored securely in accordance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements and Good Clinical Practice. The study has received appropriate ethical and institutional approvals.
Expected Outcomes
This pilot trial will generate preliminary data on feasibility, adherence and effect size estimates for Enhanced Tai Chi in Parkinson's disease. Results will inform the design and power calculations of a future definitive randomised controlled trial evaluating this intervention as a scalable, low-risk adjunct to standard Parkinson's disease care.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: