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

Background With global population aging, the decline in intrinsic capacity—crucial for health and independence of older adults—has become a major concern. Objective With global population aging, the decline in intrinsic capacity-crucial for health and independence of older adults—has become a major concern. To evaluate the effects of community-based Tai Chi on intrinsic capacity in elderly populations. Methods A meta-analysis of 26 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 3275 participants aged ≥60 years was conducted. Intervention durations ranged from 6 to 72 weeks. Outcomes assessed included activities of daily living, cognitive function, motor function, and depressive symptoms. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results Tai Chi interventions significantly improved activities of daily living (SMD = 1.11), cognitive function (SMD = 0.44), motor function (SMD = −0.50), and depressive symptoms (SMD = −0.79). The intervention was consistently effective across various program lengths and settings. Conclusion 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.