Since the late 20th century, many of these

benefits have been evaluated through scientific research studies, which have yielded strong empirical support for Tai Ji Quan in promoting various dimensions of physical and mental health, especially in older adults and/or people with chronic conditions.5, 6 and 7 The accumulated evidence not only reinforces the value of this ancient art for health benefits but also provides continued impetus for both community and clinical dissemination efforts and more rigorously controlled biomedical research to uncover its full potential. Because of its roots in martial arts, conventional practice of Tai Ji Quan is guided by a set of a priori rules, with performance driven by an inner (i.e., mind-initiated and directed) to outer (i.e., movement synergies) process. 1 and 2 As an integral part of its practice, Tai Ji Quan emphasizes movements performed with “rooted” feet, centered body mass, selleck products bilateral weight-shifting initiated from the waist, complementary exchange between motion and tranquility and substantial and insubstantial weight-loading, and smooth and rhythmic

movement synchronized with deep abdominal breathing. Underlying these movement-breathing synergies is a deep focus on mindfulness aimed Cabozantinib at producing intentional whole-body actions entailing dynamic interaction between stabilizers (firmly held body positions) and movers (performance of focal movements). The integration of these components and the resulting synergistic movements make Tai Ji Quan a unique modality for addressing below dysfunction in postural control and mobility. To integrate these features to produce meaningful therapeutic benefits, Tai Ji Quan-based

movement applications must be tailored to drive specific functional recovery for individuals with movement impairment and/or disorders. 7 This paper, which is based on the cumulative work of the author,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 addresses this practical issue by describing a research-based training therapy (Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance 15 (TJQMBB; formerly known as Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance) 12 and 13) that has transformed Tai Ji Quan principles and Yang-style movements into a therapeutic training program with the ultimate goal of improving or restoring movement limitations and cognitive impairment in older adults and individuals who have neurodegenerative impairments. In what follows, the rationale for the need to change traditional training to achieve therapeutic benefits for balance is first presented. Subsequent sections describe the (1) training approach, (2) research process and evidence, (3) community practice, (4) cost and effectiveness, and (5) future directions. The paper concludes with a call for a paradigm shift toward contemporary, functional, and synergistic approaches in Tai Ji Quan practice.