Effets du taï-chi-chuan sur la santé psychique et physique : une revue systématique de question

The aim of this study was a literature review of research on tai chi chuan and its effects on psychological and physical health, published between 1966 and 2007. Tai chi is a form of martial art, which has known growing interest in western countries. Linked to behavioural and cognitive approaches, many studies, especially in China and the United States, have concerned tai chi and physical and psychological health. In this research, 47 empirical studies met criteria to be included in this review. Acceptable studies covered a wide spectrum of disorders, such as cardiovascular function, chronic illness, and psychological, physiological and immune diseases. It is now necessary to continue the research in this area, to confirm the effects, improve the methodology (in particular the heterogeneity of the population) and to investigate questions concerning the mecanisms of action of tai chi chuan.