Research indicates that Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese exercise that combines slow, gentle movements with deep breathing and relaxation, may provide long-term relief from Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Those who practised the martial art twice a week had fewer complications (并发症) and better quality of life than those who didn’t, the researchers say.
Parkinson’s is a progressive brain disease characterized by slowness of movement, tremors (颤抖), and stiff and inflexible muscles. It is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, with the number of those affected projected to reach nearly 5 million by 2030 in China alone. In the UK 2 people are diagnosed with the disease every hour. So far, there has been no cure for Parkinson’s.
Previously published research suggests that Tai Chi eases Parkinson’s symptoms in the short term, but whether this improvement can be maintained over the long term isn’t known.
The new study, from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, monitored the health of hundreds of Parkinson’s patients for up to five years. One group of 147 people practised regular Tai Chi while another group of 187 did not.
The researchers found that the disease progressed more slowly in the Tai Chi group on measurements of symptoms, movement and balance. This group also saw fewer falls, less back pain and dizziness, with memory and concentration problems also lower than in the other group. At the same time, sleep and quality of life continuously improved.
However, this is an observational study, which can’t establish cause and effect. And the researchers acknowledge that the number of study participants was relatively small.
Prof Alastair Noyce, professor in neurology at Queen Mary University of London, called it “an important study” but said there were limitations in its design, and more trials were needed.
Prof K Ray Chaudhuri, professor of movement disorders and neurology at King’s College London, said, “It is too early to claim any neuroprotection based on this study, although the positive effects on aspects of motor and non-motor functions are impressive.”
8. What do we know about Parkinson’s?
A.It’s severe but curable now. | B.It may lead to a low-quality life. |
C.It’s more common in China than in the UK. | D.It’s the fastest-growing disease in the world. |
9. What is the new study different from the previous one?
A.It covers more aspects of the disease. |
B.It collects data from more study participants. |
C.It focuses on the long-term effect of Tai Chi on Parkinson’s. |
D.It first proves the positive effect Tai Chi has on Parkinson’s. |
10. What can be inferred from paragraphs 5 and 6?
A.The results of the study are not clear. |
B.The researchers are unaware of the problems of the study. |
C.The methods that the researchers use in the study are inappropriate. |
D.The study gives hope to Parkinson’s patients though with its limitations. |
11. What is Prof K Ray Chaudhuri’s attitude towards the conclusion of the new study?
A.Disapproving. | B.Supportive. | C.Indifferent. | D.Objective. |