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.