Effects of digitalized Tai Chi intervention on muscle function and physical performance in older adults: a systematic...

With the rapid development of digital health technology, remote Tai Chi intervention has gained significant attention as a novel model for geriatric rehabilitation. However, consistent evidence regarding the comprehensive effects of digitalized Tai Chi on muscle function and physical performance in older adults remains insufficient. This study aims to systematically evaluate the effects of digitalized Tai Chi intervention on muscle strength, physical function, and muscle mass in older adults.

A systematic search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CNKI to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on digitalized Tai Chi interventions for older adults. A random-effects model was employed to evaluate intervention effects, and sensitivity analysis was performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. The certainty of evidence for each outcome measure was assessed using the GRADE system.

Seven RCTs involving 469 participants were ultimately included. Meta-analysis showed that digitalized Tai Chi intervention had no statistically significant advantages over controls in handgrip strength [SMD = -0.12, 95% CI (-0.47, 0.23), p = 0.51], lower limb explosive power (30s-STS) [SMD = 0.24, 95% CI (-0.58, 1.06), p = 0.56], functional mobility (TUGT) [SMD = 0.17, 95% CI (-0.08, 0.42), p = 0.18], or walking endurance (6MWT) [SMD = -0.22, 95% CI (-0.60, 0.16), p = 0.26]. Although potential improvements in single-leg stance (SLS) were observed after excluding heterogeneous studies [SMD = 0.49, p = 0.03], and individual studies suggested benefits of 3D pose recognition for muscle mass (ASMI), these findings remain exploratory due to the single-trial evidence. The overall certainty of evidence was low or very low.

Current evidence is insufficient to confirm that digitalized Tai Chi is superior to traditional rehabilitation or routine care in enhancing muscle strength and dynamic mobility in older adults. While high-precision digital feedback technology shows potential for improving static balance and muscle remodeling, its core efficacy remains highly uncertain. Future large-sample, high-quality RCTs focusing on closed-loop intensity monitoring and dynamic feedback mechanisms are required to further evaluate the clinical value of digitalized Tai Chi in geriatric rehabilitation.

www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier: CRD420261291107.