PURPOSE: This paper provides a systematic critical review of the effectiveness of Tai Chi for balance improvement and fall reduction, and determines the effectiveness of the Quality Index (QI) as a critical review system. METHODS: Eleven of 30 articles on Tai Chi met the criteria for systematic review. Both the QI and Methodological Rigor (MR) scores were used to evaluate the methodological quality. RESULTS: Our review revealed moderate evidence of the effectiveness of Tai Chi on balance improvement. D-indices, calculated to determine the relative effect of the intervention on balance measurements, showed moderate negative correlations with the QI (r = -0.52) and minimal negative correlations with the MR score (r = -0.28). CONCLUSION: Tai Chi is effective for balance improvement but not effective for reduction of falls. This review is unique in demonstrating the feasibility of using the methodological QI designed for both randomized and nonrandomized studies.

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A brief summary and a critical assessment of this review may be available at DARE