All four studies compared tai chi with a waiting list control group. The pooled standard mean difference for these studies was −0.27 (95% CI −0.52 to −0.02, P = 0.03).

Tai chi appeared to have a significant impact on reducing depressive symptoms compared with the waiting list control groups. Further research is recommended with larger sample sizes, more clarity on trial design and the intervention, longer-term follow up, and concomitant economic evaluations.

Tai chi and reduction of depressive symptoms for older adults: A meta-analysis of randomized trials Iris Chi, Maryalice Jordan-Marsh, Man Guo, Bin Xie and Zhenggang BaiArticle first published online: 10 JUN 2012 | DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0594.2012.00882.x

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