Holistic frailty prevention: The promise of movement‐based mind–body therapies

Abstract

Aging is characterized by fundamental cellular and molecular hallmarks that result in physiologic decline of most body systems. This may culminate in frailty, a state of decreased reserve. Because frailty is a state of multisystem dysregulation, multimodal interventions may be necessary to mitigate and prevent progression rather than interventions targeting a single system. Movement‐based mind–body therapies, such as tai chi and yoga, are promising multimodal strategies for frailty prevention and treatment given their inherent multicomponent nature. In this review, we summarize the links between hallmarks of aging and frailty and how tai chi and yoga may impact these hallmarks. We review trial evidence for the impact of tai chi and yoga on frailty in older populations and discuss opportunities for future research.

Traditional Chinese Exercises for Cardiovascular Diseases: A Bibliometric Analysis

“…Tai Chi, originating from Chinese martial art, has garnered attention in Western countries as one of the pioneering mind-body therapies. Research suggests its efficacy in preventing and managing frailty (Loewenthal et al, 2023). With characteristics like ease of training and non-injury attributes, Tai Chi is proposed as an alternative to traditional exercise like resistance training and aerobics, serving as a bridge to other physical activities (Loewenthal et al, 2023).…”

“…Research suggests its efficacy in preventing and managing frailty (Loewenthal et al, 2023). With characteristics like ease of training and non-injury attributes, Tai Chi is proposed as an alternative to traditional exercise like resistance training and aerobics, serving as a bridge to other physical activities (Loewenthal et al, 2023). Similarly, Baduanjin, a gentle exercise intertwined with meditation, has gained prominence in Western countries and has become a recent research hotspot (Tsoi et al, 2023).…”

Healthy aging: Linking causal mechanisms with holistic outcomes

“…Additional multimodal strategies that counteract physiological decline and multisystem dysregulation through movement‐based mind–body therapies were reviewed by Loewenthal et al. ( 2023 ), with examples of the potential for Tai Chi and yoga as preventative strategies to treat frailty in older adults. Ma et al.…”