Objective To investigate the impact of Tai Chi training on muscle strength, physical endurance, postural balance and flexibility, as measured by tests commonly used in health-related fitness or competitive sports contexts. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources The following databases were searched up to 31 July 2020: CINAHL, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE via PubMed and SPORTDiscus. Eligibility criteria for studies Inclusion: (1) Randomised controlled trials published in German or English; (2) Tai Chi used as an intervention to improve physical performance; (3) Test methods commonly used in health-related fitness or competitive sports and (4) Participants aged ≥16 years (irrespective of health status). Exclusion: (1) Studies not focusing on Tai Chi or including Tai Chi mixed with other interventions and (2) Modified or less than eight Tai Chi movements. Results Out of 3817 records, 31 studies were included in the review, 21 of them in the meta-analysis. Significant improvements in handgrip strength (2.34 kg, 95% CI 1.53 to 3.14), walking distance during 6 min (43.37 m, 95% CI 29.12 to 57.63), standing time in single-leg-stance with open eyes (6.41 s, 95% CI 4.58 to 8.24) and thoracolumbar spine flexibility (2.33 cm, 95% CI 0.11 to 4.55) were observed. Conclusion Tai Chi training seems to moderately improve physical fitness when evaluated by tests used in health-related fitness or competitive sports. Moreover, thoracolumbar spine flexibility seems to be a factor in the improvement of postural balance. Further research is needed, including younger healthy participants performing a widely used, standardised form (eg, Peking-style routine) with high-intensity movements (eg, use of lower stances).

中文翻译：

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太极拳对肌肉力量，身体耐力，姿势平衡和柔韧性的影响：系统评价和荟萃分析

目的研究太极拳训练对肌肉力量，身体耐力，姿势平衡和柔韧性的影响，通过与健康相关的健身或竞技体育场合中常用的测试来衡量。设计系统的审查和荟萃分析。数据来源截至2020年7月31日，搜索以下数据库：CINAHL，Cochrane图书馆，MEDLINE（通过PubMed和SPORTDiscus）。研究的资格标准纳入：（1）以德语或英语发表的随机对照试验；（2）太极拳作为改善体能的干预手段；（3）与健康有关的健身或竞技运动中常用的测试方法，以及（4）≥16岁的参与者（与健康状况无关）。排除：（1）不以太极拳为重点的研究或将太极拳与其他干预措施混合使用，以及（2）少于或少于八项的太极拳运动。结果在3817笔记录中，有31篇研究被纳入综述，其中21篇在荟萃分析中。握力（2.34 kg，95％CI 1.53至3.14），6分钟步行距离（43.37 m，95％CI 29.12至57.63），单腿睁开眼睛站立时间（6.41 s，95）显着改善％CI为4.58至8.24）和胸腰椎柔韧性（2.33cm，95％CI为0.11至4.55）。结论当通过与健康相关的健身或竞技运动中使用的测试进行评估时，太极拳训练似乎会适度地改善体质。此外，胸腰椎的柔韧性似乎是改善姿势平衡的一个因素。需要进一步的研究，