Research We're Watching: Tai chi prevents falls after a stroke

After a stroke, movement and balance become more difficult. That's why people who've had a stroke fall seven times more often than healthy adults. A study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference in February found that tai chi, a form of Chinese martial art that combines movement and deep breathing, can reduce falls in stroke survivors.

The study enrolled 89 people who'd had a stroke—nearly half of them women—and randomly assigned them to one of three groups: usual care, a senior-targeted fitness program, or a one-hour tai chi class three times a week.