Tai Chi for falls prevention promotes strength and increased flexibility of the muscles and joints, as well as improved balance in clients who are at risk of falling. This is in line with the recommendations of NICE clinical guidelines 161 and NG249.

Its gentle flowing nature aids relaxation of the mind and body whilst improving agility, proprioception and kinaesthetic awareness. Tai Chi and falls prevention in older people has considerable research evidence; this has been accumulated since 1990 and shows that practicing Tai Chi for falls prevention can ameliorate multiple characteristics in older adults that place them at increased risk of falling, including poor balance, loss of strength, limited flexibility, and fear of falling.

RESULTS: Nine randomized controlled trials utilizing Tai Chi (n = 6), or Tai Chi-inspired exercise (n = 3), were published between 1996 and July, 2007.

Falls are one of the most significant health risks facing older adults. They account for over half of A&E admissions in older populations and are a major cause of loss of independence. Hip fractures alone cost the NHS an estimated £1.7 billion per year, and more than one-third of people over the age of 65 experience at least one fall annually. As the population ages, evidence-based, accessible and low-risk fall-prevention strategies are increasingly important. Tai Chi — a gentle, mindful, and adaptable form of movement — has become one of the most researched and recommended options.

Evidence from Clinical Research

Tai Chi is one of the few community-based exercises repeatedly shown in clinical trials to reduce both the risk and rate of falls.

A 2016 meta-analysis covering 18 trials (3,824 participants) found that Tai Chi practitioners had:

• a 20% lower likelihood of experiencing at least one fall
• a 31% reduction in the rate of falls overall
  (Sherrington et al., 2016)

A more recent 2023 systematic review of 24 randomised controlled trials supported these findings, reporting:

• a significant reduction in fall risk (RR = 0.76)
• improvements in balance tests, including the Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) and Functional Reach
• enhanced gait speed, single-leg standing time and overall physical performance
  (Liu et al., 2023)

Earlier work also confirmed Tai Chi’s effectiveness for balance control and fall reduction, especially when practised regularly over longer periods (Logghe et al., 2012).

These results demonstrate that Tai Chi is not just gentle exercise — it is an evidence-based fall-prevention method recommended by physiotherapists, rehabilitation specialists and community health organisations.

Why Tai Chi is an Ideal Long-Term Solution

What makes Tai Chi especially suitable for fall prevention is that it:

• is safe and has no contraindications when properly taught
• is adaptable for seated, standing, or assisted practice
• improves both physical and psychological determinants of fall risk
• can be maintained long-term due to its gentle, enjoyable nature

Because Tai Chi strengthens the body and enhances body awareness and confidence, its benefits extend beyond balance into overall wellbeing, mobility and independence.

Conclusion

Falls pose a significant threat to the health and independence of older adults, but Tai Chi offers a practical, evidence-supported and highly accessible solution. Decades of clinical research show that regular Tai Chi practice can significantly reduce fall risk, improve balance, enhance mobility, and increase confidence.

Tai Chi Falls Prevention Training | FaME-Informed | CIMSPA-Aligned CPD

We offer a one-day tai chi for falls prevention course which is designed to give you a background to our work and develop an understanding in the use of this art as an enrichment/enhancement of your current knowledge.

Key Benefits

• Improved balance awareness through Tai Chi skills
• Improved personal awareness and relaxation
• Introduction to full training program potential

Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Training for Health, Fitness and Rehabilitation Professionals

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury, loss of independence and hospital admission among older adults in the UK. As a result, the NHS, local authorities and community health providers continue to prioritise evidence-based falls prevention interventions that improve balance, strength and confidence.

This specialist training course has been developed to help instructors and practitioners use Tai Chi as a structured falls prevention intervention, drawing upon recognised falls prevention principles, including those used within the NHS and the FaME Falls Programme.

Why This Training Matters

The NHS recognises that effective falls prevention programmes should include:

• Strength training
• Balance training
• Functional movement practice
• Progressive challenge
• Long-term participation

These are all core components of successful falls prevention services and are reflected within programmes such as the FaME Falls Programme.

This workshop demonstrates how Tai Chi can be used to deliver these outcomes in a safe, engaging and accessible way.

CIMSPA-Aligned Professional Development

The course has been designed to support professionals working with:

• Older adults
• Long-term conditions
• Rehabilitation populations
• Falls prevention services

Course content aligns with the learning outcomes expected within the CIMSPA Population Specialism for Working with People with Long Term Conditions.

Topics include:

• Person-centred practice
• Falls risk management
• Exercise adaptation
• Behaviour change
• Safe and effective programme delivery

This makes the workshop particularly relevant for exercise professionals seeking meaningful CPD and those looking to expand their work within health and wellbeing services.

Integrating Tai Chi with FaME Principles

The workshop explores how Tai Chi can support recognised falls prevention outcomes by incorporating principles commonly found within the FaME Falls Programme.

Participants learn how to use Tai Chi to develop:

Suitable for NHS, Community and Independent Delivery

This training is particularly relevant for professionals working within:

• NHS rehabilitation services
• Community falls prevention programmes
• Social prescribing initiatives
• Exercise referral schemes
• Leisure trusts
• Active ageing programmes
• Independent Tai Chi and rehabilitation practices

Whether you are looking to expand an existing service or develop a new falls prevention programme, this course provides a practical framework that can be adapted to a variety of settings.

Professional Training Outcomes

By the end of the workshop you will be able to:

✓ Deliver Tai Chi-based falls prevention classes

✓ Apply recognised strength and balance principles

✓ Adapt sessions for long-term conditions

✓ Structure progressive programmes that build confidence and mobility

✓ Understand how Tai Chi can complement NHS and community falls prevention pathways

✓ Apply learning that aligns with CIMSPA professional standards

Please click the links for more details on the background and research into  tai chi for falls prevention or What is Tai Chi? or how tai chi reduces falls

 If you are interested in our training courses, please complete the form below