Prevalence, Patterns, and Predictors of T'ai Chi and Qigong Use in the United States: Results of a Nationally Representative Survey.

J Altern Complement Med. 2016 Apr;22(4):336-42. doi: 10.1089/acm.2015.0356. Epub 2016 Mar 16.

Lauche R^1,2, Wayne PM³, Dobos G¹, Cramer H^1,2.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This study examined the prevalence, patterns, and predictors of t'ai chi and qigong use in the U.S. general population.

DESIGN:

Cross-sectional survey.

METHODS:

Data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (n = 34,525). Weighted frequencies were used to analyze lifetime and 12-month prevalence and patterns of use. Independent predictors of practice were analyzed by using logistic regression models. Analyzes were conducted in 2015.

RESULTS:

The lifetime and 12-month prevalence of t'ai chi/qigong practice were 3.1% and 1.2%, respectively. The 12-month prevalence was associated with age older than 30 years; being African American, Asian, or other ethnic origin; living in the West; being college educated and single; and being a light to heavy alcohol consumer. Almost 39% of users attended formal classes. T'ai chi/qigong was practiced for wellness/disease prevention and to improve energy, immune function, athletic performance, or memory/concentration. Stress, arthritis, and joint problems were the most frequent specific health problems for practice.

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite an only marginal increase of t'ai chi/qigong practice in the United States over the past 10 years, the proportion of minorities among practitioners has increased significantly. Gaps between clinical application and research are discussed.

PMID:

26981616

DOI:

10.1089/acm.2015.0356