Overview
- A randomized non-inferiority trial in Hong Kong tested tai chi against cognitive behavioral therapy in 200 Chinese adults aged 50 and older with chronic insomnia.
- Participants attended one-hour group sessions twice weekly for 24 sessions of either tai chi or CBT-I.
- CBT produced larger short-term improvements at three months on the Insomnia Severity Index (−11.19 vs −6.67), but by 15 months tai chi and CBT showed similar reductions (−9.51 vs −10.18), meeting the prespecified four-point non-inferiority margin.
- Both approaches delivered comparable gains in subjective sleep measures, quality of life, mental health, and physical activity, with no adverse events reported during the intervention period.
- Researchers note strict eligibility criteria and possible continued tai chi practice after supervision may limit generalisability, and they call for studies in broader populations and settings.