Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and concurrent controlled trials (CCTs) were eligible for inclusion in the review.
Specific interventions included in the review
The studies had to include TCC as an intervention to be eligible. The TCC intervention was frequently a modified Yang style, and between studies the number of forms used varied from 10 to 24. The intensity of the intervention varied from 1 hour weekly for 10 weeks to 1 hour every morning for 1 year. The control groups received no treatment, a walking or jogging programme, balance training, a discussion group, aerobic exercise, or continued with usual activities (unspecified).
Participants included in the review
The study populations needed to be over 50 years of age to be eligible. The participants in the included studies were aged between 53 and 96 years with the majority being healthy individuals.
Outcomes assessed in the review
The studies had to include the primary outcome measure (falls) or one of the secondary outcome measures (balance and cardiorespiratory functions) to be eligible. The majority of studies reported on cardiorespiratory outcomes.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
Two reviewers independently evaluated the studies for inclusion in the review.