Falls and injuries from falls in older adults represent a significant public health problem worldwide.6 Connecting research findings to public health and policy, Stevens and co-authors7 describe applications of Tai Ji Quan to the field of fall prevention in older adults and discuss the integration of evidence-based programs into routine community healthcare services and public health policy. As an example of research-to-practice implementation, Fink and Houston8 present a case study of the application of a fall prevention project in a multicultural setting in the United States. This article provides “lessons learned” for translating evidence-based Tai Ji Quan programs by nonscientific community

programmers/practitioners and policymakers in diverse communities with varying resources, cultural backgrounds, and languages. The commentaries by Sleet and Baldwin9 Panobinostat purchase and by Leung10 offer additional perspectives on implementing evidence-based programs in real-world settings. The final three articles present a succinct, updated summary of state-of-the-art research on Tai Ji Quan related to preventing brain deterioration, managing cardiovascular http://www.selleckchem.com/products/AZD2281(Olaparib).html disease, and recovering from cancer treatment. On the basis of the available evidence, Chang and colleagues11 offer a mechanistic approach and framework for future research utilizing Tai Ji Quan to promote brain health, while Taylor-Piliae12 delivers an overview of the potential

of Tai Ji Quan to prevent and manage cardiovascular disease and suggests the need for continued high-quality research to clarify its place in the treatment of this important lifestyle pathology. Finally, the review article by Winters-Stone13 highlights the scarcity of Tai Ji Quan research and applications in cancer. In identifying the potential merit of Tai Ji Quan in facilitating the recovery process in cancer patients, Winters-Stone’s article emphasizes the ample L-NAME HCl research opportunities for exploring Tai Ji Quan as a non-Western exercise modality aimed at improving long-term outcomes for aging cancer survivors.

The publication of this special issue reflects the journal’s drive toward publishing substantive, quality multidisciplinary research from around the world. Collectively, it provides a comprehensive review of current trends and new approaches in Tai Ji Quan research related to health, as well as insights into translating and/or moving the findings into real-world contexts by informing researchers, policymakers, and practitioners of the need to implement effective public health and evidence-based programs in community and clinical settings. The work presented in this paper is supported by a research grant from the National Institute on Aging (AG034956). “
“Tai Ji Quan (also known as Tai Chi) has traditionally been practiced for multiple purposes, including self-defense, mindful nurturing of well-being, and fitness enhancement.