Table 1 Eligibility criteria for Tai Chi schools

Practical Requirements

Long standing Tai Chi school, open to the public for a minimum of 5 years

Located within the greater Boston area

Safe/accessible facility; phone available to dial 911 in case of medical emergency

Offers a minimum of 2 entry-level Tai Chi classes per week throughout the year

Entry-level classes with rolling admission, or with new classes starting at minimum every 3 months

Senior Tai Chi instructor with a minimum of 10 years training; classes led by junior instructors supervised by a senior instructor

Classes held in group format

Some guidelines for home practice provided: either via verbal encouragement, handouts, or with provided media

Verbal instruction provided in English

Essential Curricular Requirements

Tai Chi training based on Yang, Wu, Chen or Sun family style. All 'short' or 'long' forms acceptable if basic principles are adhered to

Training must emphasize: 1) Relaxed continuous movement; 2) Vertical skeletal alignment; 3) Meditative intention to promote self-awareness, relaxation and concentration; 4) Some instruction in breathing techniques

Teaching instruction incorporates modeling of Tai Chi movements and ancillary exercises, in combination with verbal and physical form correction

Other Curricular Components (acceptable, but not required)

Warm-up exercises conducted in the spirit of Tai Chi, such as relaxed flowing movements, flexibility, balance and self-awareness training

Quiet sitting or standing meditation

Gentle interactive Tai Chi exercises, for example, sensing hands

Self massage

Basic philosophy of Tai Chi principles as related to health

Unacceptable Curriculum Elements (for the initial 9 month Tai Chi training period)

Use of ancillary equipment, for example, weights or nautilus

Training with weapons

Sparring or wrestling

Significant aerobic training

Teaching of ancillary martial arts forms, for example, Kung-Fu, Ba Gua, Hsing I

On Site Assessment

Willing to allow Harvard Medical School study staff to observe two beginner classes in order to document adherence to eligibility criteria