2026 Study of Virtually Delivered Tai Chi for Back Pain

Led by Weill Cornell Medicine (IRB of record), in collaboration with Columbia University, Yale School of Medicine, and the Center for Taiji & Qigong Studies (CTQS) Invitation to Join as an Employer Partner

We invite select organizations to participate in a 2026 multi-site study evaluating a virtually delivered Tai Chi–based program for back pain—one of the leading causes of lost workdays and disability worldwide.

2024 Study Results

A 2024 virtually delivered Tai Chi randomized controlled trial (350 participants, including 180 Northwell employees) showed significant improvements in pain, function, sleep, and quality of life. Some participants also reported reducing or discontinuing pain medications and avoiding planned surgery.

Important links: published study in NASSJ • Participant reflections • NYP feature with Dr. Härtl and Dr. Singh.

2026 Multi-Site Study Design

  • Target: 600 participants

  • Randomization: Tai Chi Now begins March 9, 2026; Tai Chi Later begins September 21, 2026

  • 12-month program: • 3-month Foundation Phase with twice-weekly live online classes • 9-month Deepening Embodiment Phase with monthly boosters + home practice

  • Class schedule: Mondays & Thursdays, 7–8 PM ET (recordings provided)

  • Eligibility: age 18+, chronic low back pain (pain ≥ 4/10), English-speaking, able to appear on camera

Participation Options

  • U.S.-based employees only

  • Live online classes at 7–8 PM ET, with recordings supporting participation across time zones

  • Participation is voluntary and coordinated solely by the research team

  • No cost to employers or employees

Benefits to Participating Organizations

  • Evidence-based, non-drug approach supporting pain relief and functional improvement

  • Enhances resilience: mood, energy, calm, focus

  • Works for both remote and on-site employees

  • Led by Dr. Yang Yang — senior Tai Chi master and PhD researcher

  • Recognition as a participating organization

  • Employers receive no individual health data—only optional aggregate enrollment totals and high-level insights

Medication, Procedures, and Surgery (Exploratory Goals)

In the 2024 study, some participants reported reducing pain medications and avoiding planned surgery. While individual results vary and no outcomes can be guaranteed, the 2026 study is designed to formally evaluate whether a virtual Tai Chi program may influence medication use, spine-related procedures, and surgery decisions over time.

Participant Privacy & Data Security

All procedures are approved by an academic IRB. Personal health data will be stored securely at Weill Cornell Medicine and hosted by Vanderbilt’s DataCore platform. Employers will not receive identifiable information; only total enrollment numbers may be shared. Employees may use personal or work email accounts.

Contact

Master Yang Yang, PhD
Director, Center for Taiji & Qigong Studies
Email: yang@centerfortaiji.org
Phone: (646) 717-2838
www.centerfortaiji.org

We look forward to exploring whether your organization may wish to participate—or simply learn more.