研究背景與目的：太極拳因其趣味性、低衝擊性與諸多在身體功能方面的訓練效益，已被認為是一項極適合老年族群的訓練介入。因此，本篇研究意圖以統合分析的方式來檢視太極拳對於年長者在身體功能上的訓練效益。方法：我們針對PubMed、Medline(Ovid)、Cochrane Library與中文電子期刊服務等四個線上電子資料庫進行了文獻搜尋，本篇統合分析探討的重點在於各式平衡能力與行走速度。我們總共收取了八篇文資來進行後續的統合分析。結果：根據本篇統合分析的結果，太極拳能顯著改善年長者的閉眼單腳站時間（整體效益值：0.881, 95%信賴區間：0.643-1.119）、方向控制能力（整體效益值：0.601, 95%信賴區間：0.034-1.167）前庭比值（整體效益值：0.859，95%信賴區間：0.28-1.438）、與行走速度（整體效益值：0.409, 95%信賴區間：0.217-0.602）且逹統計上之顯著差異，然而，在張眼單腳站時間上卻無此效益（整體效益值：0.545, 95%信賴區間：-0.014-1.105）。結論：本篇統合分析的結果顯示太極拳能顯著增益年長者的各式平衡控制能力與行走速度。

Background and Purpose: Tai Chi Chuan has been recognized as a suitable training approach for the elderly for its interest, low impact loading, and versatile physical benefits. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the beneficial effects derived from Tai Chi training on several indices of physical function in the elderly. Methods: We performed literary search in the following four online electronic databases: PubMed, medline (Ovid), Cochrane Library, and Chinese Electronic Periodical Services. Our major interest lied on balance measures and gait velocity. Ultimately, there were eight articles meeting our inclusion/exclusion criteria and, hence, suitable for our further meta-analysis. Results: The results showed that Tai Chi training can positively modify the performance in one-leg standing with eyes closed [Hedges's g: 0.881, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.643-1.119], directional control (Hedges's g: 0.0601, 95% CI: 0.034-1.167), the vestibular ratio (hedges's g: 0.859, 95% CI: 0.28-1.438), and functional reach (Hedges's: 0.409, 95% CI: 0.217-0.602). On the contrary, one-leg standing time with eyes open (Hedges's: 0.545, 95% CI: -0.014-1.105) did not respond to Tai Chi training. Conclusions: The results of the present meta-analysis indicated that Tai Chi training elicits beneficial effects on various aspects of balance control and gait speed in the elderly.