Short-form Sun-style t’ai chi as an exercise training modality in people with COPD

Abstract

The aims of the study were to determine the effect of short-form Sun-style t'ai chi (SSTC) (part A) and investigate exercise intensity of SSTC (part B) in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Part A: after confirmation of eligibility, participants were randomly allocated to either the t'ai chi group or control group (usual medical care). Participants in the t'ai chi group trained twice weekly for 12 weeks. Part B: participants who had completed training in the t'ai chi group performed a peak exercise test (incremental shuttle walk test) and SSTC while oxygen consumption (VO 2 ) was measured. Exercise intensity of SSTC was determined by the per cent of VO 2 reserve.Of 42 participants (mean¡SD forced expiratory volume in 1 s 59¡16% predicted), 38 completed part A and 15 completed part B. Compared to control, SSTC significantly increased endurance shuttle walk time (mean difference 384 s, 95% CI 186-510); reduced medial-lateral body sway in semi-tandem stand (mean difference -12.4 mm, 95% CI -21--3); and increased total score on the chronic respiratory disease questionnaire (mean difference 11 points, 95% CI 4-18). The exercise intensity of SSTC was 53¡18% of VO 2 reserve.SSTC was an effective training modality in people with COPD achieving a moderate exercise intensity which meets the training recommendations.KEYWORDS: Anxiety and depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, exercise capacity, exercise physiology, health-related quality of life, rehabilitation T 'ai chi, an exercise involving both upper and lower extremities, originated from China. T'ai chi is characterised by posture alignment, weight shifting and circular movements that incorporate elements of muscle endurance and strengthening, balance, relaxation and breathing control. The movements of t'ai chi are unique and are often described as slow, smooth flowing and graceful.T'ai chi has become a popular training mode in western countries and requires no exercise equipment or specific training venue and thus is easily implemented in the community. Currently, a number of t'ai chi styles are utilised, including Yang, Chen and Sun styles. Each of these styles is characterised by emphasis on slightly different forms (movements). The benefits of t'ai chi on balance, exercise capacity and muscle strength have been demonstrated in the healthy population [1,2] and people with chronic conditions, such as chronic heart disease [3] and osteoarthritis [4].In comparison with other styles of t'ai chi, shortform Sun-style t'ai chi (SSTC), also known as t'ai chi for arthritis, is a modified t'ai chi programme with 21 forms. This is one of the most common styles of t'ai chi and training courses for instructors are available worldwide. Each form can be broken down into several movements which are easy to teach and learn. Compared to some other styles of t'ai chi, SSTC involves less difficult movements, such as less deep-knee bending and single leg standing, which may make it more suitable for older people.Recent studies examining t'ai ...

Effectiveness of T'ai Chi and Qigong on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…[39][40][41][42] However, one review indicated that repeated high-intensity exercise stimulus might be beneficial for the patients with COPD due to the improvement of the cardiovascular function and the oxidative capacity of the skeletal muscle. 35 Therefore, although TCQ might be suitable for the COPD patients who have low exercise capacity, it might not provide an optimal effect because of the insufficient exercise intensity.…”

Pulmonary rehabilitation

“…T'ai chi is very popular in healthy and diseased subjects as it may improve physical and emotional functioning [68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75]. In a randomised controlled trial, LEUNG et al [8] compared the effects of Sun-style T'ai chi, which is well known for its smooth flowing movements [76], with usual care in 42 patients with COPD. A twice weekly, supervised Sun-style T'ai chi training regimen in combination with an unsupervised, home-based T'ai chi training programme (including a T'ai chi training booklet and DVD) on the remaining 5 days a week (30 min per day) for a total duration of 12 weeks improved quadriceps muscle strength, balance, incremental and endurance shuttle walk test, health status and mood status compared to the usual care control group [8].…”

Clinical highlights from the 2013 ERS Congress in Barcelona

“…Pulmonary rehabilitation and chronic care have received a lot of attention in the literature [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. In turn, several interesting research abstracts were presented at the 2013 European Respiratory Society Congress, of which many were on the topic of comorbidities [29][30][31][32][33].…”