The Combined Effects of Tai Chi, Resistance Training, and Diet on Physical Function and Body Composition in Obese Older Women

Abstract

Obesity is a major health problem in the USA, especially in minority populations over the age of 60 years, and the aging process can cause adverse effects on physical function. Previous research has shown that Tai Chi, resistance training (RT), and diet result in overall health improvements. However, the combination of these specific interventions has yet to be translated to obese older women in an urban setting. The purpose of this study was to examine a combined intervention on the primary outcomes of physical function and body composition. Using a nonrandomized design, 26 obese women (65.2 ± 8.1 years) completed a 12-week intervention; participants were assigned to an intervention (EXD) group or a control (CON) group. The EXD group (n = 17) participated in Tai Chi, RT, and a dietary session. The CON group (n = 9) was asked to continue their normal lifestyle. Timed up and go (TUG) time was reduced by 0.64 ± 2.1 seconds (P = 0.04) in the EXD group while the CON group saw a borderline significant increase of 0.71 sec (P = 0.051). The combined intervention helped improve performance on TUG time, but there were no significant increases in other body composition or function measures.

Effects of elastic resistance exercise on body composition and physical capacity in older women with sarcopenic obesity

“…In general, studies have reported significant improvements in body composition, as indicated by significantly decreased fat mass and increased lean mass, [ 20 , 38 ] as well as muscle structural changes, [ 14 ] strength gain, [ 14 , 20 , 38 ] and functional mobility. [ 19 , 21 , 34 , 38 ] Our findings in elderly patients with sarcopenia or obesity are in concordance with those of previous studies on elastic resistance exercise in older adults.…”

“…Elastic band RET has been recently used for elderly individuals who are obese [ 20 , 21 , 38 ] or not obese. [ 14 , 19 , 34 , 52 ] Overall, these studies have used exercise protocols with an intervention period of 8 to 24 weeks, a frequency of 2 to 5 times per week, and a low to moderate exercise intensity level.…”

“…Previous studies have supported the benefits of elastic resistance exercise by using Theraband elastic strips or tubing for preventing either obesity or sarcopenia. [ 14 , 19 – 21 ] However, the effects of elastic RET on body composition, MQ, and physical function in elderly women with sarcopenic obesity remain unclear. The purpose of the present study was to identify the effects of an elastic resistance exercise regime on the body composition, MQ, and physical capacity of elderly women with sarcopenic obesity and to determine the association between changes in body composition and mobility outcome after exercise intervention.…”

Effects of elastic band exercise on lean mass and physical capacity in older women with sarcopenic obesity: A randomized controlled trial

“…Overall, relevant studies have used exercise protocols with an intervention period of 8–24 weeks, a frequency of 2–5 times per week, and a low to moderate-intensity. In general, studies have reported that body composition is improved through significant reductions in fat mass and increases in lean mass 33 , 35 , which also positively affect muscle structural change 18 , strength gain 18 , 22 , 33 , 35 , 39 , and functional mobility 24 , 33 , 34 , 36 – 39 . The results of relevant studies on elastic resistance exercise in elderly people support our findings concerning older individuals with sarcopenic obesity.…”

Comparing the Changes in Cardiovascular Function After Acute Exposure to Tai Chi or Walking

“…Tai Chi is a spiritual art that focuses on slow and fluid movements through a full range of motion focusing on balance, core strength, flexibility, and meditation techniques (24). Tai Chi is known for its beneficial effects on blood pressure when combined with other forms of lifestyle modifications (6, 16). However, the most frequently prescribed exercise for cardiovascular benefits is walking for 150 minutes per week (7).…”