The Effects of Tai Chi on Markers of Atherosclerosis, Lower-limb Physical Function, and Cognitive Ability in Adults Aged Over 60: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Tai Chi (TC) on arterial stiffness, physical function of lower-limb, and cognitive ability in adults aged over 60. Methods: This study was a prospective and randomized 12-week intervention trial with three repeated measurements (baseline, 6, and 12 weeks). Sixty healthy adults who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into three training conditions (TC-24, TC-42, and TC-56) matched by gender, with 20 participants (10 males, 10 females) in each of the three groups. We measured the following health outcomes, including markers of atherosclerosis, physical function (leg power, and static and dynamic balance) of lower-limb, and cognitive ability. Results: When all three TC groups (p < 0.05) have showed significant improvements on these outcomes but overall cognitive ability at 6 or 12 weeks training period, TC-56 appears to have superior effects on arterial stiffness and static/dynamic balance in the present study. Conclusions: Study results of the present study add to growing body of evidence regarding therapeutic TC for health promotion and disease prevention in aging population. Future studies should further determine whether TC-42 and TC-56 are beneficial for other non-Chinese populations, with rigorous research design and follow-up assessment.

Superior Effects of Modified Chen-Style Tai Chi versus 24-Style Tai Chi on Cognitive Function, Fitness, and Balance Performance in Adults over 55

“…Tai Chi (TC) is a typical form of traditional Chinese health-promoting exercise [10,11,12], with more than 3000 years of history [13,14,15]. Despite its complicated movement sequences, TC involves mild to moderate exercise intensity and is suitable for aging people with low exercise tolerance [16,17,18].…”

Wuqinxi Qigong as an Alternative Exercise for Improving Risk Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…The Wuqinxi exercise routine was originally choreographed by an ancient Chinese physician in the Donghan Dynasty [12]; it is figuratively known as the “five animals” exercise, including movements imitating tigers, deer, bears, apes, and birds [12]. Wuqinxi modalities such as Tai Chi [13,14,15], Baduanjin [16,17,18], and Yoga [19,20,21] also involve symmetrically slow movements, integrated with breathing techniques, physical and mental relaxation, body awareness, and meditation. Since the establishment of the Health Qigong Association in 2004, Wuqinxi and other traditional Chinese health-promoting Qigong exercises have become widely practiced worldwide [22,23,24].…”

The Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on Immune Responses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…For example, one study was conducted with a TQ intervention duration of 4 weeks and a frequency of three sessions per week, whereas the duration of other studies varied from 4 weeks to 24 weeks with frequencies ranging from one session to five sessions per week. However, at present there is no standardised protocol to inform healthcare professionals and the general public on the minimum dosage levels of TQ required to modulate immune responses [73]. Finally, the current review did not investigate the physiological mechanisms underlying the effects of TQ on immune responses, despite previous studies attempting to explain these potential mechanisms in mind-body medicine and psychoneuroimmunology models [33].…”