A Comparison of Two Tai Chi Interventions Tailored for Different Health Outcomes

Abstract

Tai Chi can be tailored based on five major styles, over 108 forms, and three fundamental elements that include breathing techniques, mental relaxation, and movement principles. However, it is not clear if Tai Chi interventions tailored for specific health outcomes will result in different health benefits. PURPOSE: To compare the health benefits of two different Tai Chi interventions targeted for improvements in blood pressure (BP) (PRESSURE) or balance (BALANCE). METHODS: We tailored PRESSURE to emphasize breathing techniques and mental relaxation; and BALANCE to emphasize movement principles that challenge balance. Participants were randomized based upon baseline values to PRESSURE (n=12), BALANCE (n=13), or CONTROL (n=10). Tai Chi was practiced 3 sessions/week, 60 minutes/session, for 12 weeks. CONTROL (n=10) performed normal daily activities. We measured a variety of cardiovascular, balance, and functional fitness health outcomes pre-and post-intervention. Differences among groups were tested with analyses of covariance with age, body mass index, heart rate, and baseline BP as covariates. RESULTS: Participants were older (78.9±5.7 yr), overweight (25.9±4.3 Kg/m2) adults, with pre-hypertension (systolic BP[SBP]/diastolic BP, 126.5±14.4/69.3±8.4 mmHg), and mostly women (82.9%) and naive to Tai Chi (97.1%). PRESSURE improved Chair Sit-to-Stand Test (CSTS) by 1.0±1.8 times/30s versus CONTROL (p=0.029); and BALANCE improved Single Leg Stance Test by 5.4±18.0 s (p=0.049) and CSTS by 1.0±1.7 times/30s (p=0.027), and tended to lower SBP by 4.2±16.0 mmHg (p=0.052) versus CONTROL. However, there were no differences between PRESSURE and BALANCE versus CONTROL for any health outcome (p>0.05) CONCLUSION: Contrary to our hypothesis, Tai Chi interventions tailored for specific health outcomes did not result in different health benefits. Yet, our results suggest that older adults who are naive to Tai Chi achieve a variety of health benefits from different types of Tai Chi practice within the first few months of participation.