Abstract P161: Tai Chi Movements Bring On Parasympathetic Nerve Output As Indicated By Audible Bowel Sounds

Abstract

Tai Chi movements are unique exercise that can improve cognition, strength somatomotor coordination, and enhance autonomic nerve regulation on internal organ function. The mild increase in heart rate and/or slight sweat during and after practicing Tai Chi indicates the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. There is lack of evidence to show that Tai Chi exercise enhances the activity of parasympathetic nervous system though it has been claimed that practicing Tai Chi could do so. The author tested the hypothesis that Tai Chi exercise brings on an increase in parasympathetic nerve outputs (PNO). The PNO is evaluated by recording the bowel sounds using an audio recorder (Sony digital voice recorder ICD-PX Series) and the data analyses were done using NCH software (WavePad audio editor). The heart rate was simultaneously recorded using a fingertip pulse oximeter (Zacurate Pro Series 500DL) during Tai Chi exercise. All the data was repeatedly collected from a Tai Chi Master in a study period of 6 months. A total of 30 recordings were used to carry out the analysis. The audible bowel sounds occurred when the performer started to do the Ready-Movement of Yang-style Tai Chi. These Tai Chi induced-bowel sounds lasted from the beginning to the end of a set of movements (3-5 min for 24-moves style). The frequency of bowel sounds was in a range of 0.2 to 3.5 Hz. The average number of bowel sounds was approximately 2.5 sounds per Tai Chi Move. The intensity and frequency of the bowel sounds are not related to the change of the performer’s heart rate. In comparison, meditation or deep squat exercise performed by the Tai Chi master did not cause any changes in the bowel sounds. According to the autonomic innervation of the GI tract, increase of bowel movements is mediated by PNO. In conclusion, Tai Chi movements can simultaneously exercise skeletal muscles, sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system. The enhancement of parasympathetic nervous system output by Tai Chi exercise is a valuable modality of physical exercise for wellness.