Comparative Study of the Effects of Tai Chi and Square Dance on Immune Function, Physical Health, and Life Satisfaction in Urban Empty-Nest Older Adults.

Zhongjun Su,Jiexiu Zhao

doi:10.3389/fphys.2021.721758

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effects of Tai Chi and Square dance on immune function, physical health, and life satisfaction in urban, empty-nest older adults.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 249 older adults (60–69 years) who were categorized into Tai Chi (n = 81), Square dance (n = 90), and control groups (n = 78). We evaluated immunoglobulin G (IgG) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity by MTT assay, physical health indices by physical fitness levels, and life satisfaction by Life Satisfaction Index A (LSIA) scores.Results: Immune function, physical health, and life satisfaction in older adults in the Tai Chi and Square dance groups were significantly better than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Regarding immune function and physical health, the Tai Chi group exhibited significantly higher levels of IgG (15.41 ± 0.26 g/L vs. 11.99 ± 0.35 g/L, P < 0.05), IL-2 (4.60 ± 0.20 ng/mL vs. 4.45 ± 0.21 ng/mL, P < 0.05), and NK cell cytotoxicity (0.28 ± 0.02 vs. 0.22 ± 0.02, P < 0.05) than the square dance group, significantly lower waist-to-hip ratio (0.87 ± 0.02 vs. 0.89 ± 0.02, P < 0.05), resting pulse (78.4 ± 4.6 beats/min vs. 81.0 ± 3.1 beats/min, P < 0.05), systolic blood pressure (132.0 ± 5.2 mmHg vs. 136.2 ± 3.2 mmHg, P < 0.05), diastolic blood pressure (80.0 ± 2.6 mmHg vs. 83.0 ± 2.7 mmHg, P < 0.05), and significantly higher vital capacity (2978.0 ± 263.0 mL vs. 2628.3 ± 262.8 mL, P < 0.05) and duration of one-leg standing with eyes closed (16.2 ± 1.9 s vs. 12.0 ± 1.7 s). However, there was no significant difference in LSIA scores between the Tai Chi and Square dance groups (12.05 ± 1.96 vs. 13.07 ± 1.51, P > 0.05). Further, there was a significant correlation between LSIA scores and immune function (r = 0.50, P = 0.00) and physical health (r = 0.64, P = 0.00).Conclusion: (1) Both Tai Chi and square dance practitioners had better health outcomes, compared with sedentary individuals; (2) Tai Chi practitioners had better physical health and immune function than Square dance practitioners. (3) Tai Chi and Square dance exercises had similar effects on life satisfaction among urban empty-nest older adults.Suggestions: For urban empty-nest older adults who want to have better physical health and immune function, long-term Tai Chi exercise may be a better choice; however, those who are concerned about life satisfaction can choose either Tai Chi or Square dance exercise.

Highlights

Due to market reform, economic restructuring, the miniaturization of the family structure, and population aging in China, approximately 50% of the older adults in China are currently empty nesters (Zhen, 2016); it is estimated that by 2030, the proportion will reach 90% (Wang G. et al, 2017)
We aimed to evaluate the effects of these exercise on other physical health indicators, including waist-to-hip ratio, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), vital capacity, resting pulse, and balance
The majority of the participants in the Tai Chi and Square dance groups reported that they had not participated in other forms of regular exercise, except for occasional walking; the same was reported in the control group

Summary

Introduction

Economic restructuring, the miniaturization of the family structure, and population aging in China, approximately 50% of the older adults in China are currently empty nesters (Zhen, 2016); it is estimated that by 2030, the proportion will reach 90% (Wang G. et al, 2017). Mental health contributes considerably to life satisfaction and to immune function. Physical and mental health potentially influence life satisfaction in older adults (Pinto et al, 2016; Lombardo et al, 2018), and psychoneuroimmunology studies have indicated that thoughts, emotional patterns, and psychological dynamics are strongly interrelated with immune response (Vasile, 2020). Life satisfaction is an important psychological factor reflecting the mental health and quality of life of older empty nesters (Zou and Yang, 2017), and it is an abstract and synthetic concept, which involves spiritual, physical, and social factors of individuals in daily life (Holmes and Dickerson, 1987). It is important to improve their mental health, immune function, and life satisfaction

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Discussion

Conclusion