Effects Of A Multi-ingredient Dietary Supplement And Tai Chi On Physical Function In Adults

Abstract

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of a 12-week multi-ingredient dietary supplementation (MIDS) or Tai Chi training on physical function compared to a placebo in middle-aged and older adults. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, seventy-five men and postmenopausal women aged 45-75 years were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups: 1) MIDS (n= 30), 2) placebo tablet (PL, n= 30), or 3) Tai Chi training (EX, n= 15). The supplementation groups took one tablet daily (MIDS or PL), while the EX group performed a 24-form Yang Tai Chi exercise program (1hr/session, 3x/week) for 12 weeks. Physical function was assessed using Tandem Romberg test, single leg stance (SLS) test, dynamic balance test via Biodex Balance System (BBS), timed up and go test (TUG), and functional reach test (FRT) pre- and post-intervention. Data were analyzed with a 3×2 mixed ANOVA and Bonferroni pair-wise comparisons. Significance was accepted p≤.05. RESULTS: In TUG test, there was a significant group x time interaction, as the EX group improved significantly more than the PL group (EX: 8.07±1.18 to 7.08±0.80 s vs. PL: 8.19 ± 1.32 to 8.16 ± 1.36 s). There were significant main time effects in both BBS dynamic test level 2 anterior/posterior scores (EX: 7.94±4.78 to 3.31±1.51 AU, +58.43%), and TUG test (EX: 8.07±1.18 to 7.08±0.80 s, -14%). In addition, the EX group showed significant improvements in SLS from pre- to post-intervention (7.57±7.31 to 13.31±14.25 s, +43.13%). Both the MIDS and EX groups had a significant main time effect in physical health scores in the SF-36 survey (MIDS: 81.6±13.0 to 85.7±10.7, +5%, EX: 79.0±18.6 to 86.1±13.3, +9%) after the interventions. The PL group remained unchanged in aforementioned physical function tests. CONCLUSIONS: In middle-aged and older adults, 12 weeks of Tai Chi exercise improved both static and dynamic balance ability, which is essential in reducing the risk of falls. Tai Chi exercise also significantly improved TUG scores, which indicates advantageous effects on gait and strength. Both the MIDS and Tai Chi interventions improved self-perception of health status, suggesting beneficial effects on the quality of life. Overall, both MIDS and Tai Chi can be beneficial to physical function and quality of life in older adults. Supported by Shaklee Corporation Research Grant.