Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate the acute effect of Tai Chi (TC) on hemodynamics and functional fitness, 17 diagnosed hypertensive, medicated participants enrolled in an adult fitness program (age 74.9 yr, wt 81.5 ± 7.7kg), with no prior experience with TC, volunteered to participate in the sutdy. METHODS: Prior to the assessment, the subjects received 11 75-minute TC training sessions twice a week, led by professional instructors, so that they would be familiar with the movement and be able to perform efficiently. In addition, they continued aerobic exercise 3 days per week. Resting blood pressure (SBP/DBP) and heart rate (RHR), pulmonary function (PF) by FEV1/FVC, 6RM knee extension (KE) by Keiser CAM II, balance by each left and right leg stance with visual assistance (VAB-L/VAB-R), and lower back flexibility (FLEX) by sit-and-reach measurements were obtained pre and immediately post a 20-minute TC session, which is a comparable length to generally recommended aerobic exercise per day. RESULTS: Statistical analysis by ANOVA (*P < .05) revealed no significant differences in all aforementioned variables, with the exception of SBP and KE. CONCLUSIONS: The fact that there was a significant reduction in SBP acutely indicates that TC may have effects on BP similar to that of aerobic exercises. TC can be considered an enjoyable form of exercise, and it may acutely decrease SBP and improve quadricep strength.Table: No Caption Available
Published Version
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