The Effects of Tai Chi plus behaviorally‐based dietary weight loss on physical functioning in community‐dwelling obese older women

Abstract

Older obese women are at risk of obesity‐related disability, but Tai Chi has not been explored as an exercise modality along with weight loss for their effects on physical function. A 16‐week community‐based intervention was conducted to assess the impact of Tai Chi plus behaviorally‐based weight loss (TCWL, n=29) on obese (BMI=35.4 ±0.8 kg/m2) older (68.2±1.5 yr) women compared to a control group (CON, n=9, BMI=38.0±1.5kg/m2, 65.6±2.7 yr). The major outcome was the short physical performance battery (SPPB), consisting of 4‐m gait speed (GS), standing balance, and chair stand (CS) tests. The TCWL group participated in two Tai Chi sessions and one dietary weight loss session per week with a goal of 5–10% weight loss. The CON group was asked to maintain their normal lifestyle. The TCWL group lost weight, (1.6±2.9 kg, P=.006) while the CON group showed no significant change (1.2 ± 1.9 kg P=.11). SPPB score improved in TCWL (0.59±1.28, P=.023) when compared to the CON group (−0.56±1.81, P=.38). TCWL group improved GS (−0.14±0.76 sec, P=.34) time better (P=.004) than CON (0.56±0.81 sec, P=.07) and also improved CS (−0.80±1.71 sec, P=.02) time better (P=.065) than CON (0.28±2.83 sec, P=.77). Tai Chi may represent an effective intervention strategy to maintain and improve physical function while losing weight..