Tai Chi Intervention Research Articles

Stroke Survivors' Personal Efficacy Beliefs and Outcome Expectations of Tai Chi Exercise: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

Prior qualitative research conducted among stroke survivors to explore the potential benefits and challenges of participating in tai chi exercise during stroke recovery is limited to those without depression. A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Social Cognitive Theory and Complex Systems Biology provided the theoretical framework, with focus group interview data collected from stroke survivors after participation in a tai chi intervention. Due to COVID-19, the focus group interview was conducted via online video conferencing. Content analysis of the de-identified transcript was conducted with a-priori codes based on the theoretical framework and inductive codes that were added during the analysis process. Lincoln and Guba’s criteria were followed to ensure trustworthiness of the data. Community-dwelling stroke survivors (n = 7) participating in the focus group interviews were on average 68 years old, mainly retired (71%, n = 5), married women (57%, n = 4) with >13 years education (86%, n = 6). The three major themes were: personal efficacy beliefs, tai chi intervention active ingredients, and outcome expectations. Social Cognitive Theory underscored stroke survivors’ personal efficacy beliefs, behavior, and outcome expectations, while Complex Systems Biology highlighted the active ingredients of the tai chi intervention they experienced. Participation in the 8-week tai chi intervention led to perceived physical, mental, and social benefits post stroke.

The efficacy of Tai Chi for intervention treatment of myocardial infarction: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:This protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis aims at assessing the clinical evidence regarding the efficacy of Tai Chi interventions in patients with myocardial infarction (MI).Methods:Literature retrieval will use the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang Database, and Ongoing Clinical Trials Database. Our search strategy was based on a string of text words, Medical Subject Headings, and subject headings indicative of Tai Chi. The search strings included: tai chi chuan, taiji, and taiji quan interventions in myocardial infarction; MI infarcts; myocardial infarcts; myocardial; coronary artery disease; coronary arteriosclerosis; acute coronary syndromes; and coronary syndromes. Quality assessment of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4 software.Results:The findings of this study will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals for publication.Conclusion:This study will provide reliable evidence regarding the efficacy of Tai Chi in patients with MI and provide up-to-date evidence for its application.

Mind-Body Interventions in Patients With Heart Failure: State of the Science.

Complementary and alternative medicine are broadly considered mind-body interventions (MBIs) that support physical and mental wellness in patients with heart failure (HF). The aims of this review were to integrate and summarize current evidence from MBIs in patients with HF and to identify gaps for future research. We used PRISMA guideline and conducted a literature search through six databases. Fifteen publications met the criteria, published between 2013 and 2021. This review stipulated that MBIs included yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, reflexology, massage, relaxation, and breathing interventions. The findings emphasized that MBIs could reduce physical and psychological symptoms and improve health outcomes in patients with HF. MBIs had encouraging results for patients with HF on selected physiological and behavioral outcomes. Despite the early state of the evidence in this field, it seems that MBIs will play an essential role in the future for alleviating the symptoms of patients with HF.

PERFORMANCE OF TAI CHI EXERCISE IMPROVES THE RISK OF FALLS IN PATIENTS FOLLOWING A STROKE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: People who have sustained a stroke commonly experience a decline in functional balance leading to an increased fall risk. Falls may lead to debilitating injuries, recurrent falls and a decline in functional independence. Balance impairment is one of the predominant risk factors for falls in stroke survivors. In recent research, Tai Chi has been used as a therapeutic intervention compared to conventional physical therapy methods. The purpose of this study was to summarize the current research investigating the use of Tai Chi as an intervention to improve balance and fall risk and its success in patients with a stroke. Methods: Electronic databases, PubMed and EMBASE, were searched in December of 2019 to identify studies of Tai Chi as a balance intervention for survivors of stroke. Experimental studies with ambulatory participants, diagnosed with a stroke, used Tai Chi as an intervention and utilized outcomes measures to assess balance level, number of falls or fall risk. The studies compared outcomes of patients who underwent a minimum of eight weeks of Tai Chi intervention to standard physical therapy methods. Study quality was assessed using the 10-point PEDro scale and 12-point Quality Assessment Tool for Pre-Post Studies with No Control Group. Results: Six studies were included in this review. All studies demonstrated that Tai Chi intervention was effective in improving balance when compared either to the patients’ previous ambulatory status (within group comparison) or to a group receiving standard physical therapy (between group comparison). Conclusion: Our data suggests that Tai Chi is an effective intervention for improving balance in patients who have survived a stroke. Clinically, the use of Tai Chi should be implemented in conjunction with conventional physical therapy when addressing balance deficits in patients who have survived a stroke.

Enriched Tai Chi (ETC) Program Enhances Quality of Life for Older Adults in Assisted Living Facility: Feasibility Study

Background: Older adults living in assisted living facilities (ALFs) are at risk for physical and mental health decline that precipitates nursing home placement. There is a need for an exercise program that improves the quality of life (QOL) for older adults living in the ALFs. This study’s primary purpose was to investigate the feasibility of an Enriched tai chi (ETC) intervention program on improving the QOL of older adults living in an ALF.

Comparisons of tai chi and Iyengar yoga intervention effects on muscle strength, balance, and confidence in balance.

The aim of the study is to compare a 16-week tai chi and Iyengar yoga program effects on muscle strength, static and dynamic balance, and balance confidence in elderly people. A total of 48 participants (≥60 years old) without mobility-impairing neurological disease, dementia, cardiovascular disease/symptoms during moderate exercise, poorly controlled hypertension, or balance-impairing drug use. Participants were divided into a tai chi group, an Iyengar yoga group, and a control group (eight males and eight females per group), using a restricted randomization scheme generated by software. While the former two undertook 16-week exercise programs, the control group received general education. Maximum concentric strength was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. The one-legged stand with eyes closed, "8 feet up and go," and Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale were used to assess static balance, dynamic balance, and balance confidence in daily activities, respectively. Both programs improved all measures significantly with tai chi being more effective for increasing knee flexor strength (P=0.045) and extensor strength (P=0.032) and ABC score (P=0.034); Iyengar yoga was more effective for improving static balance (P=0.014) and dynamic balance (P=0.025; all P values here vs. the other program). Tai chi and Iyengar yoga can improve strength, balance, and balance confidence among older people. Both are suitable exercise choices for older adults.

Impacts of tai chi exercise on functional fitness in community-dwelling older adults with mild degenerative knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundDegenerative osteoarthritis (OA) often leads to pain and stiffness of the affected joints, which may affect the physical performance and decrease the quality of life of people with degenerative knee OA. Compared to traditional exercise, tai chi is a safe exercise with slow movements which can facilitate physical functioning and psychological well being, and might be suitable for improving the physical activities of older adults with knee OA. Therefore, this study investigated the impacts of tai chi exercise on the functional fitness of community-dwelling older adults with degenerative knee OA.MethodsSixty-eight community-dwelling older adults with knee OA were recruited from the local community to participate in this randomized controlled clinical trial. All subjects were randomly assigned to either an TCE group that practiced tai chi exercise (TCE) (n = 36) or a control group (CON) (n = 32) that received regular health education programs twice per week for 12 weeks. Outcome measurements were determined using functional fitness tests before and after the intervention, including a 30-s chair stand (number of repeats), 30-s arm-curl (number of repeats), 2-min step (number of steps), chair sit-and-reach (reaching distance, cm), back-scratch flexibility (distance between hands, cm), single-leg stand (time, s), functional reach (reaching distance, cm), 8-foot up-and-go (time, s), and 10-m walk tests (time, s). Pre-post comparisons of functional fitness were analyzed using the ANCOVA test with SPSS software version 18.0.ResultsResults revealed that participants’ functional fitness in the TCE group had significantly higher adjusted mean post-tests scores than that in the CON group after the intervention, including the 8-foot up-and-go (s) (mean difference [MD]=-2.92 [-3.93, -1.91], p = 2.39*10− 7), 30-s arm curl (MD = 4.75 (2.76, 6.73), p = 1.11*10− 5), 2-min step (MD = 36.94 [23.53, 50.36], p = 7.08*10− 7), 30-s chair stand (MD = 4.66 [2.97, 6.36], p = 6.96*10− 7), functional-reach (MD = 5.86 [3.52, 8.20], p = 4.72*10− 6), single-leg stand with eyes closed (MD = 3.44 [1.92, 4.97], p = 2.74*10− 5), chair sit-and-reach (MD = 3.93 [1.72, 6.15], p = 0.001), and single-leg stand with eyes opened (MD = 17.07 [6.29, 27.85], p = 0.002), with large effect sizes (η²=0.14 ~ 0.34).ConclusionsCommunity-dwelling older adults with knee OA in the TCE group had better functional fitness performances after the 12-week tai chi intervention than those receiving only health education.

Four-week Tai Chi intervention decreases attention bias to drug cues in individuals with methamphetamine use disorder

ABSTRACT Background: Mind-body exercise is used for the rehabilitation of individuals with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). Attention bias to substances is an important index of MUD. However, whether a mind-body exercise intervention can decrease attention bias is unclear. Objective: This study aimed to test the effect of a four-week Tai Chi (a Chinese traditional mind-body exercise) exercise program on the attention bias of individuals with MUD. Methods: Thirty-two men with MUD and without Tai Chi practice experience were recruited and randomly assigned to either a Tai Chi exercise group or a control group. The Tai Chi group received four-week Tai Chi training, while the control group engaged in daily exercise (including radio gymnastics and Jianxincao, two kinds of free-hand exercises). During a drug-related Stroop task, participants were instructed to respond to the color of the word ignoring the word type (drug-related or neutral words). The reaction time and d’ (the index of sensitivity) were measured. Results: The participants showed attention bias to substance cues; the reaction time was slower for drug-related words than for neutral words (p < .05). After the Tai Chi intervention, the Tai Chi group showed a faster reaction time (ps < .05) and a smaller d’ (ps < .05) than the baseline across all the word types. In contrast, the control group showed no differences (ps > .05). Conclusion: Four-week Tai Chi intervention reduced sensitivity and attentional bias to drug-related cues in individuals with MUD, suggesting that mind-body exercise might enhance recovery from MUD via attention control.

Stroke survivors personal efficacy beliefs and outcomes expectations of tai chi exercise: a qualitative descriptive study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Laurence B. Emmons Research Award Background Strokes are a leading cause of serious long-term disability, often compounded by post-stroke depression. Prior Tai Chi research conducted among stroke survivors has focused mainly on physical functioning yet understanding the potential benefits and challenges of participating in Tai Chi exercise during stroke recovery is limited. Social Cognitive Theory and Complex Systems Biology provided the theoretical framework to examine stroke survivors’ personal efficacy beliefs, behaviour (Tai Chi intervention), and outcome expectations (Figure 1). Purpose To describe community-dwelling stroke survivors’ experiences of being in an 8-week Tai Chi intervention, including any benefits or challenges they had, and allow the participants to offer any suggestions for improving how the Tai Chi classes were structured. Methods A qualitative descriptive approach was used, with focus group interview data collected from stroke survivors after participation in a Tai Chi intervention. Due to COVID-19, the focus group interview was conducted via on-line video conferencing. The interview was audio-recorded, then transcribed using an online transcription service. Content analysis of the de-identified transcript was conducted using online analysis software with a priori codes based on the theoretical framework, and inductive codes that were added during the analysis process. The transcript was coded independently by two researchers and discussed until consensus was reached. Lincoln and Guba’s criteria were followed to ensure trustworthiness of the data. Results Community-dwelling stroke survivors (n = 7) participating in the focus group interviews were on average 68 years old, mainly retired (71%, n = 5), married women (57%, n = 4) with &amp;gt;13 years education (86%, n = 6), reporting depression symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression = 15.9 ± 9.6) with 43% (n = 3) taking anti-depressant medications. The major findings are summarized according to three major themes: Personal Efficacy Beliefs, Tai Chi Intervention Active Ingredients and Outcome Expectations. Personal Efficacy Beliefs centered on the participants’ ability to do the Tai Chi movements. The Tai Chi Intervention Active Ingredients experienced during the classes were evident, apart from ‘natural freer breathing’ which was not discussed or described. Outcome Expectations centered on the physical, mental, and social benefits experienced, challenges encountered, and suggestions for improving the Tai Chi classes. Conclusion Social Cognitive Theory underscored stroke survivors’ personal efficacy beliefs, behaviour, and outcome expectations. While Complex Systems Biology highlighted the active ingredients of Tai Chi intervention they experienced. Participation in the 8-week Tai Chi intervention led to perceived holistic (physical, mental, social) benefits post-stroke.

Changes in symptoms, sleep, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers among community-dwelling stroke survivors after a tai chi exercise intervention

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Laurence B. Emmons Research Award Background Depression is prevalent among one-third to two-thirds of stroke survivors. Despite the availability of pharmacotherapies and/or psychotherapies, depression persists, even 5-10 years post-stroke, reflecting limited treatment responses and/or adherence to this conventional care. Mind-body interventions are commonly used among adults to ameliorate depressive symptoms, thus we investigated the feasibility of Tai Chi, alongside conventional care, to manage post-stroke depression. Purpose Describe changes in symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, sleep, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers post-intervention among community-dwelling stroke survivors with depressive symptoms. Methods In this feasibility study, a single-group pre-post intervention design was used. Due to COVID-19, participants attended a 1-hour Tai Chi exercise class three times per week for 8 weeks, instead of the planned 12-weeks. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were assessed using standardized questionnaires (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale, CESD; Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment; Perceived Stress Scale), objective sleep was assessed via a research-grade triaxial accelerometer (ActiGraph GT9X), and blood samples were taken to assess oxidative stress (plasma superoxide dismutase, SOD) and inflammatory markers (serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-10). Pre-post intervention changes were assessed using paired t-tests. Results Community-dwelling stroke survivors (N = 11) on average 69.7 ± 9.3 years old, mainly retired (73%, n = 8), married men (55%, n = 6) with &amp;gt;13 years education (91%, n = 10), reporting depression symptoms (CESD = 17.3 ± 11.4) and 55% taking anti-depressant medications, enrolled. The majority of participants reported having an ischemic stroke (82%, n = 9) with hemiparesis (55%, n = 6), but were able to walk 15 feet without assistance (91%, n = 10). After the Tai Chi intervention, we observed significant reductions in symptoms of depression (-5.3 ± 5.9, p = 0.01), anxiety (-2.2 ± 2.4, p = 0.01) and stress (-4.6 ± 4.8, p = 0.01); along with better sleep efficiency (+1.8 ± 1.8, p = 0.01), less wakefulness after sleep onset (-9.3 ± 11.6, p = 0.04), and less time awake (-9.3 ± 11.6, p = 0.04). In addition, there was a 36% decrease in SOD activity (p = 0.02) indicative of a decreased oxidative environment post-intervention; though no significant changes in any of the inflammatory markers were found (all p-values &amp;gt;0.05). Conclusion Symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were observed in these community-dwelling stroke survivors along with sub-optimal sleep. Among community-dwelling stroke survivors, Tai Chi exercise is a feasible intervention that can be used alongside conventional care to manage post-stroke depression and may also aid in reducing symptoms of anxiety and stress, and improve sleep. Further research is needed with rigorous study designs and larger samples, before widespread recommendations can be made.

Can Tai Chi Improve Cognitive Function? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Tai Chi (TC) is a traditional Chinese martial art with demonstrated beneficial effects on physical and mental health. In this study, the authors performed a systematic review to assess the efficiency of TC in different populations' cognitive function improvement. Design: The present systematic review utilized the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (1915-), Wanfang (1998-), VIP (1989-), Chinese Biomedicine databases (1978-), PubMed (1950-), Web of Science (1900-), Cochrane Library (1948-), Embase (1974-), EBSCOhost (1922-), and OVID (1996-) databases to search and identify relevant articles published in English and Chinese from the beginning of coverage through October 17, 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from the beginning of coverage through October 17, 2020 in English and Chinese were retrieved from many indexing databases. Selected studies were graded according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention 5.1.0. The outcome measures of cognitive function due to traditional TC intervention were obtained. Meta-analysis was conducted by using RevMan 5.4 software. We follow the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Results: Thirty-three RCTs, with a total of 1808 participants, were included. The study showed that TC could progress global cognition when assessed in middle-aged as well as elderly patients suffering from cognitive and executive function impairment. The findings are as follows: Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale: mean difference (MD) = 3.23, 95% CI = 1.88-4.58, p < 0.00001, Mini-Mental State Exam: MD = 3.69, 95% CI = 0.31-7.08, p = 0.03, Trail Making Test-Part B: MD = -13.69, 95% CI = -21.64 to -5.74, p = 0.0007. The memory function of older adults assessed by the Wechsler Memory Scale was as follows: MD = 23.32, 95% CI = 17.93-28.71, p < 0.00001. The executive function of college students evaluated by E-prime software through the Flanker test was as follows: MD = -16.32, 95% CI = -22.71 to -9.94, p < 0.00001. Conclusion: The TC might have a positive effect on the improvement of cognitive function in middle-aged and elderly people with cognitive impairment as well as older adults and college students.

Is Tai Chi an effective intervention for enhancing health-related quality of life in older people with mild cognitive impairment? An interventional study.

Many neuropsychiatric symptoms in persons of MCI cause negative impacts on their HRQOL. There is limited HRQOL research investigating the effect of Tai Chi on older people with MCI. To determine the effectiveness of a Tai Chi program in enhancing health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among community-dwelling older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Hong Kong. This was a quasi-experimental study using a nonequivalent control group (CG) design. Four social centres for older people participated in the study, of which two centres were randomised for Tai Chi intervention and the other two were treated as control. Participants in the intervention group (IG) were arranged for a 1-hour Tai Chi class twice weekly for 16weeks, whereas participants in the CG were advised to join various recreational activities in the social centres as usual. For outcome evaluation, the Chinese version of the Short Form-12 Health Survey-Standard 1 (SF-12) was employed to assess participants' perceived HRQOL. One hundred and sixty participants were recruited (IG=80, CG=80). Data were collected at baseline (T0) and 16-week post-intervention (T1).The IG reported significant improvement in the physical health component (PCS) (p=.036), the mental health component (MCS) (p=.014), as well as several subscales of SF-12, namely, the role-physical (RP) (p=.044), the bodily pain (BP) (p<.001) and the vitality (VT) (p=.004) subscales, in comparison with the CG. The current study results extended our knowledge about Tai Chi of which the mind-body exercise could enhance the physical and psychosocial well-being in older people with MCI. The findings have the potential to inform health and social care professionals to promote Tai Chi in community settings, as it may represent a non-intensive and age-fitting strategy to promote HRQOL in older people with MCI. NCT03404765 (Retrospectively registered January 19, 2018).

Impact of Tai Chi on CRP, TNF-alpha and IL-6 in inflammation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Previous studies have reported that C reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients are significantly increased, and their progressive increases are clinical warning indicators of severe and critical severity. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of Tai Chi on CRP, TNF-alpha and IL-6, and provide a basis for complementary treatment of COVID-19. Five English databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Cochrane Library and Embase) and four Chinese electronic databases (CNKI, Wanfang, China Science and Technology Journal Database and SinoMed) were searched from inception to April 1st, 2020. Combination MeSH and free text terms were used to make up search strategy. Interventions in RCTs were Tai Chi with or without comparison (usual care, health education, drug therapy, psychosocial therapy). Revman version 5.3 was used to analyze the extracted data. Continuous outcomes were described by SMD, and the I2 test was used to assess heterogeneity. Revised Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale was used to assess methodological quality. Nine RCTs involving 571 participants met the inclusion criteria, and the sample size ranged from 19 to 100 per study. Tai Chi can significantly reduce TNF-alpha (Tai Chi intervention: SMD =-0.92, 95% CI: -1.32 to -0.53; Tai Chi plus drug treatment intervention: SMD =-0.63, 95% CI: -1.15 to -0.11), moreover, it could reduce the amount of IL-6 (Tai Chi intervention: SMD =-0.62, 95% CI: -1.00 to -0.23; Tai Chi plus drug treatment intervention: SMD =-2.17, 95% CI: -3.69 to -0.64) and CRP (Tai Chi plus drug treatment intervention: SMD =-1.98, 95% CI: -2.47 to -1.50) while with a high exercise amount. A low exercise amount of Tai Chi showed poor efficacy on CRP (Tai Chi intervention: SMD =-0.18, 95% CI: -0.61 to 0.25; Tai Chi plus drug treatment intervention: SMD =-0.15, 95% CI: -0.47 to 0.16) and IL-6 (Tai Chi intervention: SMD =0.15, 95% CI: -0.24 to 0.55). The strength of evidence might be limited due to relatively low methodological quality, heterogeneity and indirectness. The overall results elucidate that Tai Chi could significantly reduce TNF-alpha while it did not show the same effects in IL-6 and CRP. After subgroup analysis, Tai Chi with a high exercise amount can reduce IL-6 and CRP. Tai Chi with a high exercise amount could be suggested as a complementary intervention for people with COVID-19. PROSPERO CRD42020177655.

Mind-Body Techniques in Pregnancy and Postpartum.

Maternal stress can perturb physiology and psychiatric health leading to adverse outcomes. This review investigates the effectiveness of several mind-body therapies-namely biofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, tai chi, and yoga-as interventions in reducing maternal stress and other pregnancy-related conditions. Through randomized trials, these techniques have shown promising benefits for reducing pain, high blood pressure, stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, labor pain and outcomes, and postpartum mood disturbances. As these interventions are easy to implement, low cost, and safe to perform in pregnancy, they should be considered as alternative, nonpharmaceutical interventions to use during pregnancy and postpartum care.

Exploring Tai Chi Exercise and Mind-Body Breathing in Patients with COPD in a Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial

In this pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial, participants with moderate to severe COPD were randomized to a 12-week tai chi or MBB intervention. Participants were assessed at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Feasibility, as assessed by intervention adherence, was the primary outcome. We also estimated preliminary between-group differences in COPD symptoms and health-related quality of life, cognitive-emotional function, and functional status across three timepoints: baseline, 12, and 24 weeks. A total of 92 participants were randomized 2:1 to tai chi (n = 61) or MBB (n = 31). The overall group adherence in the first 12 weeks was 62% in tai chi and 75% in MBB. From baseline to 12 weeks, tai chi demonstrated greater improvements in depressive symptoms (Cohen’s d effect size (ES) = −.53; adj mean diff = −2.31 [-5.7, 1.07]), 6-minute walk test distance (ES = .47; adj mean diff = 62.04 [2.85, 121.22]), social support (ES = .36; adj mean diff = .19 [-0.11, 0.49]) and chair stand (ES = .44; adj mean diff = .91 [-0.05, 1.86]). Only improvements in social support were maintained at 24-week follow-up. Tai chi and MBB are feasible for individuals with COPD. Preliminary effects suggest that while our mindful breathing intervention may not be sufficient to impact outcomes, tai chi may result in short-term benefits in mood, social support and functional capacity. More work is needed to better understand mindful breathing for COPD and to examine methods for maintaining improvements from tai chi over time. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/15412555.2021.1928037 .

A comparison of two Tai Chi interventions tailored for different health outcomes

ObjectivesWe compared the health benefits of two different Tai Chi interventions tailored for improving blood pressure (BP) (PRESSURE) or balance (BALANCE). Designrandomized controlled trial. SettingCommunity dwelling older adults (≥60yr) practiced Tai Chi at the fitness center of a continuous care community. InterventionsWe tailored PRESSURE to emphasize breathing techniques and mental relaxation and BALANCE to emphasize movement principles that challenged balance. Subjects were randomized to PRESSURE (n = 12), BALANCE (n = 13), or CONTROL (n = 10). Tai Chi was practiced 3 sessions/wk, 60 min/session for 12 wk. CONTROL performed normal daily activities. Main outcome measuresWe compared the change in cardiometabolic health, balance, and functional fitness between groups with ANCOVA using baseline values, age, and body mass index as covariates. ResultsSubjects were physically active, Tai Chi naive (97.1 %), white, mostly female (82.9 %), and older (78.9 ± 5.7 yr) with resting systolic BP (SBP) of 126.5 ± 14.4 mmHg and diastolic BP of 69.3 ± 8.4 mmHg. PRESSURE significantly improved Chair Sit-to-Stand Test (CSTS) (1.0 ± 1.8 vs.−0.6 ± 0.8times/30s,p = 0.03) versus CONTROL, and gait speed (12.8±43.3 vs.−24.1±22.4cm/sec, p = 0.02) versus BALANCE. Meanwhile, BALANCE significantly improved Single Leg Stance Test (5.4±18.0 vs.−8.2±10.3 s, p = 0.049) and CSTS (1.0±1.7 vs.−0.6±0.8times/30s, p = 0.03), and tended to lower SBP (-4.2±16.0 vs. 3.5±8.3mmHg, p = 0.052) versus CONTROL. ConclusionWithin 3 months, Tai Chi improved several health outcomes independent of the type of practice among physically active, Tai Chi naive older adults. Therefore, healthcare and exercise professionals may recommend Tai Chi to physically active older adults without specifying the type of practice.

Tai Chi Interventions Promoting Social Support and Interaction Among Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

Tai chi is known to improve balance and reduce falls in older adults. Yet, little is known about the impact of group tai chi on perceived social support and its relationship with participant self-efficacy and adherence. The current systematic review, guided by Social Cognitive Theory and Successful Aging, includes an overview of tai chi interventions with and without enhancements (e.g., music, mentorship, group practice) that evaluated social support among their outcomes (N = 10). PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases were searched for studies eligible under the inclusion criteria: sample population aged ≥60 years and published between 1999 and 2019. Four articles reported on tai chi interventions with specific enhancements to promote social interaction and reported increased perceived social support (p < 0.05). Six studies evaluated social support outcomes of tai chi programs without specific modifications to promote social engagement. Four of the six traditional tai chi intervention studies reported improved social support (p < 0.05). Group tai chi interventions for older adults may increase social support and therefore further increase health benefits of tai chi exercise among this population. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 14(3), 126-137.].

Tai chi improves psychoemotional state, cognition, and motor learning in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a 10-week tai chi intervention on psychoemotional state, cognition, and motor learning in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants aged 60–78 years were randomized to either a control group (n = 15) or a tai chi group (n = 15) for a 10-week period. The tai chi group received two, 8-form tai chi classes of 60 min duration per week. Changes in psychoemotional state, cognition, and the learning of fast and accurate reaching movements were assessed. In addition, the potential roles of the autonomic nervous system and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were investigated. Tai chi practice decreased (P < 0.05) perceived stress, whereas no change in autonomic nervous system activity was observed. Improvements in mental switching correlated with decreased depressive symptoms and increased BDNF levels (P < 0.05), whereas improvements in inhibitory control tended to correlate with BDNF levels (P = 0.08). Improvements in visuospatial processing tended to correlate with decreased depressive symptoms (P = 0.07) while improved visuospatial processing correlated with improved motor planning during learning tasks (P < 0.05). This study suggests that tai chi is an effective intervention that can be delivered under pandemic conditions to improve mental and physical function in older adults.

The effect of the range of motion exercises combined with tai chi intradialysis on the adequacy of hemodialysis in patients at lebak district hospital

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) has become a global problem. ESRD occurs due to kidney disorders in filtering blood, thus requiring hemodialysis. This study aims to determine the effect of the range of motion (ROM) and Tai Chi intradialysis on the adequacy of hemodialysis undergone by ESRD patients. The design of this study included a quasi-experiment with a pretest-posttest control group approach. The sample selection was performed using a consecutive sampling technique and involved 64 respondents. The results showed that there were differences in adequacy before and after the intervention. Wilcoxon test (p=0.005) showed that there was a significant effect on adequacy before and after ROM and Tai Chi interventions (1.67-1.73). The control and intervention groups were found to have a significant difference (p=0.045). In conclusion, ROM and Tai Chi intradialysis exercises were more effective in increasing the adequacy of hemodialysis undergone by ESRD patients.

Effects of a 16-week Tai Chi intervention on cutaneous sensitivity and proprioception among older adults with and without sensory loss

This study investigated the effects of a 16-week Tai Chi (TC) intervention on cutaneous sensitivity and proprioception among older adults with and without sensory loss. Thirty-six older adults were divided into sensory loss and control groups, and they underwent a 16-week TC intervention. Significant interactions were detected in heel cutaneous sensitivity (p = 0.046, F = 4.419) and knee flexion (p = 0.043, F = 4.580), extension (p = 0.027, F = 5.529) and ankle plantar-flexion proprioception (p = 0.037, F = 4.860). The post hoc test indicated that in the sensory loss group, heel cutaneous sensitivity threshold (p = 0.034) and knee flexion (p = 0.004), extension (p = 0.002) and ankle plantar-flexion (p = 0.023) proprioception threshold decreased at week 17, whereas in the control group, knee flexion (p = 0.029) proprioception threshold decreased at week 17. TC intervention improved cutaneous sensitivity at more sites and proprioception in more joints among the older adults with sensory loss. TC intervention is a good option for older adults to exercise, and it is more effective among older adults with sensory loss.