Tai Chi Training Research Articles

Effect of Twelve Sessions of Tai Chi Exercise on Static and Dynamic Balance in Young Girls

Background: Tai Chi is Chinese martial art strengthening the performance of individuals. Objectives: The purpose of present study is to determine the effect of a Tai Chi exercise period on static and dynamic balance of young girls. Methods: For the purpose of this research, 32 young girls were voluntarily selected and randomly divided into two groups: Tai Chi training group (21 subjects; mean ± SD; age 22.05±2.4 weight 53.67±6.3 kg, height 1.60±0.5 m) and control group (11 subjects; mean ± SD; age 23.37±0.9 weight 53.64±7.8 kg, height 1.62±0.4 m) players. Static and dynamic balance were measured using Biodex Balance System SD three days before and after a 12-session training period with similar conditions in terms of time and place (75 minutes each session). Results: Mixed repeated measure test showed a significant difference between pre and post-tests in open eye single-foot, closed eye single-foot, open eye two-foot, and closed eye two-foot stances (p=0.001). However, no significant difference was revealed in the control group (p>0.05). While there was better balance state in all stances of Tai Chi group, no significant difference was observed between the groups in this respect (p>0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this research indicated the effectiveness of Tai Chi exercises on static and dynamic balance of young girls. Although there was no significant difference in effect of exercise between training and control groups, mean percentage of changes in training group revealed the effectiveness of exercise in training group compared to control. Therefore, Tai Chi exercises can be recommended to treat and prevent injury due to poor balance. We suggested performing Tai Chi more than 12 session in order to enhance it influences.

Tai Chi Chuan for Subjective Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background This review aims to investigate the efficacy of Tai Chi Chuan on subjective sleep quality among adults. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), and the Wanfang Database from their inception to August 2019 and identified 25 eligible studies that were published in both English and Chinese. Results 24 out of 25 studies were identified to be high-quality studies according to the PEDro scale. The pooled results confirmed that Tai Chi Chuan elicited moderate improvements in subjective sleep quality (SMD = −0.512, 95% CI [−0.767, −0.257], P < 0.001). Notably, Tai Chi Chuan yielded more significant effects on sleep quality among the healthy population (SMD = −0.684, 95% CI [−1.056, −0.311], P < 0.001) than the clinical population (SMD = −0.395, 95% CI [−0.742, −0.047], P=0.026) and more benefits among the Asian population (SMD = −0.977, 95% CI [−1.446, −0.508], P < 0.001) than the American population (SMD = −0.259, 95% CI [−0.624, 0.105], P=0.164). After controlling the methodological quality of studies, it has been noted that Asians could achieve the most significant sleep-promoting benefit when Tai Chi Chuan was practiced between 60 and 90 min per session. Conclusions Available data implied that subjective sleep quality was improved via Tai Chi training, but more thorough studies must be executed to ascertain our findings and optimize Tai Chi practices accordingly toward various populations.

Effect of simplified Tai Chi exercise on relieving symptoms of patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease.

Tai Chi, a kind of physical exercise, may act as a non-pharmacologic approach to reducing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of simplified Tai Chi training plus routine exercise on motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease in comparison with routine exercise regimen alone. Forty-one outpatients and inpatients with Parkinson's disease (PD) were randomized into Tai Chi group (N.=19) and routine exercise group as control group (N.=22) for 12 weeks. The Tai Chi group included both Tai Chi traning and routine exercise. Motor and non-motor functions were assessed. Motor function was evaluated by Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS-III) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). The non-motor symptoms like quality of life, sleep quality, depression and anxiety state, cognitive function were assessed by Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39), Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) respectively. After 12 weeks of intervention, participants in both Tai Chi and routine exercise groups gained effects in UPDRS-III, BBS, PDQ-39, PDSS and HAMD compared to the baseline. However, significant improvements between Tai Chi group and routine exercise group were only found in PDSS (P=0.029) and MoCA (P=0.024). Tai Chi training plus routine exercise might therefore be an ideal alternative non-pharmacological approach for the motor and non-motor symptoms of PD patients, and especially be more useful for the improvement of sleep quality and cognitive function in Parkinson's disease compared with routine exercise regimen alone.

Body weight support-Tai Chi footwork for balance of stroke survivors with fear of falling: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Background and purposeBalance impairment is the predominant risk factor for falls in stroke survivors. This study examined the effects of body weight support-Tai Chi (BWS-TC) footwork on balance control among stroke survivors with fear of falling (FOF). Materials and methodsTwenty-eight stroke survivors with FOF were randomly allocated to either control or BWS-TC groups. Those in BWS-TC underwent Tai Chi training for 12 weeks. Outcomes were assessed in all participants by evaluation of the limits of stability test, modified clinical test of sensory integration of balance, fall risk index, and Fugl-Meyer assessment of lower limbs at baseline and 12 weeks. ResultsThe BWS-TC group displayed significant enhancement in dynamic control and vestibular and somatosensory integration. ConclusionBWS-TC may enhance dynamic control and sensory integration of balance and reduce the risk of fall in stroke survivors with FOF.

Effects of Tai Chi on Cerebral Hemodynamics and Health-Related Outcomes in Older Community Adults at Risk of Ischemic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study investigated the effects of Tai Chi compared with no exercise control on the cerebral hemodynamic parameters and other health-related factors in community older adults at risk of ischemic stroke. A total of 170 eligible participants were randomly allocated to Tai Chi or control group. The cerebral hemodynamic parameters and physical fitness risk factors of cardiovascular disease were measured at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. After the 12-week intervention, Tai Chi significantly improved the minimum of blood flow velocity (BFVmin); BFVmean; pulsatility index and resistance index of the right anterior cerebral artery; and BFVmax, BFVmin, and BFVmean parameters of the right middle cerebral artery. Tai Chi training also decreased triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, and homocysteine levels, and improved balance ability. Therefore, the supervised 12-week Tai Chi exercise had potential beneficial effects on cerebral hemodynamics, plasma risk factors, and balance ability in older community adults at risk of ischemic stroke.

Effects of individualized Tai-Chi on balance and lower-limb strength in older adults

BackgroundTo investigate whether a simplified and personalized Tai-Chi program could be beneficial for practitioners. A prospective quasi-experimental observer-blinded controlled trial was done in Beitou District of Taipei City.MethodsCommunity-dwelling adults aged 65 and older without debilitating disease (N = 50) participated the study. Those who were willing to participate in exercise program were assigned to individualized Tai-Chi (iTC) group (n = 20), receiving iTC training for 8 weeks, and traditional Tai-Chi (tTC) group (n = 15), receiving tTC training for 8 weeks. Those who were not willing to participate in exercise training were included in the control group (n = 15). Functional balance tests, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), timed up-and-go (TUG) test, functional-reach test, and measurement of lower-extremity muscle strength were conducted before and 8 weeks after the intervention.ResultsSignificant improvements were noted in all functional balance tests and strength assessments of 16 major lower-limb muscle groups in participants of the iTC group compared to the control group, whereas only BBS and muscle strength of hips and ankles were improved in the tTC group. Practitioners of iTC outperformed tTC in BBS and strength of two major muscles.ConclusionsPersonalized Tai-Chi training designed based on an objective measurement and conducted according to graded intensity and complexity benefitted practitioners after a short period.Trial registrationTrial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03659396, Unique Protocol ID: 1000087Date of registration: 03/28/2017The trial was registered retrospectively

The Effect of Tai Chi Exercise on Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Self Confidence of Nursing Students

Background: Students in medical sciences, especially nursing students, deal with many stressful factors. Stress-related psychological outcomes include anxiety, depression, and low self-confidence. Nowadays, sports exercises play a crucial role in improving lifestyle to prevent and manage stress and its consequences. Objectives: The present study intended to investigate the effect of Tai Chi exercise on the levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and self-confidence of nursing students. Methods: To this end, about 64 nursing students were selected and randomly divided into two 32 case and control groups in this clinical trial study. The case (experimental) group received 40-minute Tai chi training sessions three times a week for 8 weeks. Both groups completed DASS-42 questionnaire and Eysenck’s Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) as a pre-test, post-test, and one-month follow-up. Results: The results of the present study indicated that unlike the control group, the total mean score of stress, anxiety, and depression significantly decreased in the case group (P < 0.05), while self-confidence significantly increased in the case group during the pretest, post-test, and one-month follow-up (P < 0.05). Conclusions: According to the results of the present study, it can be concluded that Tai Chi had a significant effect on reducing the stress, anxiety, and depression while enhancing the self-confidence of the intended nursing students. Furthermore, Tai Chi is recommended as a simple and inexpensive way to reduce students’ stress, anxiety, and depression, whereas improves their self-confidence.

Follow the Smoke: Immersive Display of Motion Data With Synthesized Smoke

With the development of motion capture and graphics technology, visual feedback becomes increasingly important for tasks such as motion training. In order to engage users with immersive visual feedback, we introduce smoke simulation to enhance the motion display. Boundary conditions in the smoke simulation are designed to produce smoke which follows and implies the corresponding complex human motion. We also synthesize multilayer smoke, which is shown to be useful for emphasizing the motion of specified limbs. We implement our technique in an HMD-based virtual reality (VR) system for Tai-Chi training. User study results show that synthesized smoke is useful for enhancing the motion display, and that the training process is generally preferred in terms of engagement.

Benefits of an 8-form Tai Chi Training Exercise on Balance Performance, Falling Risk, and Muscle Strengths in Elderly with Limited Strength: A Feasibility Study

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an 8-form Tai Chi training exercise on balance performance, falling risk, and muscle strengths in elderly with limited strength. Twenty-six females between 70-85 years old with balance problem and moderate lower extremity muscular strengths (grade 2+ to 3+) without prior Tai Chi training volunteered for the study. The participants underwent the 8-form Tai Chi training exercise for 45 minutes/session, 3 sessions a week for 12 weeks. Balance performance (m-CTSIB, Postural Stability Balance Test, and 8-foot up-and-go Test), falling risk (Fall Risk Overall Stability Test and Fear of Falling Assessment), and muscle strengths (30-second Chair Stand Test and Pressure Biofeedback Unit Test) were assessed during pretest, mid-test, and post-test. One-way repeated measures ANOVA was conducted at the significant level of 0.05. The results after 6 weeks of training showed that balance and falling risk were improved where 8 foot up-and-go test and fear of falling assessment were significantly better than pre-experiment, while after 12 weeks, balance, falling risk, and lower extremity muscular strengths were significantly improved when compared to the pre-experiment. The 12-week 8-form Tai Chi training exercise was safe and effective in improving balance, falling risk, and lower extremity muscular strengths in ageing people with limited strengths.

Effects of 12 Weeks of Tai Chi Intervention in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Tai Chi is a physical activity modality which is widely practiced over the world. The effectiveness of Tai Chi on postural control and balance has been described in older population, but until recently there are no studies that include patients with chronic ankle instability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 12 weeks of Tai Chi intervention on dynamic balance and self-reported instability in patients with chronic ankle instability. A randomized controlled trial was carried out. University physical therapy facility. Fifty-two participants were allocated to an intervention group (n = 26) based on Tai Chi training or a control group (n = 26) who received no intervention. The participants completed 12 weeks of Tai Chi intervention (1h session/2times per week) or no intervention in the control group. Outcome measures included postural control and self-reported instability feeling assessed by the Star Excursion Balance Test and the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool, respectively. There was observed significant improvement in all Star Excursion Balance Test reach distances (anterior [F = 6.26, P < .01]; posteromedial [F = 9.58, P < .01], and posterolateral [F = 8.42, P < .01]) in the Tai Chi group with no change in the control group (P < .01). The intervention group demonstrated significant improvement on self-reported instability feeling assessed by the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool questionnaire (F = 21.36, P < .01). The obtained results suggested that 12 weeks of Tai Chi intervention have positive effects on postural control and self-reported instability feeling in patients with chronic ankle instability.

12-week of Tai Chi Training Reduces Visceral Fat in Centrally Obese Older Adults

Excess visceral fat is associated with metabolic abnormality and increased susceptibility to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. It is known that visceral fat is reduced with strenuous physical exercise. However, older adults (age≥ 50) may prefer to manage their visceral fat with alternate exercise modalities. PURPOSE: To examined the effectiveness of Tai Chi, a popular mind-body exercise among older adults, in the reduction of visceral fat in centrally obese older adults. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted from March to August, 2018. In this three-arm, single-blinded randomized controlled trial, 102 Chinese adults aged ≥50 years with central obesity (male with waist circumference (WC) ≥ 90 cm / female ≥ 80 cm) were randomly assigned to Control (n= 33; received no intervention), Fitness (n= 35; received 12-week conventional exercise intervention) or Tai Chi groups (n= 34; received 12-week Tai Chi intervention). The primary outcome was the determination of visceral fat mass by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at 12-week post-randomization, while the secondary endpoints were the risk factors of metabolic syndrome (i.e. WC, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglyceride). Data were analyzed by Generalized linear model with baseline as covariate. Pairwise comparison was done by closed test procedure. RESULTS: Visceral fat was reduced by 1.6% and 4.1% in the Tai Chi and Fitness groups respectively whereas the control group manifested a 3.8% increase. A main effect of intervention was observed in visceral fat (P<0.001). The pairwise comparison shown that both the Tai Chi (P=0.001) and Fitness (P=0.022) groups exhibited lower visceral fat content compared with their control counterpart. A main effect of intervention was observed in waist circumference (P<0.013) and triglyceride (P<0.046). Pairwise comparisons showed that the waist circumference (P=0.011) and triglyceride level (P=0.043) were reduced significantly in response to Tai Chi intervention. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that Tai Chi training reduces visceral fat, waist circumference and blood triglyceride. Supported by Health and Medical Research Fund 12131841

The Effectiveness Of Tai Chi For Rehabilitation Of Post-stroke Patients: A Meta-analysis

Stroke has been a growing public health concern that affects 33 million patients each year worldwide. Most seriously, stroke’s prevalence rate increases each year worldwide. In recent years, tai chi is becoming an increasingly popular means of improving balance function and gait in patients with stroke. However, the clinical effects of tai chi beyond conventional physical therapy remain controversies. PURPOSE: To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of tai chi for rehabilitation of post-stroke patients. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of a tai chi training during 4 to 12 weeks for patients with stroke were included by searching 11 electronic databases until September 2018. Two reviewers independently extracted data and scored methodological quality by using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. RESULTS: 18 RCTs involving 1080 patients were identified for meta-analysis. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 12.0. RESULTS: Our work showed that tai chi was superior to usual rehabilitation for balance function (standard mean difference [SMD], 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14 to 2.66; P < 0.00001), gait speed (mean difference [MD], 0.25 m/s; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.45; P = 0.01), Fugl-Meyer assessment (SMD, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.15 to 2.30; P = 0.03) and ADL (SMD, 2.21; 95% CI, 0.57 to 3.85; P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Based on the current evidence and heterogeneity among studies, tai chi with duration of 4 to 12 weeks can be cautiously recommended to effectively enhance the balance function, gait speed, motor ability of lower extremities, and activities of daily life of post-stroke patients.

Complexity-Based Measures of Heart Rate Dynamics in Older Adults Following Long- and Short-Term Tai Chi Training: Cross-sectional and Randomized Trial Studies

Measures characterizing the complexity of heart rate (HR) dynamics have been informative in predicting age- and disease-related decline in cardiovascular health, but few studies have evaluated whether mind-body exercise can impact HR complexity. This study evaluated the effects of long-term Tai Chi (TC) practice on the complexity of HR dynamics using an observational comparison of TC experts and age- and gender-matched TC-naïve individuals. Shorter-term effects of TC were assessed by randomly assigning TC-naïve participants to either TC group to receive six months of TC training or to a waitlist control group. 23 TC experts (age = 63.3 ± 8.0 y; 24.6 ± 12.0 y TC experience) and 52 TC-naïve (age = 64.3 ± 7.7 y) were enrolled. In cross-sectional analyses, TC experts had a higher overall complexity index (CI, p = 0.004) and higher entropy at multiple individual time scales (p < 0.05); these findings persisted in models accounting for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity levels. Longitudinal changes in complexity index did not differ significantly following random assignment to six months of TC vs. a waitlist control; however, within the TC group, complexity at select time scales showed statistically non-significant trends toward increases. Our study supports that longer-term TC mind-body training may be associated with increased complexity of HR dynamics.

Different training durations and styles of tai chi for glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials

BackgroundPhysical activity is an important part of the diabetes management plan. However, the effects caused by different training durations and styles of Tai Chi have not been evaluated. We conducted an updated systematic review of the effects of Tai Chi on patients with type 2 diabetes based on different training durations and styles.MethodsWe performed a search for Chinese and English studies in 8 databases. Two reviewers independently selected the eligible trials and conducted a critical appraisal of the methodological quality.ResultsSeventeen trials were included. Tai Chi was found to have reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG) [SMD = − 0.54, 95% CI (− 0.91, − 0.16), P = 0.005] and HbA1c [SMD = − 0.68, 95% CI (− 1.17, − 0.19), P = 0.006] overall, compared with a control group. Considering the subgroup analysis, the pooled results showed that 24 movements or Yang-style Tai Chi did not significantly reduce FBG after a duration of ≤3 months [SMD = − 0.46, 95% CI (− 1.42, 0.50), P = 0.35] or > 3 months [SMD = − 0.50, 95% CI (− 1.49, 0.49), P = 0.32], nor did it reduce HbA1c [SMD = − 1.22, 95% CI (− 2.90, 0.47), P = 0.16] after a duration > 3 months in all studies. However, other styles of Tai Chi significantly reduced FBG [SMD = − 0.90, 95% CI (− 1.28, − 0.52), P < 0.00001] and HbA1c [SMD = − 0.90, 95% CI (− 1.28, − 0.52), P < 0.00001] after a duration > 3 months, while no significant reduction in FBG [SMD = − 0.34, 95% CI (− 0.76, 0.08), P = 0.12] or HbA1c [SMD = − 0.34, 95% CI (− 0.76, 0.08), P = 0.12] was found after a duration ≤3 months.ConclusionsTai Chi seems to be effective in treating type 2 diabetes. Different training durations and styles result in variable effectiveness. The evidence was insufficient to support whether long-term Tai Chi training was more effective.

Impact of mind-body interventions in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review.

A comprehensive search method as required by the Cochrane Collaboration has been performed through the following databases: Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL, Cochrane, Ebsco. We included the studies that evaluated the impact of mind-body interventions such as mindfulness or meditation, yoga, Tai Chi and Qigong on cognitive function and everyday functionality of non-hospitalized adults aged 55 years or over with MCI. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Results indicated that mind-body interventions improved cognitive function, everyday activities functioning, and mindfulness, as well as resulting in a moderate reduction in fall risk, depression and stress and lower risk of dementia at one year. Several mind-body interventions focused broadly on mindfulness, yoga and Tai Chi training have been studied. This review shows that mind-body interventions improved cognitive function and everyday activities functioning, memory, resilience and mindfulness in older adults with MCI. However, the conclusions faced limitations, such as small sample size, heterogeneity of outcome measures, lack of an active control group and absence of long-term follow up. Further high-quality evidence is needed in order to determine whether mind-body interventions are cost-effective for improving cognitive decline in older adults with MCI and for delaying the rapid progression from MCI to Alzheimer or other types of dementia.

Chen-Style Tai Chi for Individuals (Aged 50 Years Old or Above) with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Tai Chi (TC) can be considered safe and effective intervention to improve pain and pain-related functional disability. However, it is unclear that whether aging individuals with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain (CNS-LBP) can achieve positive results. This study, therefore, attempted to explore the effects of TC on pain and functional disability in CNS-LBP patients aged 50 years old or above. Forty-three individuals (aged 50 years old or above) with CNS-LBP were randomly assigned into three groups: Chen-Style TC group (n = 15), Core Stabilization training (CST) group (n = 15), and control group (n = 13). Participants in the TC group participated in Chen-style TC training program (three 60-min sessions per week for 12 weeks), individuals in CST group received 12-week Core Stabilization exercise on the Swiss ball, whereas individuals in the control group maintained their unaltered lifestyle. Pain intensity as primary outcome was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), A BiodexSystem 3 isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure knee and ankle joint position sense (JPS) as secondary outcomes at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. TC and CST have significant effects in VAS for CNS-LBP patients (p< 0.01, TC group OR CST group versus control group in mean of the post-minus-pre assessment). However, the feature of joint position sense (JPS) of ankle inversion, ankle eversion and knee flexion did not occur, it showed no significant effects with TC and CST. TC was found to reduce pain, but not improve lower limb proprioception in patients with CNS-LBP. Future research with larger sample sizes will be needed to achieve more definitive findings on the effects of TC on both pain and lower limb proprioception in this population.

Effect of Tai Chi on Cardiac and Static Pulmonary Function in Older Community-Dwelling Adults at Risk of Ischemic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To evaluate the effect of tai chi exercise on cardiac and static lung function for older community-dwelling adults at risk of ischemic stroke. A total of 170 older community-dwelling adults (aged 55-75 years old) at risk of ischemic stroke were allocated to either tai chi training group (85 cases, five 60-min sessions of tai chi training per week for 12 weeks) or control group (85 cases, usual pbysical activity for 12 weeks) using a computer-generated randomization. The echocardiographic parameters of cardiac structure, cardiac function and static lung function were measured at baseline, after 12 weeks of intervention and additional 12-week follow-up period by a blinded professional staffmember using a color Doppler ultrasound imaging device or a cardiopulmonary function instrument. The t test and linear mixed model based on the intentionto-treat analysis principle was used to calculate the effect. The adverse effect was observed. Most of echocardiographic parameters on the cardiac structure, cardiac function and static lung function between the tai chi group and control group did not have a significant difference either post 12-week intervention or additional 12-week follow-up period. Only three parameters involving in right ventricular diameter (P=0.024), main pulmonary artery diameter (P=0.002) and vital capacity maximum (P=0.036) were beneficial to be improved in the tai chi group compared to the control group by the analysis of mixed linear model. No adverse effects were found during the intervention period. The 12-week tai chi exercise did not have an obvious beneficial effect on cardiac structure, cardiac function and static lung function in older community-dwelling adults at risk of ischemic stroke. The study with a longer duration of intervention should be necessary. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR-TRC-13003601).

The Effects of Tai Chi on Heart Rate Variability in Older Chinese Individuals with Depression.

Background Very little research has been done to simultaneously investigate the effects of Tai Chi (TC) on depression and heart rate variability (HRV). This study, therefore, attempted to explore the effects of TC on depression and on HRV parameters. Methods Sixty older individuals with depression score of 10 or above (the Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS) were randomly assigned into two groups: TC (n = 30) and control group (n = 30). Participants in the experimental group participated in a 24-week TC training program (three 60-min sessions per week), whereas individuals in the control group maintained their unaltered lifestyle. Depression and HRV were measured using the GDS and digital electrocardiogram at baseline and after the 24-week intervention. Results The TC had produced significant positive chances in depression and some HRV parameters (mean heart rate, RMSSD, HF, LFnorm, and HFnorm) (p < 0.05), whereas these positive results were not observed in the control group. Conclusions The results of this study indicated that TC may alleviate depression of the elderly through modulating autonomous nervous system or HRV parameters. This study adds to a growing body of research showing that TC may be effective in treating depression of the elderly. Tai Chi as a mild to moderate mind-body exercise is suitable for older individuals who suffer from depression.

An Investigation of 3D Human Pose Estimation for Learning Tai Chi: A Human Factor Perspective

ABSTRACTIn this article, we propose a Tai Chi training system based on pose estimation using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) called iTai-Chi. Our system aims to overcome the disadvantages of insufficient accurate feedback in traditional teaching methods such as one-to-many tutorial and video watching. With the specially trained neural network, our iTai-Chi system can estimate learners’ poses more accurately compared to Kinect V2. In our system, user’s motion is evaluated through comparison with the template motion. The evaluated results are presented to the user to locate the error in their motions and help their correction. To verify the effectiveness of our system, we carried out a series of user studies. Results reflect that the iTai-Chi system successfully improve users’ performance in movement accuracy. Also, our system assists elder Tai Chi practitioners and students without prior knowledge to overcome learning obstacles and improve their skills. The users agreed that our system is interesting and supportive for their Tai Chi learning.

Reduction of HIP2 expression causes motor function impairment and increased vulnerability to dopaminergic degeneration in Parkinson\u2019s disease models

Huntingtin interaction protein 2 (HIP2) is an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme associated with neurodegenerative diseases, and HIP2 mRNA has been implicated as a potential blood biomarker for Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, it is unclear whether the alteration of HIP2 expression may contribute to the development of PD, and whether the change of HIP2 in blood could reflect its expression in the brain or motor functions in PD patients. In this study, we established a mouse line with HIP2 haploinsufficiency. The reduction of the HIP2 expression led to spontaneous motor function impairment and dopaminergic neuronal loss. Furthermore, HIP2 haploinsufficiency increased the susceptibility of mice to 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and caused severe loss of dopaminergic neurons. Interestingly, in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model for PD, we observed concurrent, highly correlated decrease of HIP2 expression in the brain and in the blood. Using blood samples from more than 300 patients, we validated the decreased HIP2 mRNA in PD patients, including de novo patients. Finally, in a 1-year, 20-patient study, we observed reversed blood HIP2 mRNA levels accompanying improved motor and overall daily functions in 75% of the PD patients with instructed Tai Chi training. Therefore, our in vivo studies have indicated HIP2 insufficiency as a contributing factor for PD, and functionally validated blood HIP2 as a useful and reversible biomarker for PD.