Mindfulness Meditation and Tai Chi Chuan on Sleep Disturbance in Chinese Older People: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Sleep disturbances are common during the aging process and can result in a reduced quality of life. Many older people who experience sleep disturbances would consider turning to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) due to the limitations of traditional pharmaceutical or psychological and behavioural treatments. Mindfulness Meditation (MM) and Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) are two common forms of mind-body based CAM. The former focuses more on mind-based practices whereas the latter emphasizes predominantly on body or movement-based practices. An etiological model of sleep disturbance (Shallcross et al., 2019) can lay the groundwork for a better understanding of the mechanisms of MM and TCC in relation to sleep disturbances. This study aims at comparing the effects of MM and TCC with Sleep Hygiene Education (SHE) control group. A three-armed randomized controlled pilot trial was conducted involving 45 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 to 82 with symptoms of sleep disturbance. Moderate effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 0.7 and 0.56) were found for the primary outcome of insomnia severity at post-intervention as comparing MM and TCC groups with SHE control group, respectively. More specific, participants in the MM group showed more amelioration on mental health status, introspective awareness, and objective measure of EEG-based brain arousal level; whereas participants in the TCC group showed better improvement on physical health status and subjective measure of hyperarousal. Findings demonstrate the unique therapeutic effects of MM and TCC on improving sleep problem in older people. The application in a Chinese context will be discussed.

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The Aerobic Capacity and Ventilatory Efficiency During Exercise in Qigong and Tai Chi Chuan Practitioners

The American Journal of Chinese Medicine ◽

10.1142/s0192415x04001734 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 32 (01) ◽

pp. 141-150 ◽

Cited By ~ 54

Author(s):

Ching Lan ◽

Shih-Wei Chou ◽

Ssu-Yuan Chen ◽

Jin-Shin Lai ◽

May-Kuen Wong

Keyword(s):

Oxygen Uptake ◽

Aerobic Capacity ◽

Exercise Intensity ◽

Tai Chi ◽

Ventilatory Threshold ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Peak Exercise ◽

Training Effect ◽

Control Group ◽

Tai Chi Chuan

The objective of this study was to compare cardiorespiratory responses to exercise among older Qigong participants, Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) practitioners and normal sedentary controls during cycle ergometry. Thirty-six community-dwelling men with a mean age of 59.1±6.6 years participated in this study. Each group (Qigong, TCC and control) included 12 subjects with matched age and body size. The Qigong group practiced Qigong regularly for 2.3±1.5 years; the TCC group practiced Yang TCC for 4.7±2.3 years. Heart rate (HR) responses were measured during the practice of Qigong and TCC. Additionally, breath-by-breath measurement of cardiorespiratory function was performed during the incremental exercise of leg cycling. The mean HR during Qigong and TCC practice was 91±5 bpm and 129±7 bpm, respectively. At the peak exercise and the ventilatory threshold (VeT), TCC group displayed highest oxygen uptake [Formula: see text], O 2 pulse and work rate among the three groups. The Qigong group also showed higher oxygen uptake and O 2 pulse than the control group. At the same relative exercise intensity, the Qigong group had the highest tidal volume among the three groups. In conclusion, Qigong and TCC show a beneficial effect to aerobic capacity in older individuals, but TCC displays a better training effect than Qigong due to its higher exercise intensity. However, Qigong can enhance breathing efficiency during exercise due to the training effect of diaphragmatic breathing.

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Can Muscle Mass Be Maintained with A Simple Resistance Intervention in the Older People? A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial in Thailand

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph19010140 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 140

Author(s):

Bumnet Saengrut ◽

Takeshi Yoda ◽

Yumi Kimura ◽

Yasuko Ishimoto ◽

Rujee Rattanasathien ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Older People ◽

Muscle Mass ◽

Exercise Intervention ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Physiological Outcomes

The aging population is rapidly increasing worldwide. Sarcopenia is a common and important health problem among older people. The prevalence of sarcopenia among older Thai adults is increasing. Exercise intervention for sarcopenia prevention may significantly improve muscle strength, body balance, and muscle mass. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a simple resistance intervention (SRI) program in preventing sarcopenia on physiological outcomes among community-dwelling older Thai adults. This study was a 12-week randomized controlled trial, which included 80 community-dwelling older adults in Chiang Mai, Thailand, who were randomly assigned into control (40 participants who performed usual exercise) and intervention (40 participants who performed the SRI program) groups. The SRI program was a home-based program consisting of 30 min of resistance exercise three times/week for 12 weeks, health education on sarcopenia. After 12 weeks, all physiological outcomes were measured and were significantly improved in the intervention group compared with baseline; hand grip, skeletal muscle mass index, and walking speed were significantly improved in the intervention group compared with the control group. Based on our results, the SRI program may prevent muscle weakness in community-dwelling older people in Thailand.

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Short-term balance training and acute effects on postural sway in balance-deficient older adults: a randomized controlled trial

BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation ◽

10.1186/s13102-021-00251-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Niklas Sörlén ◽

Andreas Hult ◽

Peter Nordström ◽

Anna Nordström ◽

Jonas Johansson

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Postural Sway ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Control Group ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Eyes Closed ◽

Balance Exercise

Abstract Background We aimed to determine the effectiveness of 4 weeks of balance exercise compared with no intervention on objectively measured postural sway. Methods This was a single-center parallel randomized controlled, open label, trial. A six-sided dice was used for allocation at a 1:1-ratio between exercise and control. The trial was performed at a university hospital clinic in Sweden and recruited community-dwelling older adults with documented postural instability. The intervention consisted of progressively challenging balance exercise three times per week, during 4 weeks, with follow-up at week five. Main outcome measures were objective postural sway length during eyes open and eyes closed conditions. Results Sixty-five participants aged 70 years (balance exercise n = 32; no intervention n = 33) were randomized. 14 participants were excluded from analysis because of early dropout before follow-up at week five, leaving 51 (n = 22; n = 29) participants for analysis. No significant differences were detected between the groups in any of the postural sway outcomes. Within-group analyses showed significant improvements in hand grip strength for the intervention group, while Timed Up & Go improvements were comparable between groups but only statistically significant in the control group. Conclusions Performing balance exercise over a four-week intervention period did not acutely improve postural sway in balance-deficient older adults. The lower limit in duration and frequency to achieve positive effects remains unclear. Trial registration Clinical trials NCT03227666, July 24, 2017, retrospectively registered.

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Effects of Aerobic, Resistance, or Combined Exercise Training Among Older Adults with Subjective Memory Complaints: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Alzheimer s Disease ◽

10.3233/jad-210047 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-17

Author(s):

Taeko Makino ◽

Hiroyuki Umegaki ◽

Masahiko Ando ◽

Xian Wu Cheng ◽

Koji Ishida ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Exercise Training ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Control Group ◽

Subjective Memory ◽

Logical Memory ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Background: Physical exercise is suggested to be effective for preventing cognitive decline in older adults, but the relative efficacy of different types of exercise have yet to be clarified. Objective: This single-blinded randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the differential effects of aerobic exercise training (AT), resistance exercise training (RT), and combined exercise training (CT) on cognition in older adults with subjective memory complaints (SMC). Methods: Community-dwelling older adults with SMC (n = 415; mean age = 72.3 years old) were randomly assigned to one of the four groups: AT, RT, CT, or control group. The study consisted of two phases: a 26-week intervention and a 26-week follow-up. The participants were evaluated at baseline, 26 weeks (postintervention), and 52 weeks (follow-up). The primary outcome of this study was memory function, which was assessed using the Logical Memory II subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) score. The secondary outcomes included global cognitive function, verbal fluency, working memory, processing speed, and executive functions. Results: Intention-to-treat analysis by a mixed-effect model repeated measure showed that the AT group had significantly improved performance on the WMS-R Logical Memory II test (2.74 [1.82–3.66] points) than the control group (1.36 [0.44–2.28] points) at the postintervention assessment (p = 0.037). The effect was more pronounced in those without amnesia than those with amnesia. No significant improvement was observed in the RT and CT groups. Conclusion: This study suggests that AT intervention can improve delayed memory in community-dwelling older adults, particularly in individuals without objective memory decline.

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Effect of Tai Chi Chuan practice on immune system and pro-metastasis markers in early post-treatment breast cancer survivors

World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews ◽

10.30574/wjarr.2021.12.1.0472 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 013-019

Author(s):

Mary NB Cheung ◽

Wings Tjing Yung Loo

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Immune System ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Tai Chi ◽

Complete Blood Count ◽

Post Treatment ◽

Control Group ◽

Wait List ◽

Tai Chi Chuan

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) to improve immune system and decrease pro-metastasis markers in early post-treatment breast cancer survivors. Methods: 130 post-treatment breast cancer survivors were recruited and randomized 1:1 into TCC group and wait-list (control) group. The TCC group practiced for a 60-minutes session once per week, for a total of 52 weeks. 115 forms of Yang-style TCC were taught by a Tai Chi master. Blood samples were taken from each subject and complete blood count was performed. The expressions of NKG2D protein, P-selectin, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in plasma were measured. Lymphocyte activity was measured by cell proliferation reagent and ATP assay. Images of lymphocyte colony formation were taken with an inverted microscope. Results: At 52 weeks, TCC group demonstrated a significantly higher WBC (p=0.001) , a significantly higher NKG2D value (p=0.001) and a significantly lower VEGF value (p=0.005) when compared to the wait-list group. However, there was a small, non-significant change for P-selectin values between the breast cancer survivor groups. After 72h incubation, TCC group had a significant increase in lymphocyte proliferation (p=0.001) and greater area of lymphocyte clusters or colonies (p=0.001). Conclusion: The practice of TCC could stimulate tumor immunosurveillance via NKG2D and activate the immune response. VEGF, a marker playing an important role in breast cancer and its metastases, was also reduced in those who practiced TCC. As an alternative for conventional exercise, post-treatment breast cancer survivors may select TCC in their rehabilitation program.

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The Effects of Group-Based versus Individual-Based Tai Chi Training on Nonmotor Symptoms in Patients with Mild to Moderate Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Parkinson s Disease ◽

10.1155/2017/8562867 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jing Hui Yang ◽

Ya Qun Wang ◽

Sai Qing Ye ◽

You Gen Cheng ◽

Yu Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Tai Chi ◽

Compliance Rate ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Home Exercise ◽

Hamilton Depression Scale ◽

Nonmotor Symptoms ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Exercise Compliance

Objective. To compare the effects of group-based and individual-based Tai Chi training on nonmotor symptoms in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease. Design. Randomized controlled pilot study. Methods. 36 community-dwelling patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) were randomly assigned to either group-based training group (n=19) or individual-based group (n=17). Both groups received same content of Tai Chi training 3 times a week for 13 weeks. Participants were also asked to perform home exercises daily. The Non-Motor Symptoms Scale was used to assess global nonmotor symptoms change. Sleep quality, depression, and cognition were evaluated by Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale, and Beijing version-Montreal Cognitive Assessment, respectively. Home exercise compliance was recorded. Results. There was no significant difference between two groups at baseline. After 13 weeks, there were no statistical significance between two groups. However, the within-group effect was different. Participants in group-based and individual-based groups showed a significant improvement on global nonmotor symptoms (P<0.001, P=0.004) and sleep (P<0.001, P<0.001). But only group-based training patients presented a significant improvement in cognitive impairment compared with baseline (P=0.002, P-0.116). For depression, no group gained a significant improvement(P=0.123, P=0.170). Group-based participants had a higher home-exercise compliance rate (HeCR) than individual-based participants did (P=0.019), and HeCR showed a moderate correlation with MoCA-BJ and NMSS scores changes in this study. Conclusion. Group-based Tai Chi training is considered to be a more effective and a more labor-saving method in the clinical settings, and patients tend to have a higher compliance rate in their home exercise program. This study is registered with ChiCTR-IPR-17010388.

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Abstract P034: The Effectiveness of 12-week Tai Chi Training on the Migraine Attack Days, Body Composition, and Blood Pressure in Chinese Women With Episodic Migraine: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.137.suppl_1.p034 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 137 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Yao Jie Xie ◽

Stanley Sai-chuen Hui ◽

Suzanne C. Ho ◽

Lorna Kwai Ping Suen

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Migraine Attack ◽

Body Fat ◽

Tai Chi ◽

Chinese Women ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Episodic Migraine ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

The Difference

Background: Tai Chi is a body-mind exercise. It’s prophylactic efficacy on migraine attack remains largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a 12-week Tai Chi training on the migraine attack days per month, body composition, and blood pressure (BP) in a sample of Chinese women with episodic migraine. Method: A two-arm randomized controlled trial was designed. Eighty-two local women aged 18 to 65 years and diagnosed with episodic migraine were randomized to the Tai Chi group or the waiting list control group. A modified 32-short form Yang-style Tai Chi training with 1 hour per day, 5 days per week for 12 weeks was adopted as intervention. An additional 12 weeks follow was conducted. The control group received a “delayed” Tai Chi training at the end of the trial. The difference in migraine days between 1 month before baseline, 3rd month (12nd week) and 6th month (24th week) after the randomization were examined. The changes in weight, body fat, and BP before and after the intervention were also analyzed. Results: Of 189 women screened, 82 eligible women completed the baseline assessment. After randomization, 9 women withdrew immediately, finally 40 in Tai Chi group and 33 in control group were involved in the analysis. On average, women in Tai Chi group had 3.6 (95% CI: -4.7 to -2.5, P<0.01) days reduction of migraine attack. Compared with control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Tai Chi group also lost 0.6 kg of body weight and 0.6% of body fat at the 3rd month, and 10.8 mmHg systolic BP at the 6th month, respectively (all p<0.001). The between-group difference of systolic BP was -6.9 mmHg (95% CI: -11.6 mmHg to -2.1mmHg, p<0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed regarding weight and body fat at the 3rd month (all p>0.05). Among Tai Chi group, change in systolic BP was significantly correlated to the change in migraine days (P<0.05). Conclusion: The 12-week Tai Chi training significantly decreased the frequency of migraine attack and improved the systolic BP. The association between migraine attack reduction and BP improvement needs further investigations.

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CAN AN INTERVENTION WITH TESTOSTERONE AND NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT IMPROVE THE FRAILTY LEVEL OF UNDER-NOURISHED OLDER PEOPLE?

Journal of Frailty & Aging ◽

10.14283/jfa.2016.108 ◽

2016 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

O. THEOU ◽

L. WIJEYARATNE ◽

C. PIANTADOSI ◽

K. LANGE ◽

V. NAGANATHAN ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older People ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Frailty Index ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Nutritional Supplement ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Self Report ◽

Control Group ◽

Testosterone Undecanoate ◽

High Calorie

Objective: To examine whether a testosterone and a high calorie nutritional supplement intervention can reduce frailty scores in undernourished older people using multiple frailty tools. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting/Participants: 53 community-dwelling, undernourished men and women aged >65 years from South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. Intervention: Intervention group received oral testosterone undecanoate and a high calorie supplement (2108-2416 kJ/day) whereas the control group received placebo testosterone and low calorie supplement (142-191 kJ/day). Measurements: Frailty was operationalized using three frailty indices (FI-lab, FI-self-report, FI-combined) and the frailty phenotype. Results: There were no significant differences in changes in frailty scores at either 6 or 12 months follow up between the two treatment groups for all scales. Participants at the intervention group were 4.8 times more likely to improve their FI-combined score at both time points compared to the placebo group. Conclusion: A testosterone and a high calorie nutritional supplement intervention did not improve the frailty levels of under-nourished older people. Even so, when frailty was measured using a frailty index combining self-reported and lab data we found that participants who received the intervention were more likely to show persistent improvement in their frailty scores.

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