The Effectiveness of Tai Chi Exercise in Improving Aerobic Capacity: An Updated Meta-Analysis

Author(s):  
Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae
Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth E Taylor-Piliae ◽  
Brooke A Finley

Background: Regular exercise is beneficial for adults with chronic heart failure (CHF). Tai Chi is popular among older adults and may offer additional exercise options for those with CHF. Objectives: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to examine the benefits of Tai Chi exercise among adults with CHF. Methods: An electronic literature search of ten databases (AMED, CINAHL, Embase, OpenGrey, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) was conducted from January 1, 2004 to August 1, 2019. Clinical trials that examined Tai Chi exercise, were published in English or German languages, among participants with CHF were included. Study quality was assessed independently by two reviewers, using the modified Downs and Black Quality Index checklist (low quality = score ≤14, moderate quality = score 15-23, high quality = score ≥ 24). Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.0 software (Biostat, Inc.) was used to calculate the effect sizes (i.e., Hedges’ g) and the 95% confidence intervals using random effects models. Results: A total of six studies met the inclusion criteria (five RCTs and one quasi-experimental study with a comparison group), enrolling 229 participants (mean age=68 years old, 28% women, mean ejection fraction=37%). The Yang style of Tai Chi was most commonly practiced in these studies (n=5, 83%), with usual care the most common control condition. Study quality was moderate (mean score=23). At least three studies reported outcomes for exercise capacity, quality of life (QOL), depression, and b-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), allowing for meta-analysis. Compared to controls, Tai Chi participants had significantly better exercise capacity (Hedge’s g=0.353; p=0.026, I 2 =32.72%), improved QOL (Hedge’s g=0.617; p=0.000, I 2 =0%), with less depression (Hedge’s g=0.627; p=0.000, I 2 =0%), and decreased BNP expression (Hedge’s g=0.333; p=0.016, I 2 =0%). Conclusion: Among adults with CHF, Tai Chi was effective in improving exercise capacity and quality of life, with less depression and BNP levels observed, when compared to controls. Tai Chi is popular and safe form of exercise among older adults, yet few studies have been conducted during the past 15 years examining the benefits of Tai Chi among adults with CHF. Tai Chi can be easily integrated into existing cardiac rehabilitation programs. Further research is needed with more rigorous study designs and larger samples, before widespread recommendations can be made.


2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 2901-2911 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Sun ◽  
H. Chen ◽  
M. R. Berger ◽  
L. Zhang ◽  
H. Guo ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Xiandu Pan ◽  
Li Tian ◽  
Fan Yang ◽  
Jiahao Sun ◽  
Xinye Li ◽  
...  

Objective. This study systematically evaluated the effects of Tai Chi exercise on blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and quality of life (QOL) in patients with hypertension. A meta-analysis was performed to provide a reliable reference for clinical practice. Methods. We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in five English databases and two Chinese databases, with the earliest data dated December 5, 2020. A quality assessment of the methods and a meta-analysis were also conducted. Results. The meta-analysis of 24 studies showed that the intervention group showed better outcomes in terms of systolic blood pressure (SBP) (SMD −1.05, 95% CI −1.44 to −0.67, P ≤ 0.001 ; I2 = 93.7%), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (SMD −0.91, 95% CI −1.24 to −0.58, P ≤ 0.001 ; I2 = 91.9%), and QOL (physical functioning (SMD 0.86, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.37, P = 0.001 ; I2 = 91.3%), role-physical (SMD 0.86, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.11, P ≤ 0.001 ; I2 = 65%), general health (SMD 0.75, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.17, P = 0.001 ; I2 = 88.1%), bodily pain (SMD 0.65, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.00, P ≤ 0.001 ; I2 = 83.1%), vitality (SMD 0.71, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.07, P ≤ 0.001 ; I2 = 84.3%), social functioning (SMD 0.63, 95% CI 0.07 to 1.19, P = 0.027 ; I2 = 93.1%), role-emotional (SMD 0.64, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.06, P = 0.003 ; I2 = 88.1%), and mental health (SMD 0.73, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.16, P = 0.001 ; I2 = 88.2%)) compared to those of the control group. However, no significant improvements were seen in BMI of the intervention group (SMD −0.08, 95% CI −0.35 to −0.19, P = 0.554 ; I2 = 69.4%) compared to that of the control group. Conclusion. Tai Chi is an effective intervention to improve SBP and DBP in patients with essential hypertension.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Xinhu Zheng ◽  
Xiaoyang Wu ◽  
Zuhong Liu ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
Keyang Wang ◽  
...  

Objective. This study aims to explore the influences of Tai Chi on the balance function and exercise capacity among stroke patients. Methods. Databases including PubMed, Embase, WOS (Web of Science), the Cochrane Library, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), Wanfang Data, VIP (VIP database), and CBM (China Biology Medicine disc) were retrieved to gather the figures of randomized controlled trials on the balance function and exercise capacity among stroke patients. Then relevant data were input and analyzed in Review Manager 5.3. Results. Nineteen papers were included and analyzed in this study. According to the combined effect size, the balance function of stroke patients improved significantly: the Berg Balance Function Scale score [MD = 7.67, 95% CI (3.44, 11.90)]; standing and walking test scores [MD = 3.42, 95% CI (4.22, −2.63)]; gravity swing area [MD = 0.79, 95% CI (1.48, 0.10)]; and gravity swing speed [MD = −5.43, 95% CI (−7.79, 3.08)]. In addition, the exercise capacity improved significantly as well: the FMA (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale) scale score [MD = 4.15, 95% CI (1.68, 6.63)]. There are no significant influences or changes of other related results. Conclusions. Stroke patients are able to improve their balance functions and exercise capacities prominently when they do Tai Chi exercise once or twice a week and ≥5 times/week and >30 ≤ 60 min/time.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Yuan Yang ◽  
Jia-hui Li ◽  
Nan-Jun Xu ◽  
Wei-Yi Yang ◽  
Jun Liu

Importance. Tai Chi exercise mostly involves muscle fitness with biological, biomechanical, and psychosomatic medicine in elderly rehabilitation. Increased incidents related to elderly muscle fitness deficiency tend to be an urgent public health issue. However, there is a controversy on the effects of Tai Chi exercise on muscle fitness, especially the lower body strength of the elderly. Objective. To determine whether lower body strength such as keen extension and flexion strength may be improved by Tai Chi exercise in older adults from the perspective of evidence-based medicine. Methods. Databases of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched up to July 1, 2021. Randomized clinical trials are adopted to compare Tai Chi exercise with sedentary behavior or other low intensity exercise in terms of influence on lower body strength rehabilitation, especially keen extension and flexion strength in people aged over 60. A meta-analysis was performed to discuss outcomes of lower body strength, knee muscle strength, and knee extension/flexion strength. Results. A total of 25 randomized trials involving 1995 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. (1) Tai Chi exercise significantly improved elderly lower body strength (−0.54, [−0.81, −0.28], p < 0.00001 , I2 = 74%), but there was no differential improvement in the strength of the knee joints (0.10, [−0.02, 0.23], p = 0.11 , I2 = 34%). (2) Elderly individual lower body strength declined with age, while this trend was suppressed by Tai Chi exercise (−0.35, [0.14, 0.56], p = 0.001 , I2 = 70%). (3) Although Tai Chi exercise did no significantly improve the large muscle group of knee joint extensor like quadriceps femoris (3.15, [−0.69, 6.99], p = 0.24 , I2 = 26%), it showed marked enhancement to the strength of deep small muscle group of knee joint flexor (10.25, [6.90, 13.61], p < 0.00001 , I2 = 0%). The heterogeneity might be caused by distinguished measurements of muscle strength. Therefore, Tai Chi exercise specifically enhanced some certain muscle strength of knee joints and improved muscle fitness rehabilitation as well as function activity for elderly. Conclusions. In this RCT meta-analysis, Tai Chi exercise has positive effects on lower body strength of elderly. Although no obvious improvement on the knee extensor is observed, it may be used as a rehabilitation treatment for training stable deep muscle groups to improve the knee flexion strength significantly.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 580-591 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth E Taylor-Piliae ◽  
Brooke A Finley

Background: Regular exercise is beneficial for adults with cardiovascular disease to improve psychological well-being. Tai Chi is a mind–body exercise thought to promote psychological well-being. Aim: Examine the efficacy of Tai Chi in improving psychological well-being among persons with cardiovascular disease. Methods: An electronic literature search of 10 databases (AMED, CINAHL, Embase, OpenGrey, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) was conducted. Clinical trials that examined one or more aspect of psychological well-being, incorporated a Tai Chi intervention among cardiovascular disease participants, and were published in English or German languages were included. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.0 software (Biostat, Inc.) was used to calculate the effect sizes (i.e. Hedges’ g) and the 95% confidence intervals using random effects models. Results: A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria, enrolling 1853 participants (mean age = 66 years old, 44% women). Outcomes included: quality of life (QOL), stress, anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. When Tai Chi was compared with controls, significantly better general QOL (Hedges’ g 0.96; p=0.02, I2=94.99%), mental health QOL (Hedges’ g=0.20; p=0.01, I2=15.93) and physical health QOL (Hedges’ g=0.40; p=0.00, I2=0%); with less depression (Hedges’ g=0.69; p=0.00, I2=86.64%) and psychological distress (Hedges’ g=0.58; p=0.00, I2=0%) were found. Conclusions: Few Tai Chi studies have been conducted during the past decade examining psychological well-being among older adults with cardiovascular disease. Further research is needed with more rigorous study designs, adequate Tai Chi exercise doses, and carefully chosen outcome measures that assess the mechanisms as well as the effects of Tai Chi.


2004 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 254-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae ◽  
Erika S. Froelicher

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