Question :
Is the intensity of Tai Chi exercise sufficient to increase aerobic capacity?
Answer :
Tai Chi may increase aerobic capacity in subjects who were initially sedentary. However, randomized clinical trials have not shown that Tai Chi is an effective way to increase aerobic capacity.
Summaries:
1. This is a review of 170 citations.
Tai Chi improved aerobic capacity mostly in middle-aged adults (over 55 years old) who were initially sedentary and when it was practiced long term.
2. This review included 5 randomized clinical trials.
Three studies compared Tai Chi with sedentary controls and two studies compared Tai Chi with varying intensities of aerobic exercise. Tai Chi did not increase maximal oxygen consumption in these studies.
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Medical Research
Aerobic capacity
Question :
What are the physiological effects of tai chi, including its effect on aerobic exercise capacity?
Answer :
Tai Chi can be classified as a moderate intensity exercise with a maximal oxygen intake (VO2 max) of 55%.
Summary :
A review of 31 studies with a total of 2216 men and women.
The authors conclude that Tai Chi is beneficial to cardiorespiratory function, immune capacity, mental control, flexibility, balance control, muscle strength and reduces the risk of falls in the elderly.
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Medical Research
Aerobic capacity, Balance, Flexibility, Immunity, Mental health, Muscle strength
Question :
How does Tai Chi compare to a brisk walk for women aged 65 years or older?
Answer :
Tai Chi improved fitness in elderly women over a three month period. Tai Chi was better than brisk walking in improving lower extremity strength, balance and flexibility.
Summary :
Twenty-six sedentary healthy women aged 65 years or older were randomized to Tai Chi or to a brisk walking group. An additional 8 women were assigned to a sedentary comparison group.
A modified 10-movement Yang style of Tai Chi was taught. Tai Chi was performed for about 1 hour, 3 times per week, for 12 weeks. The walking group aimed to reach 50–70% of the calculated target heart rate (220 – age).
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Medical Research
Aerobic capacity, Walking
Question :
Can Tai Chi improve balance control, flexibility and cardiorespiratory fitness?
Answer :
Compared to a sedentary group, the Tai Chi group had better scores for resting heart rate, 3 minute step test heart rate, balance (right and left leg standing with eyes closed) and flexibility.
Summary :
This study recruited 28 males over 65 years old who had been practicing the Yang Style of Tai Chi for at least 10 years.
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Medical Research
Aerobic capacity, Balance, Flexibility
