Question :
Can Tai Chi exercise lower blood pressure?
Answer :
Yes. Most studies showed a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Summary :
This review included 9 randomized controlled trials, 13 nonrandomized studies and 4 observational studies. Studies that only looked at the short term effects of exercise were excluded. Blood pressure reduction with Tai Chi was seen in 22 studies. Systolic blood pressure was reduced from 3-32 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure was reduced from 2-18 mm Hg.
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Medical Research
Blood pressure, Hypertension
Question :
Can Tai Chi reduce blood pressure after an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)?
Answer :
Tai Chi reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Summary :
Following a myocardial infarction, 126 patients were randomly allocated to Tai Chi, aerobic exercise or a non-exercise support group. The patients were males with an average age 56 years. 38 patients practiced the Wu Chian-Ch’uan style of Tai Chi for 8 weeks (1 hour sessions, twice a week for 3 weeks and then weekly for 5 weeks).
The aerobic exercise group showed decreasing systolic blood pressure over the 11 sessions.
The Tai Chi group showed decreasing systolic and diastolic blood pressure over the 11 sessions.
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Medical Research
Heart disease, Hypertension, Myocardial infarction