Tai Chi and Aerobic Capacity
The Question:
Is the intensity of Tai Chi exercise sufficient to increase aerobic capacity?
The 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.
The Reviews:
The Effectiveness of Tai Chi Exercise in Improving Aerobic Capacity: An Updated Meta-Analysis.
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.
Taylor-Piliae RE.
Medicine and sport science. 2008 volume 52.
Is tai chi beneficial for improving aerobic capacity? : A systematic review.
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.
Lee MS, Lee EN, Ernst E.
British journal of sports medicine. 2008 Nov 19.
Related Link:
Canada’s Physical Activity Guides – Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology
Originally posted 2009-04-14 12:36:40.
Looks like Tai Chi Chuan could be helpful in fibromyalgia.