Tai Chi and aerobic capacity
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.
References :
1. The Effectiveness of Tai Chi Exercise in Improving Aerobic Capacity: An Updated Meta-Analysis.
Medicine and sport science. 2008 volume 52.
2. Is tai chi beneficial for improving aerobic capacity? : A systematic review.
British journal of sports medicine. 2008 Nov 19.
Looks like Tai Chi Chuan could be helpful in fibromyalgia.