Tai Chi for Diabetes
The Question:
Can Tai Chi improve mobility, physical function, and the quality of life of adult diabetics?
The Answer:
Walking speed and balance (static and dynamic) improved significantly in both the Tai Chi and the control group after 16 weeks. There was no improvement in muscle function, endurance capacity, cognition, or other measures of quality of life.
The Study:
Thirty-eight older adults (?50 years of age) with stable type 2 diabetes were randomized to Tai Chi or to sham exercise (calisthenics and gentle stretching). A modified 12 movement form of Tai Chi (‘Tai Chi for Diabetes’ by Dr. Lam) was performed for 1 hour, twice a week, for 16 weeks.
Tracey Tsang, Rhonda Orr, Paul Lam, Elizabeth J Comino, and Maria Fiatarone Singh
Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2007 September; 2(3): 429–439.
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