A comparison of two Tai Chi interventions tailored for different health outcomes

Yin Wu; Cindy Senk; Patrick Coll; Susan Glenney; Ken Zaborowski; Richard Fortinsky; Beth Taylor; Crystal Park; Kirsten Benson; Matt McGowan; Slyvia DiBiasi; Ming-Hui Chen; Linda Pescatello

Complementary Therapies in Medicine (Jun 2021)

A comparison of two Tai Chi interventions tailored for different health outcomes

Yin Wu,
Cindy Senk,
Patrick Coll,
Susan Glenney,
Ken Zaborowski,
Richard Fortinsky,
Beth Taylor,
Crystal Park,
Kirsten Benson,
Matt McGowan,
Slyvia DiBiasi,
Ming-Hui Chen,
Linda Pescatello

Affiliations

Yin Wu: Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA; Corresponding author at: Department of Kinesiology, 2095 Hillside Road Unit 1110, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269-1110, USA.
Cindy Senk: Seabury Continuous Care Community, Bloomfield, CT, USA
Patrick Coll: Seabury Continuous Care Community, Bloomfield, CT, USA; Center on Aging, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
Susan Glenney: Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
Ken Zaborowski: Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
Richard Fortinsky: Center on Aging, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
Beth Taylor: Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
Crystal Park: Department of Psychological Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
Kirsten Benson: Seabury Continuous Care Community, Bloomfield, CT, USA
Matt McGowan: Seabury Continuous Care Community, Bloomfield, CT, USA
Slyvia DiBiasi: Seabury Continuous Care Community, Bloomfield, CT, USA
Ming-Hui Chen: Department of Statistics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
Linda Pescatello: Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 59
p. 102731

Abstract

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Objectives: We compared the health benefits of two different Tai Chi interventions tailored for improving blood pressure (BP) (PRESSURE) or balance (BALANCE). Design: randomized controlled trial. Setting: Community dwelling older adults (≥60yr) practiced Tai Chi at the fitness center of a continuous care community. Interventions: We tailored PRESSURE to emphasize breathing techniques and mental relaxation and BALANCE to emphasize movement principles that challenged balance. Subjects were randomized to PRESSURE (n = 12), BALANCE (n = 13), or CONTROL (n = 10). Tai Chi was practiced 3 sessions/wk, 60 min/session for 12 wk. CONTROL performed normal daily activities. Main outcome measures: We compared the change in cardiometabolic health, balance, and functional fitness between groups with ANCOVA using baseline values, age, and body mass index as covariates. Results: Subjects were physically active, Tai Chi naive (97.1 %), white, mostly female (82.9 %), and older (78.9 ± 5.7 yr) with resting systolic BP (SBP) of 126.5 ± 14.4 mmHg and diastolic BP of 69.3 ± 8.4 mmHg. PRESSURE significantly improved Chair Sit-to-Stand Test (CSTS) (1.0 ± 1.8 vs.−0.6 ± 0.8times/30s,p = 0.03) versus CONTROL, and gait speed (12.8±43.3 vs.−24.1±22.4cm/sec, p = 0.02) versus BALANCE. Meanwhile, BALANCE significantly improved Single Leg Stance Test (5.4±18.0 vs.−8.2±10.3 s, p = 0.049) and CSTS (1.0±1.7 vs.−0.6±0.8times/30s, p = 0.03), and tended to lower SBP (-4.2±16.0 vs. 3.5±8.3mmHg, p = 0.052) versus CONTROL. Conclusion: Within 3 months, Tai Chi improved several health outcomes independent of the type of practice among physically active, Tai Chi naive older adults. Therefore, healthcare and exercise professionals may recommend Tai Chi to physically active older adults without specifying the type of practice.

Published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine

ISSN: 0965-2299 (Print); 1873-6963 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Medicine: Other systems of medicine
Website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/complementary-therapies-in-medicine

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