Tai Chi Helps Improve Physical Capacity of Older People With Chronic Ailments

With Tai Chi there were improvements in the six minute walking test, muscle strength, the time it takes to get up and move, and quality of life.

Tai Chi is a form of Chinese exercise that consists of slow, gentle, flowing movements. It aims to boost muscle power, balance, and posture. Tai Chi also includes mindfulness, relaxation, and breath control. A new study has suggested that Tai Chi helps improve physical capacity among older adults with certain common long term conditions.

The research team observed that among people with breast cancer, heart failure, osteoarthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), these improvements were not at the expense of worsening pain or breathlessness.

Tai Chi can Slow Aging Process: Study
Researchers have claimed that Tai Chi was found to be beneficial in increasing the numbers of an important type of cell when three groups of young people were tested to discover the benefits of Tai Chi, brisk walking or no exercise.

The study findings suggested that Tai Chi was associated with trends, or definite improvement, in physical capacity and muscle strength in most or all four long term conditions. This included improvements in the six minute walking test; muscle strength, as measured by bending and stretching the knees; the time it takes to get up and move known as the TUG test. Subjects also reported an improved quality of life.

Tai Chi was also found to be improve the symptoms of pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis and in breathlessness in COPD. It was associated with improved sit to stand times among osteoarthritis patients.

The study is appeared online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Tai Chi Recommended in New Guidelines for Preventing Falls in the Elderly
All interventions for preventing falls should include an exercise component and that a number of new assessments should be used

Source-ANI

Tai Chi Helps Improve Quality of Life in Heart Failure Patients
A new report suggests that people suffering from chronic heart failure can improve the quality of their life by regularly practicing Tai Chi.

Tai Chi Can Prevent Older People From Dangerous Falls
Elderly people who suffer from failing eyesight can improve balance and protect themselves from dangerous falls by practicing Tai Chi.