Tai chi results in decreased falls.
In a study done at Emory University in Atlanta,
Georgia, by Dr. Steve Wolf et al, twice-weekly
Tai Chi practice in older adults was found to
reduce the risk of multiple falls by 47.5%.
The FICSIT Group (Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative
Studies of Intervention Techniques) enrolled
200 participants that were over 70 years old
in a 15 week program.
Tai chi helps the heart.
- In a study at the National Taiwan University
Hospital, Dr. Lan et al found that people
who practiced tai chi for a year after a coronary
artery bypass had better cardiac function
than did those people who undertook a home-based
exercise program of the more conventional
type.
- When comparing older tai chi practitioners
with matched older sedentary controls, Dr.
Lan found that over a two-year period, the
tai chi practitioners tended to maintain their
cardiorespiratory function while the control
group's measures of cardiorespiratory function
declined.
- Dr. Channer, a cardiologist in the UK, found
tai chi to be a helpful part of rehabilitation
after a heart attack.
Tai chi is an aerobic activity.
- Dr. Zhuo in Canada found that tai chi practiced
for at least 20 minutes rates as a moderate
aerobic activity, about equal in cardiovascular
fitness to a moderately brisk 20-minute walk.
- Dr. Li at the Oregon Research Institute
confirmed these findings.
Tai chi relieves the symptoms of arthritis.
- Dr. Kristen at Charlotte Rehabilitation
Hospital in North Carolina showed that tai
chi is safe for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
It did not increase joint tenderness and swelling.
- Dr. Paul Lam's Tai Chi for Arthritis program
was the basis of a multi center study that
showed that after 12 weeks, arthritic symptoms,
balance, and physical functioning of older
women with osteoarthritis were greatly improved.
View
the abstract.
Tai chi results in greater ease and confidence
in the activities of daily life.
Tai chi has been shown to reduce stress and
promote a feeling of well-being. In study after
study, from Connecticut to California to Canada
to Australia to the United Kingdom, studies
that include self-reports have shown that people
practicing regular tai chi have an enhanced
sense of well being, decreased pain, and increased
flexibility. Most importantly, they go about
their daily lives with more ease and confidence.
back to list of articles
|
