Effects of Tai Chi in diabetes patients: Insights from recent research

Tai Chi,a practice that combines elements of both exercise and mindfulness,offers a wide range of health benefits.The body of evidence concerning the impact of Tai Chi on diabetes has recently been growing.This editorial aims to provide a concise summary of the current state of evidence for Tai Chi's effects on individuals with type 2 diabetes(T2D).The review includes 3 randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and 5 systematic reviews and meta-analyses,all of which investigate the effectiveness of Tai Chi on various health outcomes in individuals with T2D.Tai Chi demonstrates a significant effect to enhance glycemic control,lower blood pressure,improve serum lipid profiles,reduce insulin resistance,positively influence obesity-related indices,and improve overall quality of life in individuals with T2D.However,it is noteworthy that recent RCTs have reported inconsistent findings regarding the effects of Tai Chi on glycemic control and insulin resistance.The author also delves into potential mechanisms by which Tai Chi may exert its influence on the human body.Finally,the editorial highlights the critical issues that warrant further exploration in the future.

The Impact and Intervention of Handheld Tai Chi Water-Resistance Fitness Ball on Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Through the use of a survey and statistical methods, this study explores the effects and interventions of handheld Tai Chi water resistance fitness balls on the elderly with Parkinson’s disease. Firstly, a questionnaire on exercise compliance for patients with Parkinson’s disease was developed, and its reliability and validity were tested. Then, a survey was conducted to investigate the current status of exercise compliance among Parkinson’s disease patients, including general information, scoring status, and single and multiple factor analyses of influencing factors [1]. The results of the study show that through qualitative research, the dimensions and item pools of the questionnaire were initially constructed, and the reliability analysis of the questionnaire was conducted through Delphi expert consultation, with favorable results in terms of its reliability and validity [2]. Regarding the current status of exercise compliance among Parkinson’s disease patients, the study found that the level of exercise compliance needs improvement, and there are significant differences in exercise compliance levels among patients under different circumstances. Finally, the research results were discussed and conclusions were drawn. The innovation of this study lies in the development of a questionnaire on exercise compliance for patients with Parkinson’s disease and the preliminary qualitative research and Delphi expert consultation conducted on it, providing new ideas and methods for the study of exercise compliance. However, the study also has limitations as it did not examine the effects of other interventions on Parkinson’s disease, so further research should be conducted [3].

Comparing the rhythm and frequency of heart,breathing and knee movement in Tai Chi Chuan

Background:The basic exercise involved in TCC is a series of individual movements that are linked together in a continuous manner and that flow smoothly from one movement to another.Deep breathing and mental concentration are also required to achieve harmony

Effects of 16-week Tai Chi intervention on postural stability and associated physiological factors in older people

Objectives:To examine the effects of 16-week Tai Chi(TC) training on postural stability and associated physiological factors in older subjects,forty elderly individuals(aged ≥ 60 years) living in the community were randomly placed into either the TC intervention group(n=22) or the control group(n=18).The former underwent a supervised TC exercise program for 16 weeks,while the latter received general education for a comparable time period.Measurements:Postural stability was assessed by timed stance tests in single-leg stance with the eyes open(SLO) or closed(SLC),and tandem stance with the eyes closed(TSC).Proprioceptive function was evaluated by measuring ankle and knee kinesthesia.The maximum concentric strength of the knee flexors and extensors,ankle plantarflexors and dorsiflexors was measured by isokinetic dynamometer.Moreover,the reaction time of different muscles in the lower extremity was also examined by measuring the onset latency of the muscles to perturbations on the ankle joint using an electromyography system.Results:After the 16-week TC intervention,significant TC training effects were gained on knee kinesthesia,knee flexor strength,latency of semitendinous muscle,and postural stability in SLO.For the other measures,no significant training effects were found.Conclusions:The 16-week TC intervention was found to be beneficial for the improvement of postural stability and associated physiological factors.However,there are discrepancies in TC training effects on different factors in the sensorimotor system.

Effects of Tai Chi on health outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:To explore the effects and dose-response relationship of Tai Chi for type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and to evaluate the methodological quality of the included trials and evidence quality of the outcomes.Methods:Nine major English and Chinese databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of Tai Chi for T2DM from inception to December 2021.The effects and dose-response relationships were assessed with a meta-analysis and meta-regression using Stata.16.The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the risk of bias tool.The evidence quality of the outcomes was assessed using the GRADE tool.Results:A total of 24 studies with 1314 patients were included.Compared with the usual care,Tai Chi improved HbA1c(MD¼0.80%,95%CI[1.05,0.54],P<.001,I2¼18.29%,very low-quality evidence),FBG(SMD¼0.58,95%CI[0.86,0.31],P<.001,I2¼53.2%,low-quality evidence),fasting insulin(FIN),diastolic blood pressure,BMI,and the outcomes of quality of life(QoL)in patients with T2DM.However,when Tai Chi was compared with other exercise,there was no between-group difference in the HbA1c,FBG,TC,TG,HDL,LDL,BMI,and waist circumference(WC).Furthermore,the findings showed that an increase at every 18 weeks in length or an 823-h increase in the total time of Tai Chi intervention resulted in approximately a one unit reduction in the SMD of FBG.Conclusion:Compared with usual care,Tai Chi may improve HbA1c(with clinical significance),FBG,FIN,BMI,diastolic blood pressure,and outcomes of QoL in T2DM patients.The effects of Tai Chi were similar to those of other exercises on the HbA1c,FBG,TC,TG,HDL,LDL,BMI,and WC.Given the overall poor methodological quality and evidence quality,these findings should be treated cautiously.

Current trends in tai chi for stroke rehabilitation

Background:There are an increasing number of studies focusing on the effect of tai chi for different diseases.As a special form of physical activity,tai chi may be beneficial for the rehabilitation of stroke,a leading cause of disability worldwide.Objective:This review summarizes the existing literature on the potential benefits of tai chi for stroke rehabilitation and offers recommendations for future research.Methods:Studies on the biomechanics and physiology of tai chi for stroke rehabilitation are reviewed.Research on tai chi for stroke rehabilitation and related diseases are summarized.Finally,the shortcomings of existing studies and recommendations for future studies are discussed.Conclusions:Tai chi appears to be beneficial for stroke rehabilitation.But reporting quality of existing studies are sub-optimal.Future trials should define tai chi style,apply rigorous methodology to sample size calculation,randomization,recruiting criteria,and outcome measures.To avoid inadequacies during the research and reporting processes,investigators may wish to follow CONSORT guidelines and refer to well-conducted clinical studies on tai chi.

Making Sense of an Ancient Discipline in a Modern Time:How Tai Chi(太极)Practice Benefits the Body-Mind

Tai chi(太极)is an ancient Chinese traditional martial art that,today,is also practiced as a graceful and multifaceted form of exercise.It involves a series of movements performed in a slow,focused manner accompanied by deep breathing and expanded awareness of the body,mind,and surrounding environment.There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice has value in treating or preventing many health problems and you can get started even if you are not in top shape or the best of health.This paper is a review of the research that has been conducted internationally on the health-enhancing aspects of Tai Chi practice over the past few years.It is not possible to cover all areas of research in one paper;therefore,three important areas are chosen and discussed,namely,improving balance,strengthening the bones,reducing pain and the rest will be referred to in a future article.

Effects of Tai Chi on telomerase activity and gerotranscendence in middle aged and elderly adults in Chinese society

Introduction:Telomeres are DNA protein structures at the end of chromosomes and are linked to the physical aging process.The improvement of quality of life is closely associated with aerobic exercise,and thedynamic effects of exerciseonphysiology and psychology are evident with aging.Tai Chi is popularly practiced in China.However,findings on the effects of Tai Chi on telomerase activity(TA)in peripheral blood mononuclear cells,and gerotranscendence(GT),as well as the association of TA and GT with Tai Chi,have been inconsistent.Purpose:This study aims to assess TA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells,GT,and the associations between them.The associations among these variables are determined during six months of Tai Chi intervention among Chinese middle aged and elderly adults.Methods:TA assessment was obtained by TE-ELISA(human telomeraseeenzyme linked immunosorbent assay),and GT was measured at the baseline level after six months of Tai Chi intervention.Results:TA increased significantly in the Tai Chi group from 23.75±3.78 u/mmol(preintervention)to 26.31±2.93 u/mmol(after 6 months)(p<0.05).Compared with the TA in the control group,the TA in the intervention group was statistically significant after six months(p<0.05).Compared with the GT in the control group,the GT in the intervention group improved significantly after six months(p<0.05).TA and GT had a positive correlation(r=0.325,p<0.01).Conclusion:Our data illustrated that Tai Chi had a protective effect on TA and might improve the GT in Chinese middle aged and elderly adults.The TA increased with the increasing GT in Chinese middle aged and elderly adults.

Meta-analysis of Tai chi's fall prevention effect in the elderly

Objective:This study was intended to assess the effect of Tai Chi on the prevention of fall among the elderly.Methods:Relevant randomized controlled trials published since inception up to 6 January 2019 were selected in the electronic databases(PubMed,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,EMBASE,CBM,CNKI and Wan fang).Two researchers independently screened the literature,extracted data and evaluated the literature quality.Publication bias was assessed by Forest plot,Begg's test and Egger's test.STATA 14.0 software was used to do meta-analysis on the relationship between TAI Chi and fall.This study was registered at international prospective register of systematic Reviews(number:CRD42019122958).Results:A total of 6 RCTs were included.The results showed that,the incidence of fall among the elderly in Tai Chi group is less than that of blank group[RR=0.44(0.21-0.90)],but no statistical difference in the comparison of Tai Chi plus education and education[RR=0.96(0.76-1.22)],which was also supported by subgroup analysis.Meanwhile,similar result also appeared in the comparison of Tai Chi group and education group[RR=0.73(0.51-1.06)].Conclusion:Tai Chi could reduce the incidence of falls among the elderly,but the effect of Tai Chi plus education/Tai Chi on the incidence of falls is consistent with education alone.Therefore,we should pay attention to fall-related education among the elderly.

Management of Geriatric Low Back Pain with Tai Chi

Introduction:Chronic low back pain(cLBP)among older adults is a complex,biopsychosocial condition that despite research efforts and innovative interventions remains a prevalent,disabling and costly condition.This case highlights the use of tai chi(TC)for persistent geriatric LBP.Case Presentation:A 68-year-old Caucasian female with cLBP,neuromuscular imbalances,leg weakness and fall risk was treated with a walking program(aerobic),manual therapy(mobility),lumbar stabilization(strength)and group TC class(neuromuscular function).Discussion:Research validates TC for a variety of older adult health conditions,but few studies demonstrated effectiveness for cLBP.This case outlines the use of a simplified Yang-style TC for management of persistent geriatric LBP.Conclusion:The addition of group TC to standard treatment for cLBP resulted in improved functional outcomes,decreased pain ratings and improved leg strength,flexibility and balance as compared to standard treatment for cLBP.Following the group TC class the client reported significant self-perception of recovery,and these functional and confidence gains eliminated the need for physiotherapy services for cLBP for three subsequent years.Level of Evidence:Therapy,level 4.

Tai Chi:Let the Magic Carry You Away

"Unbelievable!"That’s what the crowd whispered in aweafter watching Tai Chi, a revolutionaryspectacular of acrobatics and kungfu, whichmade its debut in Shanghai in April.

The association between Tai Chi exercise and safe driving performance among older adults： An observational study

Background: Age-related cognitive and physical decline can impair safe driving performance. Tai Chi exercise benefits cognitive and physical function and may influence safe driving performance in older adults. The primary aim of this observational study was to compare cognitive processes and physical function related to safe driving performance among older adult Tai Chi practitioners to normative reference values.Secondary aims were to examine relationships between Tai Chi exercise habits, cognitive processes, and physical function related to safe driving performance and to explore potential predictors of safe driving performance.Methods: The Driving Health Inventory, the Driving Scenes Test, other driving-related cognitive and physical measures, and self-reported measures including the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale(MAAS) and the Vitality Plus Scale(VPS) were collected from current Tai Chi practitioners(n = 58; age 72.9 ± 5.9 years, mean ± SD) with median >3 years Tai Chi practice.Results: Compared to normative reference values, participants performed better on numerous cognitive measures including the Driving Scenes Test(p < 0.001, d = 1.63), maze navigation(p = 0.017, d = 0.27), the Useful Field of View Test(p < 0.001, r = 0.15), and on physical measures including the Rapid Walk Test(p < 0.001, r = 0.20), and the Right Foot Tapping Test,(p < 0.001, r = 0.35). Participants scored higher than normative reference values on MAAS and VPS(p < 0.001, d = 0.75; p = 0.002, d = 0.38, respectively). Statistically significant correlations were found between several study measures. The digit span backward test was the strongest predictor of safe driving performance(β = 0.34,p = 0.009).Conclusion: Tai Chi exercise has the potential to impact cognitive processes and physical function related to safe driving performance. Further study using randomized controlled trials, structured Tai Chi exercise doses, and driving simulator or on-road driving performance as outcome measures are warranted.

Tai Chi in Parkinson’s Disease: A Preliminary Randomized, Controlled, and Rater-Blinded Study

Background: Given the limited benefits of current treatments for Parkinson’s disease (PD), inter-ventions that might provide supplementary benefits would be of value. The traditional Chinese medicine practice of Tai Chi has been said to improve some aspects of PD, particularly imbalance. Methods: Preliminary randomized, controlled, and rater-blinded clinical trial of Tai Chi, focusing on its effects on global motor, daily function, mood and quality of life. Subjects continued their standard medical therapy and were randomly assigned to Tai Chi (16 weekly classes, expert trainer, practice at home between classes) or no Tai Chi (control group) in a 2:1 ratio. The primary outcome measure was the total motor score of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and this was scored by an experienced rater who was blinded to the treatment assignment. The same rater scored the Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living Scale. The patient-completed Geriatric Depression Scale, PD (quality of life) Questionnaire-39, and fall diary were also analyzed. Results: 44 subjects participated with 29 assigned to Tai Chi and 15 serving as controls. Tai Chi was well-tolerated. Seven subjects withdrew prior to completion (2 from Tai Chi, 5 from control). We found no significant difference between treatment groups in the change in scores from baseline to end of intervention for any of the scales. Trends toward a benefit of Tai Chi were observed for individual UPDRS items (depression, finger tapping, hand movements, posture). Conclusions: Tai Chi does not appear to improve global measures in patients with PD. The practice may have benefits for PD, but these appear to be largely restricted to specific motor tasks and perhaps mood rather than being a global functional response. More study is needed to clarify and establish efficacy.

Tai Chi:a new star for the administration of chronic diseases?

太极是中国传统武术的一种,不仅在中国很受欢迎,在西方国家也逐渐被关注.太极将腹式呼吸与身体运动相整合,以使人达到身心平衡.越来越多的研究证实,太极具有提高有氧耐力、加强肌肉力量、促进身体平衡和改善心理健康的作用.在此,本文总结了最近的研究成果,证明太极训练在心血管疾病、慢性阻塞性肺病、神经系统疾病、风湿病和癌症患者的恢复过程中是安全可行的.然而,太极的潜在作用机制仍有待挖掘,更多的长期随访研究需要开展.

Gait, posture and transfer assessment among elderly practitioners and non-practitioners of Tai Chi Chuan

Falls may be devastating events among elderly people. Tai Chi Chuan is a type of moderate sports exercise that demonstrates improvements in balance, gait and posture. The aim here was to assess the influence of this method on the balance, gait and posture of healthy active elderly people. A controlled cross-sectional study was conducted on 76 volunteers, divided into two groups: 51 volunteers Tai Chi Chuan group mean age 76.8 years and 25 volunteers control group mean age 70.3 years. Both groups underwent the Modified Clinical Test on Sensory Interaction for Balance (mCTSIB), Walking Test (WT), Sit-to-Stand Transfer Test (SSTT) and Unipedal Assessment Test (UT), using the Neurocom Balance Master system. Result: In conditions Static balance tests: the mCTSIB-Tai-Chi Group had a lower sway velocity (°/s) on a firm surface with eyes open and medio-lateral direction, Foam Surface with eyes open medio-lateral and anteroposterior direction. Unilateral Stance Tai-Chi Group had a lower mean sway velocity (°/s) with open eyes (right and left), but with eyes closed. The Control Group showed a lower sway velocity. Under Dynamic Balance: Walk Across Test Tai-Chi Group presented a walking speed greater than the Control Group. In Sit to Stand Transfer Test, Tai-Chi Group showed a better index rising to lift up and lower oscillation in the final standing position. Conclusion: The Tai Chi Group was shown to be a protection factor for preserving and maintaining the static and dynamic positions of posture and gait.

A Pilot Study to Assess the Effects of Tai Chi on Health Indicators in Type 1 Diabetes Patients

Objective: Previous studies have shown that Tai Chi may have a role in the management of type 2 diabetes. However, to date, no studies have focused specifically on the effects of Tai Chi in people with type 1 diabetes. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of a Tai Chi program on health indicators in adults with type 1 diabetes. Methods: This was a two-group quasi-randomised controlled trial with 13 participants (six men and seven women, aged 24 - 63 years) with type 1 diabetes. This trial was conducted from May to November 2016. The intervention group attended Tai Chi exercise training for 1 to 1.5 hours, twice a week for 12 weeks, and the control group continued with their usual medical care. Indicators of glycaemic control (HbA1c), depressive symptoms, physical measures (body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure and leg strength), and health-related quality of life (physical and mental components summary scores) were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks’ post-intervention. Results: There were significant or borderline significant between-group differences in changes over time in favour of the intervention group in depressive symptoms (p Conclusion: In conclusion, there were improvements in mental health and leg strength in these adults with type 1 diabetes. Large studies are needed to further investigate the effects of Tai Chi in people with Type 1 diabetes.

Investigating the circulatory-respiratory response of elderly people during Tai Chi Yuttari-exercise

The purpose of this study was to examine the circulatory-respiratory dynamics in elderly people during Tai Chi Yuttari-exercise. The subjects were females with an average age of 74 years who had been continuously practicing Tai Chi Yuttari-exercise for at least six months. The heart rate and blood pressure were measured before and after the subjects performed four different versions of Tai Chi Yuttari-exercise. The perceived exertion was evaluated using the Borg scale. The respiratory rate, oxygen uptake and respiratory quotient (RQ) were measured using an expired gas analyzer. The results showed an increase in heart rate during exercise, but confirmed that the rise in HR was below the safety limit. The blood pressure tended to be low post-exercise. Regarding perceived exertion, the maximum heart-lungs Borg scale response was 9 (very light). A slight increase in the respiratory rate was observed while exercising, but no abnormal breathing patterns were observed. The average metabolic equivalents (METs) of the exercise ranged from 1.34 to 1.87, and the average RQ ranged from 0.82 to 0.90. The circulatory-respiratory dynamics observed in this study verified that elderly females with an average age of 70 years could safely perform the Tai Chi Yuttari-exercise. This study helped obtain basic data for expanding the indications for this exercise.

Randomized control study in the influence of different training methods of Tai Chi on Chinese medicine constitution of international students with depression or depression tendency

目的：探讨太极拳不同训练方式对留学生抑郁或抑郁倾向的影响.方法：38名留学生被随机分为太极拳单纯动作练习组（简称单纯动作组）和太极拳动作练习配合呼吸吐纳组（简称呼吸吐纳组）,并比较两组实验前后中医体质的均分变化.结果：与训练前相比,38名留学生中偏颇体质的平均得分明显下降（P〈0.05）.与训练前相比,呼吸吐纳组中气虚型、阳虚型、痰湿型、气滞型的偏颇体质的平均得分显著降低（P〈0.05）.单纯动作组的阳虚型、血瘀型、气滞型的偏颇体质的平均得分也显著下降（P〈0.05）.另外,气虚型、阳虚型、阴虚型、痰湿型、气滞型的偏颇体质的平均得分均显著低于单纯运动组中这些体质的得分,提示太极拳动作练习配合呼吸吐纳的方法优于太极拳单纯动作练习（P〈0.01）.结论：与呼吸吐纳法结合,太极拳动作练习对改善与抑郁或抑郁倾向相关的偏颇体质有更好的效果.