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Effects of Tai Chi exercise on physiological and biochemical changes among middle-aged adults

Noor Aini Abdul Hamid, Nafeesa A.K. Najwa, I.A.A. Ibrahim, S.B. Prasamit, J.A. Goon, M. Musalmah, A.M.Y. Yasmin, W.N. Wan Zurinah

Med Sci Tech 2012; 53(3): RA101-105

ID: 883607


Background:    Aging is a human developmental phase that is responsible for varied physiological and biochemical changes that intensify as age advances. It is often associated with higher risk of chronic diseases and death and these changes are influenced by many factors, including health and diet. However, healthy lifestyle such as regular exercise and a healthy diet may lead to healthy aging. This study was done to determine the effect of Tai Chi exercise on physiological and biochemical changes among middle-aged adults.
    Material/Methods:    Fifty pre-menopausal women aged 45 and above with sedentary lifestyles were randomly divided into 2 age- and race-matched groups: the exercise and control group. The exercise group was taught to practice Tai Chi with an appointed professional instructor twice a week for 1 hour per session. Physiological measurements such as body fat, body mass index (BMI), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and blood biochemistry tests such as fasting blood sugar, liver function test, lipid profile, renal profile, and full blood count were analysed and compared to the baseline after 6 months.
    Results:    The study showed a significant reduction in fat percentage and HR of Tai Chi practitioners but not in the controls. Tai Chi practitioners also had significantly increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total protein, albumin, and calcium levels, with a reduction in creatinine level. Against these results, no significant changes were noted in the control group.
    Conclusions:    We conclude that regular Tai Chi exercise for 6 months improves health status in middle-aged adults.

Keywords: physical,, biochemical,, health,, Tai Chi

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