The effect of Tai Chi exercise on aerobic capacity is important to know if clinicians want to recommend Tai Chi as an alternative form of aerobic exercise. The majority of the published studies examining cardiorespiratory responses to Tai Chi exercise by measuring aerobic capacity have small sample sizes. A meta-analysis involves the integration of several studies with small or large sample sizes, enabling the investigator to summarize the research results into useful clinical information. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis was to estimate the extent to which Tai Chi exercise affects aerobic capacity.
Of 441 citations obtained, only 7 focused on aerobic capacity in response to Tai Chi exercise (4 experimental and 3 cross-sectional). Older adults including those with heart disease participated (n = 344 subjects); on average men were aged 55.7 years (SD = 12.7) and women 60.7 years (SD = 6.2). Study quality scores ranged from 22 to 28 (mean = 25.1, SD = 2.0). Average effect size for the cross-sectional studies was large and statistically significant (ESsm = 1.01; CI = +0.37, +1.66), while in the experimental studies the average effect size was small and not significant (ESsm = 0.33; CI = -0.41, +1.07). Effect sizes of aerobic capacity in women (ESsm = 0.83; CI = -0.43, +2.09) were greater than those for men (ESsm = 0.65; CI = -0.04, +1.34), though not statistically significant. Aerobic capacity was higher in subjects performing classical Yang style (108 postures) Tai Chi (ESsm = 1.10; CI = +0.82, +1.38), a 52-week Tai Chi exercise intervention (ESsm = 0.94; C = +0.06, +1.81), compared with sedentary subjects (ESsm = 0.80; CI = +0.19, +1.41).
Taylor-Piliae, Ruth E, and Erika S Froelicher. “Effectiveness of Tai Chi Exercise in Improving Aerobic Capacity: a Meta-Analysis.” The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (UK), 2004, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14994782.
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