A growing body of evidence examining Tai Chi exercise research in non-CHD populations (e.g. community-dwelling older adults) indicates significant improvements in physical, cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Tai Chi has been safely performed by adults with a variety of chronic diseases including osteoarthritis, multiple scoliosis, and chronic heart failure. To date, there are only 2 published studies on the effects of Tai Chi among cardiac rehabilitation subjects and only hemodynamic status and aerobic endurance were examined. It has been reported that Tai Chi subjects had significant improvements in aerobic endurance, compared to subjects in a walking program.

To describe differences in physical, cognitive and psychosocial functioning among adults ≥ 45 years old attending phase III cardiac rehabilitation, who have or have not self-selected Tai Chi exercise as an adjunct physical activity. 

A cross-sectional design compared subjects attending group-based Wu style Tai Chi classes plus cardiac rehabilitation, with cardiac rehabilitation only. Subjects had a battery of physical and cognitive functioning tests administered to examine aerobic endurance, balance, strength, and flexibility, verbal retrieval/recall, attention, concentration and tracking. Subjects completed a health survey to ascertain cardiac event information, medical history, and psychosocial functioning (i.e. health-related quality of life, stress, depressive symptoms, social support, and Tai Chi self-efficacy). 

A total of 51 subjects (75% married, 84% college-educated, 96% White/European-American) participated. Subjects were on average 70 (± 8) years old and had attended cardiac rehabilitation for 45 (± 37) months. Approximately 45% (n = 23) attended Tai Chi classes plus cardiac rehabilitation, while 55% (n = 28) attended cardiac rehabilitation only. Subjects attending Tai Chi plus cardiac rehabilitation had better balance, perceived physical health, and Tai Chi self-efficacy compared to those attending cardiac rehabilitation only (p ≤ 0.03). 

Tai Chi can be easily implemented in any community/cardiac rehabilitation facility, and may offer adults additional options after a cardiac event. 

Results like these don't just come from waving your arms around and zoning out in the park for 10 minutes a day 

 

If you want to be healthy & strong again, there's work you have to do, and skills you have to learn. 

 

But it doesn't have to be hard, either. 

 

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