Tai Chi as an alternative exercise for ethnic Chinese with cardiovascular disease risk factors

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States (US), including ethnic Chinese living in the US. Regular participation in physical activity is associated with protection against CVD, and improvements in physical and psychological health. However, the majority of adults in the US are not meeting recommended physical activity levels. Since participation in physical activity is often influenced by social experiences and cultural values, it is an important consideration when planning exercise programs for specific ethnic groups. Tai Chi (TC) is a traditional form of exercise among Chinese populations, which has been shown to produce some health and performance benefits similar to Western style exercise training.; The overall aim of this dissertation was to examine physiological and psychosocial status after 12-weeks of TC exercise in ethnic Chinese adults with CVD risk factors. This was a repeated measures intervention study. Subjects attended a 60-minute TC exercise class 3 times per week for 12 weeks, with data collected at baseline, 6 and 12-weeks following the TC exercise intervention.; A total of 39 subjects, on average 66 (+/-8.3) years old, married (85%), Cantonese-speaking (97%), immigrants participated. The majority were women (69%), with ≤12 years education (87%) reported. At baseline, the average BP at rest was 150/86, and subjects were below the 50th percentile of fitness, compared to age and gender-specific US normative data. A significant reduction in resting blood pressure, and improvements in: aerobic endurance, balance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and psychosocial status were found (p ≤ 0.05). Adherence (87%) to the TC exercise intervention was high, with very high follow-up (97%) of subjects on completion of the study achieved.; TC has the potential to reduce expenditures associated with CVD by facilitating a lifestyle that promotes physical activity, while remaining a low-tech, low-cost alternative to exercise. These findings provide important information for future community-based TC exercise programs, and support current public health initiatives to reduce disability from chronic health conditions.