The Effectiveness Of Tai Chi Exercise On Static Balance, Lower Limb Prop Rioception Function And Flexibility Of College Students:A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveWe designed a strict randomized controlled trial to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of TCC exercise on the balance capability, lower limb proprioception, flexibility, cardio-pulmonary function of college students.We expect to approach the objective and effective evidence to promote the universality of TCC.MethodsTwo hundred six college students were recruited from Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The allocation of participants was equal (1:1) to the TCC exercise group (intervention group) and the control group. Participants allocated to the TCC training groups will receive 12 weeks of TCC training at a frequency of five days a week with one hour per day. The TCC training was instructed by two experienced TCC coaches. Participants in the control group were informed to maintain their original activity level.The intervention period and follow-up period in this trial both last 12 weeks. All participants were required to record physical activity diaries including the type and intensity of physical activity or exercises, as well as the sedentary time, sleeping time everyday throughout this study. The primary outcomes including balance capability, lower limb proprioception, flexibility,cardio-pulmonary function,the secondarey outcomes including vital capacity,blood preesure, heart rate and Step testing. All the outcomes were evaluated at baseline,13 weeks and 25 weeks.Intention-to-treat analysis was performed for the above outcomes.Results1.Of the four parameters for balance ability, the open eyes perimeter and the closed eyes perimeter showed significant improvement after the 12-week exercise program for participants in the TCC exercise group(P=0.0451,0.007, respectively).Furthermore, the significant difference between the comparison groups for the closed eyes perimeter was still present at end of the 12-week follow-up period (P=0.002). The changes in the other two parameters for balance ability, a significant difference was not observed both at 12 weeks post-intervention and at the end of the 12-week follow-up period.2.For two parameters of lower limb proprioception function (right lower limb ATE), no significant changes were observed between the TCC exercise group and the control group post-intervention or at the end of follow-up(P=0.579,0.980, respectively). For two parameters of lower limb proprioception function (left lower limb ATE), no significant changes were observed between the TCC exercise group and the control group post-intervention or at the end of follow-up(P=0.516,0.567, respectively).3.The length of flexibility in the TCC exercise group was improved apparently.There was a significant difference between two groups after 12 weeks intervention(P=0.039).no significant changes were observed between the TCC exercise group and the control group at the end of follow-up(P=0.296).4.For step testing, no significant changes were observed between the TCC exercise group and the control group post-intervention or at the end of follow-up(P=0.655,0.586, respectively).5.For vital capacity, no significant changes were observed between the TCC exercise group and the control group post-intervention or at the end of follow-up(P=0.531,0.835, respectively).6.For Systolic Blood Pressure, no significant changes were observed between the TCC exercise group and the control group post-intervention or at the end of follow-up(P=0.861,0.787, respectively). For diastolic blood pressure, no significant changes were observed between the TCC exercise group and the control group post-intervention or at the end of follo w-up(P=0.825,0.413, respectively). For heart rate, no significant changes were observed between the TCC exercise group and the control group post-intervention or at the end of follow-up(P=0.358,0.798, respectively).Conclusion1.TCC exercise was significantly beneficial in college students for improving flexibility and balance capability, compared with usual exercise.2.There was no significant change on lower limb proprioception function and cardio-pulmonary function(including step testing, vital capacity,systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure,heart rate) between two group after intervention and follow-up period.3.No adverse events were reported during the study period. Tai Chi Chuan exercise is safety and reliable.