Subgroup analyses showed smaller sample s reporting larger effect sizes ; intervention lasting less than 6 months showed larger effect sizes and intention-to-treat analysis showed smaller effect sizes Lifestyle interventions may be of value in preventing and reducing blood pressure in LMICs .
Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting the effectiveness of antihypertensive medication , hypertension remains poorly controlled in low and middle-income countries ( LMICs ) .
The beneficial effects of Tai Chi Chuan on blood pressure and lipid profile and anxiety status in a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects on blood pressure , lipid profile , and anxiety status on subjects received a 12-week Tai Chi Chuan exercise program . DESIGN R and omized controlled study of a Tai Chi Chuan group and a group of sedentary life controls . SETTING Taipei Medical University Hospitals and University campus in the Taipei , Taiwan , area . SUBJECTS Two ( 2 ) selected groups of 76 healthy subjects with blood pressure at high-normal or stage I hypertension . INTERVENTION A 12-week Tai Chi Chuan exercise training program was practice d regularly with a frequency of 3 times per week . Each session included 10-minute warm-up , 30-minute Tai Chi exercise , 10-minute cool-down . Exercise intensity was estimated to be approximately 64 % of maximal heart rate . OUTCOME MEASURES Blood pressure , lipid profile and anxiety status ( State-Trait Anxiety Inventory ; STAI ) were evaluated . RESULTS After 12-weeks of Tai Chi training , the treatment group showed significant decrease in systolic blood pressure of 15.6 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure 8.8 mm Hg . The serum total cholesterol level decreased 15.2 mg/dL and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased 4.7 mg/dL. By using STAI evaluation , both trait anxiety and state anxiety were decreased . CONCLUSIONS This study shows that under well- design ed conditions , Tai Chi exercise training could decrease blood pressure and results in favorable lipid profile changes and improve subjects ' anxiety status . Therefore , Tai Chi could be used as an alternative modality in treating patients with mild hypertension , with a promising economic effect
Subgroup analyses showed smaller sample s reporting larger effect sizes ; intervention lasting less than 6 months showed larger effect sizes and intention-to-treat analysis showed smaller effect sizes Lifestyle interventions may be of value in preventing and reducing blood pressure in LMICs .
Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting the effectiveness of antihypertensive medication , hypertension remains poorly controlled in low and middle-income countries ( LMICs ) .