Effect of Tai Chi Chuan on Autonomic Nervous Modulation in Aged Subjects

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Since Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) training has been shown to be beneficial to the cardiopulmonary function of the subject, TCC might have a beneficial effect on the pulmonary function, autonomic nervous modulation, lipid profile, and cytokines production in the aged subjects.

Detailed Description
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Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is a traditional Oriental conditioning exercise or calisthenics that is believed by many people around the world to be good for the health. The frequently claimed reason for this merit of TCC is that it can improve the cardiopulmonary function and immunity of the subject who practice it continuously. TCC has been shown to delay the decline of aerobic power, improve the cardiopulmonary function, balance and strength of the subjects. One study has demonstrated that TCC could reduce tension, anxiety, and mood disturbance. However, few studies have examined the effect of TCC on the blood lipid profile and immunity of the TCC practitioners. Another study reported that 12-week programme of regular TCC exercise enhanced functional mobility, personal health expectations, and regulatory T cell function. It has also been shown that an appropriate combination of TCC exercise program with diabetic medication might improve both glucose metabolism and immunity in type 2 diabetic patients. Since TCC training has been shown to be beneficial to the cardiopulmonary function of the subject, TCC may also have an effect on the blood lipid profile and immunity of the subjects. We hypothesize that TCC might have a beneficial effect on the pulmonary function, autonomic nervous modulation, lipid profile, and cytokines production in the aged subjects. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine whether or not TCC have these effects in the aged subjects.

Official Title
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Effect of Tai Chi Chuan on Autonomic Nervous Modulation, Blood Lipid and Cytokines Production in Aged Subjects

Conditions
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Healthy Subjects

Intervention / Treatment
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* Procedure: Tai Chi Cuan


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: All subjects included in this study had normal lifestyles, and were capable of daily activities without limitations. Exclusion Criteria: Subjects who had major cardiopulmonary disease or were on regular medicine for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, renal or liver disease were not included in the study.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 50 Years
Maximum Age: 75 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| 1<br>Subjects in this group received TCC training for 3 months | Procedure: Tai Chi Cuan<br>* Tai Chi Cuan training for 3 months<br>* Other names: Yang's Tai Chi Cuan;|
| 2<br>Subjects in this group received no TCC training within 3 months | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TCC training for 3 months can improve the pulmonary function, glucose availability and lipid profile, and increase the cytokines production and vagal modulation in aged subjects. |  | 3 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Other effects of TCC observed |  | 3 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Tai Chi Chuan; Lipid; Cytokine