Effects of Tai Chi Chuan in Patients After Recent Acute Myocardial Infarction

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This is a randomized Clinical Trial to assess the effects of Tai Chi Chuan on blood pressure, respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity in patients after recent acute myocardial infarction.

Detailed Description
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Background:Patients with a recent myocardial infarction (MI) present a reduction in functional capacity expressed as a decrease in peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak). The impact of a Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) cardiac rehabilitation program for patients recovering from recent MI has yet to be assessed. Our goal is to evaluate functional capacity after a TCC-based cardiac rehabilitation program in patients with recent MI. Methods: A single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted. The researchers who performed the tests were blinded to group allocation. Between the 14th and 21st days after hospital discharge, all patients performed a cardiopulmonary exercise testing and a laboratory blood workup. Mean age was similar (56 ± 9 years in the TCC group and 60 ± 9 years in the control group). Patients allocated to the intervention group performed 3 weekly sessions of TCC Beijin style for 12 weeks (n = 31). The control group participated in 3 weekly sessions of full-body stretching exercises (n = 30).

Official Title
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Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on Blood Pressure, Respiratory Muscle Strength and Functional Capacity in Patients After Recent Acute Myocardial Infarction: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Conditions
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Acute Myocardial Infarction

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Tai Chi Chuan exercise
* Other: stretching exercise


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Recent acute myocardial infarction Age 45 and 75 years. admission until 20 days after hospital discharge With physical conditions for a cardiac rehabilitation program with exercise. Exclusion Criteria: Unstable angina Severe congestive heart failure Severe lung disease Altered response of blood pressure to stress

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 40 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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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: stretching exercise<br>patients in this group held three weekly classes of 60 minutes during 12 weeks of Tai Chi Chuan, Yang style. | Other: stretching exercise<br>* patients in this group held weekly classes of two stretching for 12 weeks.<br>|
| Experimental: Tai Chi Chuan exercise<br>patients in this group held weekly classes of two stretching for 12 weeks. | Other: Tai Chi Chuan exercise<br>* patients in this group held three weekly classes of 60 minutes during 12 weeks of Tai Chi Chuan, Yang style. The exercises will be mild to moderate (HR 60 to 75% of HR Max). Slow movements combined with exercises and maintained using your own body weight.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| functional capacity | cardiopulmonary exercise testing (VO2) | Change from Baseline in functional capacity at 90 days | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| respiratory muscle strength | PImax e PEmax were obtained using a pressure tansducer | Change from Baseline in respiratory muscle strength at 90 days | 
| Ambulatory blood pressure in 24 hours | 24-hour blood pressure | Change from Baseline in blood pressure at 90 days |