by Caroline Williams, Coordinated Program in Nutrition
According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of mortality around the globe. Just 5 years ago, cardiovascular diseases accounted for roughly 17.7 million deaths and a staggering 31% of all deaths globally. You may be wondering what are some of the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease? Hypertension, diabetes, family history, smoking, poor diet, overweight or obese individuals, as well as physical inactivity are all risk factors.
Tai Chi vs. Brisk Walking
A survey that was conducted suggested that more than half of the surveyed population was not meeting the recommended physical activity requirements. It is important to recognize that individuals that regularly exercise often see a reduction in cardiovascular mortality. A recent study aimed to discover if Tai Chi was as effective if not more effective in reducing cardiovascular risks such as hypertension as brisk walking. Tai Chi continues to be a popular moderate form of exercise among Chinese populations and growing in other populations worldwide. Participants in the study attended a Tai Chi class for 60 minutes, 2 times a week for 3 months and were also asked to practice at home for 30 minutes for at least 5 days each week. Another group of individuals were asked to walk at a brisk pace for at least 5 days per week to compare results.
Is Tai Chi Effective?
The results compared risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease risk. These risk factors included blood pressure readings, fasting blood sugars, hemoglobin A1c, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol, and other key health factors. At the end of the study, adults who participated in the Tai Chi group saw a greater reduction in blood pressure, fasting blood sugar levels, and A1c than the brisk walking group. Most notable are the results of a reduction in blood pressure as hypertension is one of the major risk factors of cardiovascular disease. At the end of the 3-month Tai Chi intervention, participants saw a reduction of greater than 12 mmHG in systolic blood pressure and a reduction of almost 5mmHG in diastolic blood pressure. Tai Chi long term may also prove positive for reducing blood pressure in patients versus using blood pressure medications. Overall Tai Chi was more effective in reducing blood pressure in adults with cardiovascular risk factors than brisk walking making Tai Chi an effective method of exercise. This result can be compared to the results of another study comparing Tai Chi and aerobic exercise for improving Fibromyalgia symptoms. In another study, researchers found Tai Chi to be helpful for patients with fibromyalgia. From both of these articles, Tai Chi seems to be effective for multiple disease states and thus beneficial to implement for multiple groups of patients dealing with a variety of diseases.
What does this mean for the future of healthcare?
Brisk walking should not be dismissed as an unsuccessful method of exercise especially in the fight to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. However Tai Chi should be looked upon as a highly regarded method specially to reduce blood pressure in individuals at risk. As we know, exercise is crucial for individuals to lower risk factors related to cardiovascular diseases. While Tai Chi is a common practice in Chinese culture, it can be used as an effective exercise by individuals all over the world in reducing the effects of cardiovascular disease. Healthcare providers worldwide should encourage their patients to participate in regular exercise and Tai Chi can be among the list of activities to choose from as it has proven itself. Tai Chi’s positive impact on reducing blood pressure and potential for long term benefit such as reducing or eliminating blood pressure medication, should not be taken lightly. This is because many Americans today are battling high blood pressure. As healthcare providers try to continue to reduce hypertension and other cardiovascular risks, Tai Chi can and should be considered in exercise plans for individuals worldwide.