In a nutshell
This paper studied the impact of a Tai Chi Chuan cardiac rehabilitation program for patients recovering from a recent heart attack.
Some background
After a heart attack, many patients have reduced heart function and reduced ability to exercise. Rehabilitation after a heart attack includes physical exercise to increase heart function. Tai Chi Chuan is a mind-body intervention which combines less intense physical activity with meditation, body awareness, and breathing. It is not known whether Tai Chi Chuan can be used after a heart attack to improve function of the heart.
Methods & findings
61 patients who had a heart attack were randomly assigned to practice Tai Chi Chuan or to practice full-body stretching. Exercises were gentle to moderate in intensity. The Tai Chi Chuan exercises involved a series of slow sustained movements with weight shifting and body postures matched to breathing pattern. The maximum levels of oxygen consumed was measured. This can give an indication of heart function.
After 12 weeks, maximum levels of oxygen consumed by patients who practiced Tai Chi Chuan increased by 14%, from 21.6 to 24.6 mL/kg per minute. This level of oxygen consumption was 4.2 mL/kg per minute greater than patients who did not practice Tai Chi Chuan. The maximum levels of oxygen consumption by patients who did not practice Tai Chi Chuan decreased by 5% from 20.4 to 19.4 mL/kg per minute.
While Tai Chi Chuan training increased oxygen consumption, it was also perceived by patients as a bit difficult.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that Tai Chi Chuan may be an effective form of cardiac rehabilitation in patients following a heart attack.
The fine print
There was a relatively small group of patients studied. Further studies on larger patient populations should be done.
What’s next?
Consider practicing Tai Chi Chuan as a form of physical exercise after a heart attack.
Published By :
American heart journal
Date :
Jun 01, 2015
