The slow and gentle movements of Tai Chi hold promise as an alternative exercise option for patients who decline traditional cardiac rehabilitation, according to research published in the ‘Journal of the American Heart Association’, the Open Access Journal of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
Research shows that after a heart attack, a big percentage of patients decline participation in cardiac rehabilitation. They stay away mainly because they perceive physical exercise as unpleasant, painful or impossible given their current physical condition. This is the first study suggesting that Tai Chi may improve exercise behaviours in this high-risk population.
Says lead author Elena Salmoirago-Blotcher, “We thought that Tai Chi might be a good option for these people because you can start very slowly and simply and, as their confidence increases, the pace and movements can be modified to increase intensity. Tai Chi exercise can reach low-to-moderate intensity levels. The emphasis on breathing and relaxation can also help with stress reduction and psychological distress.”
Researchers found that Tai Chi
- was safe, with no adverse events related to the exercise program except for minor muscular pain at the beginning of training;
- was well liked by participants (100% would recommend it to a friend);
- was feasible, with patients attending about 66% of scheduled classes;
- did not raise aerobic fitness on standard tests after 3 months of either the programs and
- did raise the weekly amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity (as measured by a wearable device) after three and six months in the group participating in the longer program, but not in those who took part in the shorter program.
“On its own, Tai Chi wouldn’t obviously replace other components of traditional cardiac rehabilitation, such as education on risk factors, diet and adherence to needed medications,” adds Salmoirago-Blotcher. “If proven effective in larger studies, it might be possible to offer it as an exercise option within a rehab center as a bridge to more strenuous exercise, or in a community setting with the educational components of rehab delivered outside of a medical setting.”
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