Tai Chi Chuan, an Alternative Form of Exercise for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention for Older Adults in the Community

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Abstract
Thirty-six men and women age fifty or older participated in a study to examine the health effects of Tai Chi Chuan on older adults in a community setting. Participants in the experimental group ( n = 23) received thirty-two one-hour sessions of Tai Chi Chuan instruction in sixteen weeks. Health effects were determined by measuring heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, anxiety, and flexibility. Results of data analysis indicated participants received training in Tai Chi Chuan had a greater improvement in flexibility and muscle relaxation than participants who did not receive training. In addition to retaining improved flexibility and muscle relaxation, participants in the experimental group also showed significant improvements in blood pressure, anxiety scores at the follow-up session. These results appear to support the beneficial effects of practicing Tai Chi Chuan for health promotion and disease prevention for older adults in the community.

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