Characteristic Changes of Prefrontal and Motor Areas in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Major Depressive Disorder During a Motor Task of Tai Chi Chuan: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study.

AIM: This cross-sectional study aims to identify the characteristic changes of prefrontal and motor areas during a tai chi chuan task in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and major depressive disorder (MDD) using wearable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). METHODS: Three parallel groups (T2DM with DD group, T2DM group, and healthy group) were recruited from December 10, 2022, to May 31, 2023. Participants in three groups conducted a motor task of tai chi chuan designed by Eprime 3.0, and fNIRS was used to monitor the brain activation, functional connectivity (FC), and lateralization of prefrontal and motor areas. Correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and the function of prefrontal and motor areas. RESULTS: Ninety elder adults (aged ≥ 60), including 30 patients with T2DM and MDD, 30 patients with T2DM, and 30 healthy subjects, were enrolled. In contrast with the patients with T2DM and healthy subjects, the patients with T2DM and MDD had decreased activation and abnormal lateralization in prefrontal and motor areas and decreased FC among supplementary motor area, motor area, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Furthermore, the oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) concentration value of DLPFC in patients with T2DM and MDD was negatively associated with scores of Hamilton Depression Scale-24 (HAMD-24). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with T2DM and MDD had characteristic functional changes in prefrontal and motor areas. DLPFC may be a potential target of diagnosis and intervention for patients with T2DM and MDD.

The effects of mindfulness enhanced Tai Chi Chuan training on mental and physical health among beginners: a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise widely adopted in Chinese communities and colleges. However, the mindful essence of TCC is rarely emphasized during popularization. This makes it difficult for beginners to benefit from it. The present study aimed to examine the effects of a Mindfulness-enhanced Tai Chi Chuan (MTCC) intervention, which enhances mindfulness components embedded within TCC, on mental and physical health among beginners. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 119 healthy college students new to Tai Chi Chuan training. Participants were assigned to either the MTCC group or the TCC group. Both interventions consisted of 10 weekly 90-min training sessions, with the MTCC group emphasizing and enhancing mindfulness components. Outcome measures included mindfulness, depression, anxiety, stress, and physical fitness, assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Results: The results showed that the MTCC group had significantly greater improvements than the TCC group in mindfulness, anxiety, stress, and health-and skill-related physical fitness. There were no significant differences between the two groups in depression. Conclusion: The findings suggest that compared to TCC, MTCC can effectively promote individuals' physical fitness and provide additional benefits to mental well-being. MTCC can be recommended as an accessible and beneficial intervention for beginners to improve mental health and strengthen their bodies. Clinical review registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR2200058175.

The influence of traditional Chinese exercise on brain function compared with other sports: A meta-analysis on functional neuroimaging studies.

Traditional Chinese Exercise (TCE) has been shown to improve quality of life, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a highly used method for investigating its mechanism. However, there is currently a lack of systematic reviews and meta-analyses focusing on TCE-related brain changes. This study aims to fill this gap by conducting a meta-analysis on brain changes of TCE with fMRI technology. We searched relevant studies published until February 2024. Independent researchers conducted literature screening, quality assessment, and clinical and neuroimaging data extraction. Focis were filtered from eligible studies, and meta-analysis was performed using seed-based d mapping. Twenty-three studies involving 1182 participants were included in this study. The result found that longitudinal TCE increased brain activity in the left anterior cingulate gyri, right fusiform gyrus, right middle temporal gyrus, left middle occipital gyrus and left frontal superior compared with other exercises or healthcare. Subgroup analysis showed that the brain activity in the right superior frontal gyrus dorsolateral; right cortico-spinal projections; corpus callosum; right inferior network; right gyrus rectus; left middle occipital gyrus were decreased after TCE compared to other exercise among healthy participants. The right median cingulate gyri was increased after Baduanjin (one of the TCE) compared to other exercise; the left precentral gyrus activity was increased after Tai chi chuan (TCC) practice compared to other exercise. The brain activity in the right insula, right supplementary motor area, and left anterior thalamic were significantly increased after long-time TCC exercise. TCE effectively improved the cognitive level of the subjects. Among them, the MoCA score increased, but Memory Quotient was not improved. Research results indicate that TCE have specific neuromodulatory effects, and different TCE have different neuromodulatory patterns.

Tai Chi Chuan evidence related to impulsivity and impulse related disorders: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to review the evidence for the potential of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) as a model of meditative movement in benefiting people with impulsivity related disorders and provide guidance for future research. METHODS: A scoping review of the literature was conducted in five databases. Eligibility criteria were original articles reporting TCC based interventions or included TCC techniques and provided any assessment on impulsivity or related measures, impulse control disorders, or other psychiatric disorders related to impulsivity (e.g., addictive disorders, ADHD, and other conduct disorders). Twenty-eight out of 304 studies initially retrieved were reviewed. The reports concentrated mostly on neurodegenerative conditions, cognitive decline, and substance use disorders (SUD). RESULTS: TCC had several positive effects in cognitive domains resulting in improvements in memory, executive functions, inhibitory control, attention, and verbal fluency. These improvements in memory, executive function, including inhibitory control and attention, and verbal fluency were associated with changes in the brain plasticity, resting activity, and other neurobiological markers. CONCLUSION: Albeit no study was found on the use of TCC in impulse control disorders or impulse related conditions, other than SUD, the findings suggest that considering the behavioral impact of TCC, especially the improvement of executive functions, it could be a valuable therapeutic tool for approaching impulse control related disorders.

Tai Chi counteracts age-related somatosensation and postural control declines among older adults.

Objective: To investigate the effect of a 16-week Tai Chi practice on strength, tactile sensation, kinesthesia, and static postural control among older adults of different age groups. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study. Thirteen participants aged 60-69 years (60-69yr), 11 aged 70-79 years (70-79yr), and 13 aged 80-89 years (80-89yr) completed 16 weeks of 24-form Tai Chi practice. Their ankle and hip peak torque, tactile sensation, ankle and knee kinesthesia, and the root mean square of the center of pressure (Cop-RMS) were measured before (week 0) and after (week 17) practice. Results: 80-89yr showed less ankle plantar/dorsiflexion and hip abduction peak torques (p = 0.003, p < 0.001, p = 0.001), and a greater ankle plantar/dorsiflexion kinesthesia (p < 0.001, p = 0.002) than 60-69yr and 70-79yr. Greater ankle plantar/dorsiflexion and hip abduction torques (p = 0.011, p < 0.001, p = 0.045), improved arch and heel tactile sensation (p = 0.040, p = 0.009), and lower knee flexion/extension kinesthesia (p < 0.001, p = 0.044) were observed at week 17. The significant group*practice interaction for the fifth metatarsal head tactile sensation (p = 0.027), ankle plantar/dorsiflexion kinesthesia (p < 0.001, p = 0.004), and the CoP-RMS in the mediolateral direction (p = 0.047) only in 80-89yr revealed greater improvement at week 17. Conclusion: Tai Chi practice increased strength, tactile sensation, kinesthesia, and static postural control among older adults. Tai Chi practice improved tactile, kinesthesia sensations, and static postural control among older adults over 80, who presented with worse strength and kinesthesia than their younger counterparts. Tai Chi practice offers a safe exercise option for those aged over 80 to encourage improvements in sensorimotor control.

Effects of aerobic exercise or Tai Chi Chuan interventions on problematic mobile phone use and the potential role of intestinal flora: A multi-arm randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Problematic use of mobile phones (PMPU) has been described as a serious public health issue. METHODS: This study was a parallel three-arm randomized controlled trial and has completed registration (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05843591). Ninety college students with PMPU were randomly assigned to the aerobic exercise group (AE group, n = 30), the Tai Chi Chuan group (TCC group, n = 30), or the wait-list control group (WLC group, n = 30). At the end of the intervention, stool samples from the study participants were collected for biological analysis based on 16 S rDNA amplicon sequencing technology. The primary outcome was addiction symptoms assessed by the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). The secondary outcomes are emotional symptoms, physical symptoms, and flora species. RESULTS: Compared with the WLC group, the AE and TCC groups showed reductions in PMPU levels, physical and mental fatigue, but there was no difference between the two groups. Moreover, the effect of increasing self-esteem embodied in the TCC group was not present in the AE group. Compared to the WLC group, the relative abundance of Bacteroidaceae and Bacteroides were lower in the AE group, while the relative abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae and Alistipes were lower in the TCC group. And the relative abundance of Bacteroidaceae, Bacteroides, and Alistipes were significantly and negatively correlated with the decline in PMPU scores. CONCLUSION: AE or TCC is an effective, safe and efficient intervention for college students with PMPU, providing some physiological and psychological benefits and having some impact on their intestinal flora.

Effect of Tai-chi on balance, mood, cognition, and quality of life in women with multiple sclerosis: A one-year prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most debilitating problems encountered by people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is the loss of balance and coordination. Our study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of one year of Tai-chi exercise in patients with MS using both subjective and objective methods, including posturography. METHODS: This was a single-group longitudinal one-year study performed from the 1st of January 2019 to the 1st of January 2020. The primary outcomes of interest were the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) and static posturography measures as objective methods to detect subtle changes associated with postural control/balance impairment. Secondary outcomes were measures of depression, anxiety, cognitive performance, and quality of life. All objective and subjective parameters were assessed four times: at baseline, and after three, six and 12 months of regular Tai-chi training. The difference was calculated as a subtraction of baseline values from every timepoint value for each measurement. If the normality test was passed, parametric one-sample t-test was used, if failed, Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used to test the difference between the baseline and each timepoint. Alpha was set to 0.017 using Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Out of 25 patients with MS enrolled, 15 women with MS (mean age 44.27 years) were included for statistical analyses after completing the 12-month program. After 12 months, significant improvements were found in all objective balance and gait tests: Mini-BESTest (p<0.001), static posturography measures (total area of the centre of foot pressure - TA; p = 0.015), 25 Feet Walk Test (25FWT; p = 0.001), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory - BAI; p = 0.005) and cognition tests (Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test - PASAT; p = 0.003). Measures of depression (Beck Depression Inventory - BDI; p = 0.071), cognition (Symbol Digit Modalities Test - SDMT; p = 0.079), and health-related quality of life (European Quality of Life 5-Dimensions Questionnaire - EQ-5D-5L; p = 0.095) showed a trend of improvement but were not significant, which could be the result of a small sample and increased bias due the type II error. CONCLUSION: According to these preliminary results, this study indicates the possible beneficial effects of long-term Tai-chi training on patients with MS. Although these findings need to be confirmed by further studies with a larger sample of participants of both genders and require more rigorous randomized controlled trials (RCT) design, our findings support the recommendation of regular and long-term Tai-chi exercise in patients with MS. GOV IDENTIFIER (RETROSPECTIVELY REGISTERED): NCT05474209.

Uso de terapias complementarias para la disminución del índice de masa corporal en personas mayores con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 / Use of complementary therapies to reduce body mass indexin older people with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Las enfermedades cardiovasculares están determinadas por ciertos factores de riesgos, la prevalencia y sinergia de éstos genera un de-terminado riesgo cardiovascular que deteriora la calidad de vida de quienes lo padecen. La realización de actividad física es considerada como una herramienta útil para disminuir uno de los factores de riesgo más importantes, la obesidad, medida mediante el índice de masa corporal. Sin embargo, no todos los seres humanos poseen las mismas características y capacidades físicas, por ende, la realización de ejercicio está restringida a éstas. Es en este sentido que se desarrolla el siguiente informe, el cual contempla una revisión sistemática que enfrenta a dos terapias complementarias: Yoga v/s Tai Chi, buscando la evidencia que permita la recomendación de una de ellas para la disminución de IMC en personas mayores con DM2. Los artículos fueron extraídos desde la plataforma académica PubMed, sometidos a 3 cribados de búsqueda, y criterios de inclusión y exclusión, resultando en la obtención de 4 artículos para el análisis, a partir de esta observación se obtiene que la realización de yoga es beneficiosa para la disminución de el IMC al caso índice. Por ende, se recomienda el uso de la terapia complementaria yoga, puesto que esta favorece la reducción del IMC en pacientes con enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en comparación a la terapia complementaria Tai Chi[AU]

Cardiovascular diseases are determined by certain risk factors, the prevalence and synergy of which generates a certain cardiovascular risk that deteriorates the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Physical activity is considered a useful tool for reducing one of the most important risk factors, obesity, measured by the body mass index. However, not all human beings have the same physical capacities, therefore, exercise is restricted to them. It is in this sense that the following report is developed, which contemplates a systematic review that confronts two complementary therapies: yoga v/s Tai Chi, looking for the evidence that allows the recommendation of one of them for the decrease of BMI in elderly people with DM2.The articles were extracted from the academic platform PubMed, subjected to 3 search screens, and inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in obtaining 4 articles for analysis, from this observation it is obtained that the performance of yoga is beneficial for the decrease of the BMI to the index case. Therefore, the use of yoga complementary therapy is recommended, since it favors the reduction of BMI in patients with chronic noncommunicable diseases compared to Cardiovascular diseases are determined by certain risk factors, the prevalence and synergy of which generates a certain cardiovascular risk that deteriorates the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Physical activity is considered a useful tool for reducing one of the most important risk factors, obesity, measured by the body mass index. However, not all human beings have the same physical capacities, therefore, exercise is restricted to them. It is in this sense that the following report is developed, which contemplates a systematic review that confronts two complementary therapies: yoga v/s Tai Chi, looking for the evidence that allows the recommendation of one of them for the decrease of BMI in elderly people with DM2.The articles were extracted from the academic platform PubMed, subjected to 3 search screens, and inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in obtaining 4 articles for analysis, from this observation it is obtained that the performance of yoga is beneficial for the decrease of the BMI to the index case. Therefore, the use of yoga complementary therapy is recommended, since it favors the reduction of BMI in patients with chronic noncommunicable diseases compared to Tai Chi complementary[AU]

As doenças cardiovasculares são determinadas por certos factores de risco, cuja prevalência e sinergia geram um certo risco cardio-vascular que deteriora a qualidade de vida das pessoas que delas sofrem. A atividade física é considerada uma ferramenta útil para reduzir um dos factores de risco mais importantes, a obesidade, medida pelo índice de massa corporal. No entanto, nem todos os seres humanos têm as mesmas características físicas e, por isso, o exercício é restrito a eles. É nesse sentido que se desenvolve o pre-sente relatório, que contempla uma revisão sistemática que con-fronta duas terapias complementares: yoga v/s Tai Chi, buscando as evidências que permitam a recomendação de uma delas para a diminuição do IMC em idosos com DM2. Os artigos foram ex-traídos da plataforma acadêmica Pubmed, submetidos a 3 telas de busca, e critérios de inclusão e exclusão, resultando na obtenção de 4 artigos para análise, a partir desta observação obtém-se que a realização do yoga é benéfica para a redução do IMC para o caso índice. Portanto, recomenda-se a utilização da terapia complemen-tar yoga, uma vez que favorece a redução do IMC em pacientes com doenças crónicas não transmissíveis em comparação com a terapia complementar Tai Chi[AU]

Effects of Tai Chi Chuan training on the QoL and psychological well-being in female patients with breast cancer: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) may have a positive impact on physical and psychological well-being in breast cancer patients, but the evidence remains limited and inconclusive. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of TCC on the quality of life (QoL) and psychological symptoms in women patients with breast cancer. Methods: This review has been registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42019141977). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCC for breast cancer were searched from eight major English and Chinese databases. All trials included were analyzed in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook. The primary outcomes were QoL, anxiety, and depression in patients with breast cancer. Fatigue, sleep quality, cognitive function, and inflammatory cytokine were the secondary outcomes. Results: Fifteen RCTs involving a total of 1,156 breast cancer participants were included in this review. The methodological quality of included trials was generally poor. The pooled results suggested that TCC-based exercise could significantly improve QoL [standardized mean difference (SMD)=0.35, 95%CI: 0.15-0.55, I 2 = 0, model: fixed, IV], anxiety [weighted mean difference (WMD)=-4.25, 95%CI: -5.88 to -2.63, I 2 = 0, model: fixed, IV], and fatigue (SMD=-0.87, 95%CI: -1.50 to -0.24, I 2 = 80.9%, model: random, DL) compared other controls, with moderate to low certainty of evidence. The improvement of QoL and fatigue by TCC was also clinically meaningful. However, TCC-based exercise failed to show any between-group differences in depression, sleep quality, cognitive function, and inflammatory cytokine. Post-hoc analysis revealed that TCC-based exercise outperformed the other exercise in improving shoulder function with very low certainty of evidence. Conclusion: Our findings manifested that TCC-based exercise is helpful for improving the QoL, anxiety, and fatigue in patients with breast cancer within the range of comparisons covered in this study. However, the results must be treated with great caution because of the methodological flaws of included trials. Larger, well-designed, and conducted randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up is warranted in the future to evaluate the important outcomes of TCC for breast cancer. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42019141977, identifier, CRD42019141977.

Enhanced Integrity of White Matter Microstructure in Mind-Body Practitioners: A Whole-Brain Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study.

Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is an increasingly popular multimodal mind-body practice with potential cognitive benefits, yet the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects, particularly in relation to brain white matter (WM) microstructure, remain largely unknown. In this study, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and the attention network test (ANT) to compare 22 TCC practitioners and 18 healthy controls. We found extensive differences in fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) between the two groups. Specifically, TCC practitioners had significantly different diffusion metrics in the corticospinal tract (CST), fornix (FX)/stria terminalis (ST), and cerebral peduncle (CP). We also observed a significant correlation between increased FA values in the right CP and ANT performance in TCC practitioners. Our findings suggest that optimized regional WM microstructure may contribute to the complex information processing associated with TCC practice, providing insights for preventing cognitive decline and treating neurological disorders with cognitive impairment in clinical rehabilitation.

Study on Two Typical Progressive Motions in Tai Chi (Bafa Wubu) Promoting Lower Extremity Exercise.

BACKGROUND: By comparatively investigating the joints, muscles and bones of the lower extremity during two progressive motions in Bafa Wubu and normal walking, this paper aims to enrich the diversity of walking exercise and scientifically provide theoretical guidance for primary practitioners. The scientific training methods and technical characteristics of Bafa Wubu, as well as its contribution to comprehensive exercise of the lower extremities, are further explored. METHODS: A total of eight professional athletes of Tai Chi at the national level were recruited. The kinetic parameters of the lower extremity were calculated using AnyBody 7.2 musculoskeletal modeling. Stress analysis of the iliac bone was performed using an ANSYS 19.2 workbench. RESULTS: In Bafa Wubu, the ground reaction force during two progressive motions was significantly smaller than that noted during normal walking. During warding off with steps forward and laying with steps forward, the load at the three joints of the lower extremity was significantly smaller than that during normal walking in the frontal plane, but significantly greater than that noted during normal walking in the vertical axis. In addition, the lower limb joint torque was higher than that of normal walking in both progressive movements, and lower limb muscle activation was higher. The iliac bone loads during the two progressive motions were larger than those during normal walking, and the maximum loading point differed. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate the biomechanical performance of Bafa Wubu in professional athletes of Tai Chi. Two progressive motions of Bafa Wubu require the lower extremity to be slowly controlled, thereby resulting in a smaller ground reaction force. In addition, the loads of the three joints at the lower extremity all increase in the vertical direction and decrease in the lateral direction, reducing the possibility of lateral injury to the joints. In addition, the two progressive motions significantly enhance the muscle strength of the plantar flexion muscles, dorsiflexor, and muscles around the thigh, and effectively stimulate the bones of the lower extremity. Therefore, progressive motion training contributes to improving the controlling and supporting capabilities of the lower extremities during normal walking.

Acute Tai Chi Chuan exercise enhances sustained attention and elicits increased cuneus/precuneus activation in young adults.

BACKGROUND: The potential for acute exercise to enhance attention has been discussed in the literature. However, the neural mechanisms by which acute exercise affects attention remain elusive. METHOD: In this study, we first identified an optimized acute Tai Chi Chuan (ATCC) exercise protocol that enhances sustained attention performance and then aimed to determine the neural substrates of exercise-enhanced attention. Reaction time (RT) from the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) was used to evaluate sustained attention. In Experiment 1, improvements in RTs were compared among six different exercise protocols. In Experiment 2, the participants completed the PVT in an MRI scanner on both rest and exercise days. RESULTS: Experiment 1 showed that practicing TCC 3 times for a total of 20 minutes, followed by 10-minute rest periods, resulted in the largest improvements in RTs. Experiment 2 showed that ATCC enhanced sustained attention, as evidenced by shorter RTs, and resulted in greater cuneus/precuneus activation after exercise than in the rest condition. Exercise-induced changes in brain activities across a distributed network exhibited significant correlations with attention. CONCLUSION: Therefore, this study indicates that ATCC effectively enhances sustained attention and underscores the key role of the cuneus/precuneus and frontoparietal-cerebellar regions in facilitating vigilance among young adults.

Effects of tai ji on the physical health of female university students / Efeitos do tai chi chuan sobre a saúde física das estudantes universitárias / Efectos del taichi chuan en la salud física de las estudiantes universitarias

ABSTRACT Introduction Tai Ji is a martial art rich in traditional Chinese ethnic characteristics. Its flexible, free and open movements make its practice popular and esteemed by many female college students. However, there is a demand for experimental research on the impacts of the art on the physical and mental health of its college practitioners. Objective Verify the effects of Tai Ji practice on the physical health of university students. Methods This study used the methods of literature, experimental and mathematical statistics, through the influence of Tai Ji style number 24 on the physical health of female university students in different groups. Results The research shows that under the intervention of this style, with the same content, intensity, and time of exercise, the physical health of female college students in the low-fitness group was significantly improved. Conclusion Female college students in the medium and high fitness group improved their physical health indicators due to their physical preconditioning. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução O Tai Chi Chuan é uma arte marcial rica em características étnicas tradicionais chinesas. Seus movimentos flexíveis, livres e abertos fazem com que a sua prática seja popular e estimada por uma ampla gama de estudantes universitárias. Porém, há uma demanda de pesquisas experimentais sobre os impactos da arte sobre a saúde física e mental de seus praticantes universitários, no intuito de conduzir e orientar os seus praticantes durante a realização dos eventos esportivos. Objetivo Verificar os efeitos da prática de Tai Chi Chuan sobre a saúde física das estudantes universitárias. Métodos Este estudo utilizou os métodos da literatura, experimental e estatística matemática, através da influência do Tai Chi Chuan estilo número 24 na saúde física das estudantes universitárias femininas em diferentes grupos. Resultados A pesquisa mostra que sob a intervenção desse estilo, com o mesmo conteúdo, intensidade e tempo de exercício, a saúde física de estudantes universitárias do sexo feminino no grupo de baixa aptidão física foi significativamente aprimorada. Conclusão Estudantes universitárias do sexo feminino no grupo de aptidão física média e alta melhoraram seus indicadores de saúde física devido ao seu pré-condicionamento físico. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción El Taichi Chuan es un arte marcial rico en características étnicas tradicionales chinas. Sus movimientos flexibles, libres y abiertos hacen que su práctica sea popular y apreciada por un amplio abanico de estudiantes universitarios. Sin embargo, existe una demanda de investigación experimental sobre los impactos del arte en la salud física y mental de sus practicantes universitarios, con el fin de conducir y guiar a sus practicantes durante los eventos deportivos. Objetivo Verificar los efectos de la práctica de Taichi Chuan en la salud física de estudiantes universitarios. Métodos Este estudio utilizó los métodos de la literatura, experimental y estadística matemática, a través de la influencia de Taichi Chuan estilo número 24 en la salud física de las estudiantes universitarias en diferentes grupos. Resultados La investigación demuestra que, bajo la intervención de este estilo, con el mismo contenido, intensidad y tiempo de ejercicio, mejoró significativamente la salud física de las estudiantes universitarias del grupo de baja forma física. Conclusión Las estudiantes universitarias del grupo de aptitud física media y alta mejoraron sus indicadores de salud física gracias a su preacondicionamiento físico. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Tai chi influence on cardiopulmonary function in the elderly / Influência do tai chi na função cardiopulmonar de idosos / Influencia del tai chi en la función cardiopulmonar de las personas mayores

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cardiopulmonary function testing is a fundamental component of the physical examination and an elementary indicator for measuring physical fitness. With advancing age, the cardiopulmonary system will undergo a series of aging changes in morphology and function. Objective: Explore the effect of Tai Chi exercise on cardiopulmonary function in middle-aged and elderly people. Methods: A total of 73 50-75 years old from 5 areas in our city were recruited. A total of 63 healthy subjects were selected, 37 in the exercise group and 26 in the non-exercise group. The heart rate, lung capacity, and 6-min walking distance of each subject were measured in a calm state during the recovery time after walking 10 min after recovery. Results: In a calm state, Tai Chi practitioners had better lung capacity and a lower heart rate than non-practitioners (p0.05). In the immediate recovery time after walking, Tai Chi exercise elevated lung capacity more than non-exercisers (p0.01). Conclusion: Tai Chi exercise can improve the adaptability of cardiopulmonary function in middle-aged and elderly people after exercise. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Studies - Outcome Investigation.

RESUMO Introdução: O teste de função cardiopulmonar é um elemento fundamental no exame físico, e também um indicador elementar corrente para medir a aptidão física. Com o avanço da idade, o sistema cardiopulmonar passará por uma série de mudanças de envelhecimento na morfologia e função. Objetivo: Explorar o efeito do exercício de Tai Chi sobre a função cardiopulmonar de pessoas de meia-idade e idosas. Métodos: Um total de 73, 50-75 anos de idade de 5 áreas em nossa cidade foram recrutados. Foram selecionados 63 sujeitos saudáveis, 37 no grupo de exercícios e 26 no grupo de não-exercício. O ritmo cardíaco, a capacidade pulmonar e a distância de caminhada de 6 minutos de cada sujeito foram medidas em um estado calmo, durante o tempo de recuperação após a caminhada, e 10 minutos após o período de recuperação. Resultados: Em um estado calmo, os praticantes de Tai Chi apresentam uma melhor capacidade pulmonar e uma frequência cardíaca menor do que os não praticantes (p0,05). No tempo de recuperação imediata após a caminhada, o exercício de Tai Chi elevou a capacidade pulmonar mais do que os não-exercitantes (p0,01). Conclusão: O exercício de Tai Chi pode melhorar a adaptabilidade da função cardiopulmonar em pessoas de meia-idade e idosos após o exercício. Nível de evidência: Estudos Terapêuticos - Investigação dos Resultados.

RESUMEN Introducción: La prueba de función cardiopulmonar es un elemento fundamental en el examen físico, y también un indicador elemental actual para medir la aptitud física. Con el avance de la edad, el sistema cardiopulmonar sufrirá una serie de cambios de envejecimiento en su morfología y función. Objetivo: Explorar el efecto del ejercicio de Tai Chi sobre la función cardiopulmonar en personas de mediana y avanzada edad. Métodos: Se reclutó a un total de 73 personas de 50 a 75 años de edad de 5 zonas de nuestra ciudad. Se seleccionó un total de 63 sujetos sanos, 37 en el grupo de ejercicio y 26 en el grupo de no ejercicio. Se midieron la frecuencia cardíaca, la capacidad pulmonar y la distancia recorrida en 6 minutos de cada sujeto en estado de calma, durante el tiempo de recuperación tras la marcha y 10 minutos después del periodo de recuperación. Resultados: En un estado de calma, los practicantes de Tai Chi tenían una mejor capacidad pulmonar y una menor frecuencia cardíaca que los no practicantes (p0,05). En el tiempo de recuperación inmediata tras la marcha, el ejercicio de Tai Chi aumentó la capacidad pulmonar más que los no practicantes (p0,01). Conclusión: El ejercicio de Tai Chi puede mejorar la adaptabilidad de la función cardiopulmonar en personas de mediana y avanzada edad después del ejercicio. Nivel de evidencia: Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de resultados.

Lower limb balance characteristics during tai chi chuan / Características de equilíbrio dos membros inferiores durante o tai chi chuan / Características del equilibrio de los miembros inferiores durante el tai chi chuan

ABSTRACT Introduction: Tai chi chuan training claims to not only promote the circulation of internal energy in the body to achieve a preventive and healing effect of diseases, but also to improve static and dynamic body balance. While the former claims are not validable, the question about the effectiveness of improving balance remains valid. Objective: Verify the characteristics of lower limb balance during tai chi chuan practice. Methods: Selected volunteers underwent a bioelectricity testing system via noninvasive surface electromyography to evaluate muscle activity during the exercises. The results were collected, cataloged and statistically work on corresponding graphs according to different content of literature research for objective analysis. Results: The variation of the displacement of the center of gravity was controlled within 0.1M, the most unstable time of the center of gravity was about 0.65s before the start of balance. In temporal terms, it is found that the order of discharge of each muscle tested in the vertical balance and unilateral support was as follows: the tibialis anterior muscle discharges first, the rectus femoris and biceps femoris second, finally gastrocnemius, gluteus medius and gluteus maximus joint discharge almost at the same time. Conclusion: Some benefit is perceived in the validity of improving lateral balance velocity, shortening the action completion time, and improving balance stability, improving the quality of action in practitioners of this exercise modality. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: O treinamento do tai chi chuan alega não só promover a circulação de energia interna no corpo para alcançar um efeito preventivo e curador de doenças, mas também aprimorar o equilíbrio estático e dinâmico corporal. Enquanto as primeiras afirmações não são validáveis, o questionamento sobre a eficácia no aprimoramento do equilíbrio permanece válido. Objetivo: Verificar as características do equilíbrio nos membros inferiores durante a prática do tai chi chuan. Métodos: Voluntários selecionados passaram por um sistema de testes com bioeletricidade via eletromiografia superficial não invasiva para avaliar a atividade muscular durante os exercícios. Os resultados foram coletados, catalogados e estatisticamente trabalhos sobre gráficos correspondentes, de acordo com diferentes conteúdos de pesquisa literária, para análise objetiva. Resultados: A variação do deslocamento do centro gravitacional foi controlada dentro de 0,1M, o tempo mais instável do centro de gravidade foi cerca de 0,65s antes do início do equilíbrio. Em termos temporais, constata-se que a ordem de descarga de cada músculo testado no equilíbrio vertical e apoio unilateral foi a seguinte: o músculo tibial anterior descarrega primeiro, o reto femoral e bíceps femoral em segundo lugar, finalmente conjunto gastrocnêmico, glúteos médios e glúteo máximo descarregam quase ao mesmo tempo. Conclusão: Percebe-se algum benefício na validade de aprimorar a velocidade de balanço lateral, encurtar o tempo de conclusão da ação e melhorar a estabilidade do equilíbrio, melhorando a qualidade da ação em praticantes dessa modalidade de exercício. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: El entrenamiento de Tai chi chuan pretende no sólo promover la circulación de la energía interna en el cuerpo para lograr un efecto preventivo y curativo contra las enfermedades, sino también mejorar el equilibrio corporal estático y dinámico. Mientras que las primeras afirmaciones no son válidas, la pregunta sobre la eficacia de la mejora del equilibrio sigue siendo válida. Objetivo: Verificar las características del equilibrio de los miembros inferiores durante la práctica del tai chi chuan. Métodos: Los voluntarios seleccionados se sometieron a un sistema de pruebas de bioelectricidad mediante electromiografía de superficie no invasiva para evaluar la actividad muscular durante los ejercicios. Los resultados fueron recogidos, catalogados y trabajados estadísticamente en los gráficos correspondientes según los diferentes contenidos de la investigación literaria para su análisis objetivo. Resultados: La variación del desplazamiento del centro de gravedad se controló dentro de 0,1M, el tiempo más inestable del centro de gravedad fue de unos 0,65s antes del inicio del equilibrio. En términos temporales, se encontró que el orden de descarga de cada músculo probado en el equilibrio vertical y el apoyo unilateral fue el siguiente: el músculo tibial anterior descarga primero, el recto femoral y el bíceps femoral segundo, finalmente el gastrocnemio, el glúteo medio y el glúteo mayor descargan casi al mismo tiempo. Conclusión: Se percibe algún beneficio en la validez de mejorar la velocidad de equilibrio lateral, acortar el tiempo de finalización de la acción y mejorar la estabilidad del equilibrio, mejorando la calidad de la acción en los practicantes de esta modalidad de ejercicio. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Applications of functional near-infrared spectroscopy in non-drug therapy of traditional Chinese medicine: a review.

Non-drug therapies of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including acupuncture, massage, tai chi chuan, and Baduanjin, have emerged as widespread interventions for the treatment of various diseases in clinical practice. In recent years, preliminary studies on the mechanisms of non-drug therapies of TCM have been mostly based on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology. FNIRS is an innovative, non-invasive tool to monitor hemodynamic changes in the cerebral cortex. Our review included clinical research conducted over the last 10 years, establishing fNIRS as a reliable and stable neuroimaging technique. This review explores new applications of this technology in the field of neuroscience. First, we summarize the working principles of fNIRS. We then present preventive research on the use of fNIRS in healthy individuals and therapeutic research on patients undergoing non-drug therapies of TCM. Finally, we emphasize the potential for encouraging future advancements in fNIRS studies to establish a theoretical framework for research in related fields.

Synergistic multi-joint kinematic strategies to reduce tripping risks during obstacle-crossing in older long-term Tai-Chi Chuan practitioners.

Introduction: Losing balance or tripping over obstacles is considered one of the most common causes of falls in the elderly. Tai-Chi Chuan (TCC) has been shown to improve muscle strength, inter-joint coordination and balance control in the elderly. This study aimed to determine whether older long-term TCC practitioners would show multi-joint kinematic strategies that would reduce the risk of tripping during obstacle-crossing compared to peers without TCC experience. Methods: Three-dimensional motions of the pelvis and lower extremities were measured using a motion capture system in fifteen older long-term TCC practitioners (TCC group) and 15 healthy controls without TCC experience during walking and crossing obstacles of three different heights. Crossing angles of the pelvis and lower limbs and toe-obstacle clearances were obtained and analyzed using two-way analyses of variance to study the between-subject (group) and within-subject (height) effects. A multi-link system approach was used to reveal the relationship between joint angular changes and toe-obstacle clearances. Results: Compared to the controls, the TCC group showed increased leading and trailing toe-obstacle clearances (p < 0.05) with increased pelvic hiking and hip flexion but decreased hip adduction on the swing side and decreased knee flexion on the stance side during leading-limb crossing (p < 0.05), and increased pelvic hiking and anterior tilt but decreased hip adduction on the swing side, and decreased knee flexion on the stance side during trailing limb crossing (p < 0.05). All significant joint angular changes contributed to the increases in the toe-obstacle clearances. Conclusion: The current study identified the kinematic changes of the pelvis and the lower limb joints and revealed a specific synergistic multi-joint kinematic strategy to reduce tripping risks during obstacle-crossing in older long-term TCC practitioners as compared to non-TCC controls. The observed multi-joint kinematic strategies and the associated increases in toe-obstacle clearances appeared to be related to the training characteristics of TCC movements. Long-term TCC practice may be helpful for older people in reducing the risk of tripping and the subsequent loss of balance.

Effects of 12 weeks of Tai Chi Chuan intervention on the postural stability and self-reported instability in subjects with functional ankle instability: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is a physical activity modality that originated in China and is now widely popular around the world. Although there are a series of articles reporting that TCC can improve balance and other functional symptoms in a variety of populations, including the elderly, patients with stroke, and patients with Parkinson's disease, its efficiency has not been scientifically and methodically evaluated in subjects with functional ankle instability (FAI). Moreover, there is no literature directly comparing TCC and conventional balance training (CBT) interventions for FAI. The objective of this study is to investigate the comparative effects of TCC intervention and CBT protocols in improving postural balance and subjective instability feelings in patients with FAI. Methods: This study will be a single-center, parallel group, randomized controlled trial. Sixty-eight patients with FAI will be included and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either an intervention group (n =34) or a control group (n = 34). The participants in the intervention group will complete 12 weeks of TCC intervention (40 min/time, 3 times/week for 12 weeks) on the basis of health education treatment. The control group will receive health education and 36 CBT sessions during a 12-week period. Outcome measures include postural stability and self-reported feelings of instability at baseline, after the end of the intervention, and 3-month follow-up. The postural stability assessment of patients with FAI will be detected by performing static and dynamic postural tests, which will be carried out through a specific balance platform (TecnoBody ProKin). Self-reported feelings of instability will be assessed by Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT), American Orthopedics Foot and Ankle Society's Ankle-Hindfoot Evaluation Scale (AOFAS-AHES), and the MOS item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Discussion: This trial will demonstrate whether a 12-week TCC intervention positively affects postural stability and self-reported outcomes in patients with FAI. At the same time, the superiority of its clinical efficacy will also be compared with that of CBT. This study may also help to redefine the value of traditional Chinese exercises in the treatment of chronic ankle instability. Clinical trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2100041790. Registration date: 22 March 2021. http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=119501&htm=4.

The effects of an integrated mindfulness-based tai chi chuan programme on sleep disturbance among community-dwelling elderly people: protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Many elderly individuals who experience sleep disturbances would consider complementary and alternative medicine as an alternative therapeutic option in light of the limitations of traditional treatments. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) and Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) are two alternative forms of complementary and alternative medicine. They both share the common feature of a focus on breathing but represent distinct approaches with different mechanisms and philosophical orientations. The trial described in this protocol aims to evaluate the effects of an integrated form of mindfulness-based Tai Chi Chuan (MBTCC) programme and the underlying mechanisms of the beneficial effects over a 12-month follow-up. METHODS: The planned study is a four-armed randomized controlled trial with repeated measures. A total of 256 community-dwelling older adults with sleep problems will be recruited and randomized into four groups: (1) an MBTCC group, (2) an MBI group, (3) a TCC group, and (4) a sleep hygiene education (SHE) control group. The outcome measures in terms of insomnia severity, interoception, sleep-wake pattern, health status, rumination, and hyperarousal level will be collected at four time points: at baseline (T1), after the 8-week intervention (T2), 6 months after the intervention (T3), and 1 year after the intervention (T4). In addition, qualitative evaluation through focus group interviews will be conducted at the end of the 12-month assessment period (T4). DISCUSSION: This trial will illuminate the synergetic effect of combining both MBIs and TCC on optimizing improvements in sleep disturbance. The findings from this study can provide empirical support for this integrated treatment, which provides an alternative for healthcare professionals in elderly service to select appropriate practices to treat elderly people with sleep disturbance. It can further help to lessen the growing public health burden of sleep disturbances among the elderly living in the community. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov . NCT05396092 . Published on 24 May 2022.

Brain Functional Connectivity in the Resting State and the Exercise State in Elite Tai Chi Chuan Athletes: An fNIRS Study.

This study aimed to reveal the characteristics of multi-circuit brain synergy between elite tai chi chuan athletes in resting and exercise states and to provide neuroimaging evidence of improvements in brain function by motor skill training. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to compare the brain activity of professional tai chi chuan athletes (expert group) and beginners (novice group) in resting and exercise states, and to assess functional connectivity (FC) between the prefrontal lobe and the sensorimotor zone. In the resting state, the FC between the left prefrontal lobe and the right sensorimotor area in the expert group was significantly lower than that in the novice group (P < 0.05). In the exercise state, the patterns of FC between the left prefrontal lobe and right sensorimotor area, the right prefrontal lobe and left sensorimotor area, and the left and right sensorimotor areas in the expert group were significantly lower than that in the novice group (P < 0.05). From the resting state to the locomotor state, the expert group experienced a greater absolute value of functional connection increment between the left prefrontal cortex and right sensorimotor area, and between the left sensorimotor area and right sensorimotor area (P < 0.05). This was positively correlated with the self-evaluation results of motor performance behavior. Under sports conditions, professional athletes' multi-circuit brain FC strength is significantly reduced, and their elite motor skill performance supports the neural efficiency hypothesis. This may be related to the high adaptation of the brain to specific tasks and the improvement of the integration of somatic perception processing and motor function.