1.
Higher DHEAS Levels Associated with Long-Term Practicing of Tai Chi.
Lai, HM, Liu, MSY, Lin, TJ, Tsai, YL, Chien, EJ
The Chinese journal of physiology. 2017;(2):124-130
Abstract
Tai Chi has many benefits for middle-aged/older individuals including improvements to muscle strength and various body lipid components. DHEAS and testosterone have anti-obesity/anti-aging characteristics and also improve libido, vitality and immunity levels. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the differences between middle-aged Tai Chi practitioners (n = 17) and sedentary individuals (n = 17) in terms of leg strength, blood levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, as well as DHEAS, testosterone and cortisol. Unpaired t-tests were used to identify significant differences between the two groups. There were no significant differences in body composition, leg strength, blood lipid components and testosterone. However, the Tai Chi practitioners had higher levels of DHEAS (P < 0.01) and lower levels of cortisol (P < 0.05). Thus, Tai Chi practitioners have a higher ratio of DHEAS to cortisol, which might have potential benefits in terms of improving an individual’s health-related quality of life during the aging.
2.
Effect of T'ai chi chuan training on cardiovascular risk factors in dyslipidemic patients.
Lan, C, Su, TC, Chen, SY, Lai, JS
Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.). 2008;(7):813-9
Abstract
OBJECTIVE T'ai chi chuan (TCC) is a traditional Chinese exercise and is beneficial for health. Nevertheless, its effect on cardiovascular risk factors in dyslipidemic patients is not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of TCC training on coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors in patients with dyslipidemia. DESIGN This was designed as a case-controlled study. SETTING The study was conducted in a community setting. SUBJECTS Fifty-three (53) patients (males: 24; females: 29) with dyslipidemia completed this study. INTERVENTIONS The TCC group included 28 patients who participated in a 12-month yang TCC training program. The usual-care group included 25 patients who maintained a sedentary lifestyle during this study. OUTCOME MEASURES Exercise testing was conducted at baseline and after 1 year of training. Body composition, lipid profile, fasting glucose and insulin levels, and inflammatory markers were also measured before and after training. RESULTS After training, the TCC group showed an increase in V(.)O(2peak) from 25.2 +/- 4.2 to 27.4 +/- 4.1 mL x kg(1) x min(1); while the usual-care group displayed a significant decrease from 25.6 +/- 4.9 to 24.1 +/- 4.0 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1). The TCC group also showed a reduction in blood pressure, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, plasma insulin, homeostasis model assessment index, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Conversely, the usual-care group showed no significant improvement in these cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS A 12-month TCC training program significantly improves aerobic capacity and CHD risk factors in patients with dyslipidemia.