Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

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.

Keywords:
Tai Ji; Middle Aged; Elderly; Testing; Cardiopulmonary Exercise

Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina do Exercício e do Esporte Av. Brigadeiro Luís Antônio, 278, 6º and., 01318-901 São Paulo SP, Tel.: +55 11 3106-7544, Fax: +55 11 3106-8611 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: atharbme@uol.com.br