Background: Exercise which can improve muscle strength while not compromising arterial compliance is especially needed for older adults. Tai Chi practitioners are known to have better than average arterial compliance and muscle strength. This study was designed to establish a cause and effect relationship between Tai Chi training and both increased arterial compliance and increased muscle strength.
Design: In a single blind randomized clinical trial, 31 elderly women were randomly assigned to receive either Tai Chi training or an education programme, three sessions per week for 16 weeks.
Results: After training, the subjects in the Tai Chi group showed significant improvements in arterial compliance and eccentric knee extensor strength. The subjects in the control group showed no significant improvement.
Conclusion: Practising Tai Chi can improve the eccentric knee extensor strength and arterial compliance of elderly women. Tai Chi maybe a good exercise choice to improve the cardiovascular health and muscle strength of the elderly.
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