PMID: 

Brain Sci. 2019 May 4 ;9(5). Epub 2019 May 4. PMID: 31060221

Abstract Title: 

Superior Effects of Modified Chen-Style Tai Chi versus 24-Style Tai Chi on Cognitive Function, Fitness, and Balance Performance in Adults over 55.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Cognitive decline and balance impairment are prevalent in the aging population. Previous studies investigated the beneficial effects of 24-style Tai Chi (TC-24) on either cognitive function or balance performance of older adults. It still remains largely unknown whether modified Chen-style TC (MTC) that includes 18 complex movements is more beneficial for these age-related health outcomes, as compared to TC-24.OBJECTIVE: We investigated if MTC would show greater effects than TC-24 on global cognitive function and balance-related outcomes among older adults.METHODS: We conducted a randomized trial where 80 eligible adults aged over 55 were allocated into two different styles of Tai Chi (TC) arms (sixty-minute session× three times per week, 12 weeks). Outcome assessments were performed at three time periods (baseline, Week 6, and Week 12) and included the Chinese Version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for overall cognitive function, One-leg Standing Test (LST) for static balance, Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) for dynamic balance, chair Stand Test (CST) for leg power, and the six-meter Walk Test (6MWT) for aerobic exercise capacity.RESULTS: Compared to TC-24 arm, MTC arm demonstrated significantly greater improvements in MoCA, LST, TUGT, CST, and 6MWT (all

read more

Learn the facts about vaccines that have been largely ignored or censored by the media…

read more

PMID: 

Rehabil Nurs. 2019 Jul/Aug;44(4):221-229. PMID: 31265440

Abstract Title: 

Exploring the Adaptability of Tai Chi to Stroke Rehabilitation.

Abstract: 

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and preliminary estimates of effectiveness of Tai Chi on functional outcomes in stroke survivors.DESIGN: A mixed-method study with a single-group repeated-measure design and in-depth interviews.METHODS: Fourteen stroke survivors with hemiplegia were recruited to participate in a Tai Chi program, twice weekly for 12 months. Outcomes included physical function, self-efficacy, and activity of daily living measured at 3-month intervals for 12 months.FINDINGS: Ten participants (mean age, 68.5 years) completed all assessments with significantly improved balance (χ = 14.08, p = .007), flexibility (χ = 11.70, p = .020), and self-efficacy (χ = 21.84, p

read more

read more

PMID: 

Integr Med Res. 2019 Sep ;8(3):167-172. Epub 2019 May 30. PMID: 31304089

Abstract Title: 

The Effects of Tai Chi Mind-Body Approach on the Mechanisms of Gulf War Illness: an Umbrella Review.

Abstract: 

Gulf War illness (GWI) is a chronic and multisymptom disorder affecting military veterans deployed to the 1991 Persian Gulf War. It is characterized by a range of acute and chronic symptoms, including but not limited to, fatigue, sleep disturbances, psychological problems, cognitive deficits, widespread pain, and respiratory and gastrointestinal difficulties. The prevalence of many of these chronic symptoms affecting Gulf War veterans occur at markedly elevated rates compared to nondeployed contemporary veterans. To date, no effective treatments for GWI have been identified. The overarching goal of this umbrella review was to critically evaluate the evidence for the potential of Tai Chi mind-body exercise to benefit and alleviate GWI symptomology. Based on the most prevalent GWI chronic symptoms and case definitions established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Kansas Gulf War Veterans Health Initiative Program, we reviewed and summarized the evidence from 7 published systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Our findings suggest that Tai Chi may have the potential for distinct therapeutic benefits on the major prevalent symptoms of GWI. Future clinical trials are warranted to examine the feasibility, efficacy, durability and potential mechanisms of Tai Chi for improving health outcomes and relieving symptomology in GWI.

read more

PMID: 

Adv Mind Body Med. 2018 Summer;32(3):4-11. PMID: 31370032

Abstract Title: 

Long-term Tai Chi Training Is Associated With Better Dual-task Postural Control and Cognition in Aging Adults.

Abstract: 

Objective: Many activities within our daily lives require us to stand upright while concurrently performing a cognitive task (ie, dual tasking). The"costs"of dual tasking can present as a detriment to either task, or even both. Evidence supports that tai chi (TC), a mind-body exercise, improves both postural control and cognition. The purpose of this study was to (1) determine whether long-term TC training reduces dual-task costs to standing postural control, and (2) determine whether it characterizes the relationship between these costs and cognition in aging adults with and without long-term TC training.Methods: Twenty-six TC experts (age 63± 8 y, TC experience 24 ± 11 y) and 60 controls (TC naïve: age 64 ± 8 y) were studied. Center-of-pressure sway speed and elliptical area were recorded during quiet and dual-task standing. In addition, postural sway speed and range were analyzed in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral direction. Dual-task cost was calculated as the percent change in center-of-pressure outcomes from quiet to dual-task conditions. Cognition was assessed with the digit span (verbal memory), trail making test (working memory and task switching ability), category naming (semantic verbal fluency), and F-A-Stest (phonemic verbal fluency).Results: TC experts had significantly lower dual-task costs to postural control in elliptical area (16.1 vs 110.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI], -94.27 to -0.07) compared with TC-naïves. TC experts also performed better on the digit span (23.5 vs 19.2; 95% CI, 0.68 to 3.59), trail making test A (28.5 vs 32.6 s; 95% CI, -3.83 to -0.21), and category naming (46.2 vs 41.3, 95%, CI 0.80 to 4.09), compared with TC naïves. There was not a clear significant association between better cognitive functioning and lower dual-task costs for either groups. These group differences and associations were independent of age, body mass index, education, and physical activity level.Conclusions: These observations suggest cognitive-motor benefits from TC and the need for future controlled trials.

read more

PMID: 

J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev. 2019 Aug 7. Epub 2019 Aug 7. PMID: 31397771

Abstract Title: 

A Randomized Study Examining the Effects of Mild-to-Moderate Group Exercises on Cardiovascular, Physical, and Psychological Well-Being in Patients With Heart Failure.

Abstract: 

PURPOSE: To compare 2 mild-to-moderate group exercises and treatment as usual (TAU) for improvements in physical function and depressive symptoms.METHODS: Patients with heart failure (n = 70, mean age = 66 yr, range = 45-89 yr) were randomized to 16 wk of tai chi (TC), resistance band (RB) exercise, or TAU.RESULTS: Physical function differed by group from baseline to follow-up, measured by distance walked in the 6-min walk test (F = 3.19, P = .03). Tai chi participants demonstrated a nonsignificant decrease of 162 ft (95% confidence interval [CI], 21 to -345, P = .08) while distance walked by RB participants remained stable with a nonsignificant increase of 70 ft (95% CI, 267 to -127, P = .48). Treatment as usual group significantly decreased by 205 ft (95% CI, -35 to -374, P = .02) and no group differences occurred over time in end-systolic volume (P = .43) and left ventricular function (LVEF) (P = .67). However, groups differed over time in the Beck Depression Inventory (F = 9.2, P

read more

PMID: 

Brain Sci. 2019 Jun 20 ;9(6). Epub 2019 Jun 20. PMID: 31226771

Abstract Title: 

The Counteracting Effects of Exercise on High-Fat Diet-Induced Memory Impairment: A Systematic Review.

Abstract: 

The objective of the present review was to evaluate whether exercise can counteract a potential high-fat diet-induced memory impairment effect. The evaluated databases included: Google Scholar, Sports Discus, Embase/PubMed, Web of Science, and PsychInfo. Studies were included if: (1) an experimental/intervention study was conducted, (2) the experiment/intervention included both a high-fat diet and exercise group, and evaluated whether exercise could counteract the negative effects of a high-fat diet on memory, and (3) evaluated memory function (any type) as the outcome measure. In total, 17 articles met the inclusionary criteria. All 17 studies (conducted in rodents) demonstrated that the high-fat diet protocol impaired memory function and all 17 studies demonstrated a counteracting effect with chronic exercise engagement. Mechanisms of these robust effects are discussed herein.

read more

PMID: 

Aging Clin Exp Res. 2019 Aug 20. Epub 2019 Aug 20. PMID: 31432432

Abstract Title: 

Effects of Tai Chi on beta endorphin and inflammatory markers in older adults with chronic pain: an exploratory study.

Abstract: 

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the effects of Tai Chi on blood levels of beta endorphin (β-endorphin) and inflammatory markers in older adults with chronic pain. Forty community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain were randomized to Tai Chi or light physical exercise, and each offered twice weekly for 12 weeks. Following the 12-week intervention, neither Tai Chi nor light physicalexercise changed levels of β-endorphin and inflammatory markers. However, in older adults who completed 70% or more classes, Tai Chi significantly lowered levels of β-endorphin (p 

read more

PMID: 

Clin Respir J. 2019 Jul 16. Epub 2019 Jul 16. PMID: 31310707

Abstract Title: 

Effect of moderate exercise under hypoxia on Th1/Th2 cytokine balance.

Abstract: 

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Moderate exercise performed in normoxia can be immunostimulatory, while strenuous exercise can be immunosuppressive. However, less is known about the effects of exercise under hypoxia on cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an acute exercise session performed under hypoxia similar to an altitude of 4200 m on cytokine balance. Our hypothesis was that exercise, even of moderate intensity, associated with hypoxia may induce different changes in relation to the normoxic condition.METHODS: Eight healthy male volunteers were exercised on a treadmill for 1 hour at an intensity of 50% VOunder normoxic or hypoxic condition (4200 m). Blood samples were collected at rest and immediately 1 hour after the exercise, respectively to determine cytokines, hormones and metabolites. The two-way ANOVA and the Bonferroni post hoc test were used and the significance adopted was P 

read more