J Korean Acad Nurs.  2009 Feb;39(1):136-144.

Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Quality of Life in Post-menopausal Women

• Song R
• Ahn S
• So HY
• Park IS
• Kim HL
• Joo KO
• Kim JS

Abstract

PURPOSE: Natural menopause resulting in the decline in endogenous estrogen concentrations is responsible for an increased risk of coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of a 6-month Tai Chi exercise program on cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life in post-menopausal women.
METHODS
A quasi-experimental design with pretest and posttest measures was used. The participants in the study, 29 women in the Tai Chi group and 31 in the control group, were enrolled for 6 months.
RESULTS
After 6 months of Tai Chi exercise, total cholesterol (M=213 to 185), LDL-cholesterol (M=135 to 128), and their 10 yr cardiovascular disease risk (M=2.62 to 2.27) had improved significantly for the Tai Chi participants compared to the control group. Total scores for quality of life along with the sub-dimensions of health perception and mental functioning were also significantly higher in the Tai Chi participants.
CONCLUSION
Tai Chi exercise favorably affected cardiovascular health and quality of life in post-menopausal women after 6 months. Additional rigorous studies are needed to examine long term effects on the prevention of cardiovascular disease in this population.

Keyword

Postmenopausal period; Women; Tai Chi; Cardiovascular disease; Quality of life

MeSH Terms

Aged
Attitude to Health
Cardiovascular Diseases/*prevention & control
Cholesterol/blood
Exercise Therapy
Female
Health Status
Humans
Middle Aged
Postmenopause
*Quality of Life
Risk Factors
*Tai Ji

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