Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Quality of Life in Post-menopausal Women.
10.4040/jkan.2009.39.1.136
- Author:
Rhayun SONG
1
;
Sukhee AHN
;
Hee Young SO
;
In Sook PARK
;
Hyun Li KIM
;
Kyung Ok JOO
;
Jong Sung KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Nursing, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea. sukheeahn@cnu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article ; English Abstract ; Controlled Clinical Trial
- Keywords:
Postmenopausal period;
Women;
Tai Chi;
Cardiovascular disease;
Quality of life
- MeSH:
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
- From:Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
2009;39(1):136-144
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
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.
