Tai Chi: a promising adjunct nursing intervention to reduce risks of cardiovascular disease and improve psychosocial well-being in adults with hypertension

The Effects of Long-Term Tai-Chi Practice on Blood Pressure Under Normal Conditions

BACKGROUND

Tai-Chi is a popular form of mind-body activity that is suitable for people of all ages. Accumulating evidence have shown that Tai-Chi can help ameliorate cardiovascular diseases. However, the benefits of long-term practice of Tai-Chi on blood pressure control remains unclear. A total of 898 villagers of Chenjiagou were enrolled in this study based on certain inclusion and exclusion criteria.

METHODS

All basic information and clinical data were collected by physicians. The effects of Tai-Chi on the systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mental status of participants were analyzed. The average practice time of Tai-Chi in the Tai-Chi group was 28.53 years (median 29 years, range 2-69 years).

RESULTS

The results showed that SBP and DBP were significantly lower in the Tai-Chi group, compared with the control group and the stop group. Meanwhile, the long-term practice of Tai-Chi significantly improved the body mass index (BMI) (P=0.021). Stepwise regression results demonstrated that Tai-Chi practice, age and BMI could significantly affect blood pressure, with adjusted R² of 0.218 and 0.159 for SBP and DBP, respectively. In addition, Tai-chi is associated with a lower rate of hypertension after age 40. However, compared with the control group, participants who practiced Tai-Chi for a short time, then stopped, showed no significant improvement in the above-mentioned measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term practice of Tai-Chi was associated with better blood pressure, at least partly through the improvement of BMI and mental state. However, the short-term practice of Tai-Chi may not provide significant benefits on blood pressure in the long term.