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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Tai Chi
Chuan, a traditional Chinese exercise, is thought to improve cardiopulmonary
function in patients with chronic disease. This study investigated the effect
of Tai Chi Chuan on the pulmonary function and daily symptoms of asthmatic
children.
METHODS:
Thirty
asthmatic children were enrolled into the study. Fifteen of the 30 children
participated in a 12-week Tai Chi Chuan program and the remaining 15
constituted the control group. Prior to study participation, the pulmonary
function of all enrolled children was assessed at rest, after exercise, and
after exercise plus iced water. A 3-day symptoms questionnaire was also
completed and a score obtained after each pulmonary function test.
RESULTS:
There
were no significant differences between the two groups in baseline pulmonary
function and severity of asthmatic symptoms before study commencement, at rest,
after exercise, or after exercise plus iced water. However, after the 12-week
program, children in the Tai Chi Chuan group had a significant improvement in
pulmonary function compared to the control group. Although there were no
significant differences in post-training symptom scores at rest and after
exercise between the two groups, under the stronger challenge of exercise plus
iced water, children in the Tai Chi Chuan group had milder symptoms than those
in the control group.
CONCLUSION:
Our data
show that Tai Chi Chuan can improve the pulmonary function of asthmatic
children. However, long-term follow-up is required to determine the impact of
Tai Chi Chuan on the severity of asthmatic symptoms.
Learn more about the predecessor of Tai Chi, Shaolin Rou Quan
Original publication
Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2008 Feb;41(1):88-95.
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