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Training in ChiRunning to reduce blood pressure: a randomized controlled pilot study
Kelly McDermott1, Deepak Kumar2, Veronica Goldman3
1Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), 1545 Divisadero St., 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94115, USA. mcdermottk@ocim.ucsf.edu.
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
|October 17, 2015
Summary
ChiRunning is a feasible and acceptable exercise for elevated blood pressure, showing positive BMI changes but no significant impact on blood pressure or injury. Further research is warranted.
Area of Science:
- Exercise physiology
- Preventive cardiology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Prehypertension increases the risk of developing hypertension.
- Regular physical activity is recommended for prehypertension management.
- ChiRunning, a mindful running program, aims to reduce injury through body awareness and improved form.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of ChiRunning for individuals with elevated blood pressure.
- To collect preliminary data on the effects of ChiRunning on blood pressure and body mass index (BMI).
Main Methods:
- A 12-week pilot randomized trial involving adults with elevated systolic or diastolic blood pressure.
- Participants were assigned to a trainer-led ChiRunning group, an active running control group, or an educational running control group.
- The study assessed feasibility, acceptability, blood pressure, BMI, and running-related injury and discomfort.
Main Results:
- The ChiRunning intervention was feasible and acceptable to participants, meeting recruitment, retention, and adherence goals.
- No significant changes in systolic or diastolic blood pressure were observed in either the ChiRunning or control groups.
- A significant decrease in BMI was observed in the ChiRunning group over time (p=0.04), but not in the control group. Running-related injury rates were similar between groups, while discomfort trended higher in the ChiRunning group.
Conclusions:
- ChiRunning is a feasible and acceptable exercise option for individuals with elevated blood pressure.
- While ChiRunning did not significantly impact blood pressure or injury rates, it showed a positive effect on BMI.
- Larger trials are needed to further investigate the effects of ChiRunning.
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