Impact of Tai Chi Yuttari-exercise on arteriosclerosis and physical function in older people

This non-randomized controlled study investigated the impact of practicing Tai Chi Yuttari-exercise for 1 year on arteriosclerosis status and physical functioning of community-dwelling older people.

Vascular and physical function were compared between 45 and 44 individuals who had and had not participated in Tai Chi Yuttari classes for 1 year, respectively. Participants deemed unsuitable for exercise by a physician, unable to walk unaided, with severely limited activities of daily living, with serious circulatory or respiratory disease, undergoing treatment for an acute or chronic motor organ disease, with seriously impaired motor function of the upper or lower limbs, with a history of myocardial infarction or cerebral stroke within the previous 6 months, and with previous serious infection were excluded.

The mean cardio-ankle vascular index improved significantly from 8.44 at baseline to 8.20 after 6 months in the intervention group; however, no significant difference was observed at 1 year. Conversely, compared with baseline, the functional reach, gait speed, and timed up-and-go test results improved significantly after 6 months in this group; these improvements were maintained after 1 year. No significant changes in arteriosclerosis or physical function were observed in the control group.

The practice of Tai Chi Yuttari-exercise is effective in maintaining and improving arteriosclerosis status and physical function in older people. However, it may be performed at least thrice a week for maintaining or improving arteriosclerosis status.