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Effects of Tai Chi or Conventional Exercise on Central Obesity in Middle-Aged and Older Adults : A Three-Group
Parco M Siu1, Angus P Yu1, Edwin C Chin1
1The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China (P.M.S., A.P.Y., E.C.C., D.S.Y., D.Y.F.).
Background:
Central obesity is a major manifestation of metabolic syndrome, which is a common health problem in middle-aged and older adults.
Objective:
To examine the therapeutic efficacy of tai chi for management of central obesity.
Design:
Randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03107741).
Setting:
A single research site in Hong Kong between 27 February 2016 and 28 February 2019.
Participants:
Adults aged 50 years or older with central obesity.
Intervention:
543 participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to a control group with no exercise intervention (n = 181), conventional exercise consisting of aerobic exercise and strength training (EX group) (n = 181), and a tai chi group (TC group) (n = 181). Interventions lasted 12 weeks.
Measurements:
Outcomes were assessed at baseline, week 12, and week 38. The primary outcome was waist circumference (WC). Secondary outcomes were body weight; body mass index; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride, and fasting plasma glucose levels; blood pressure; and incidence of remission of central obesity.
Results:
The adjusted mean difference in WC from baseline to week 12 in the control group was 0.8 cm (95% CI, -4.1 to 5.7 cm). Both intervention groups showed reductions in WC relative to control (adjusted mean differences: TC group vs. control, -1.8 cm [CI, -2.3 to -1.4 cm]; P < 0.001; EX group vs. control: -1.3 cm [CI, -1.8 to -0.9 cm]; P < 0.001); both intervention groups also showed reductions in body weight (P < 0.05) and attenuation of the decrease in HDL-C level relative to the control group. The favorable changes in WC and body weight were maintained in both the TC and EX groups, whereas the beneficial effect on HDL-C was only maintained in the TC group at week 38.
Limitations:
High attrition and no dietary intervention.
Conclusion:
Tai chi is an effective approach to reduce WC in adults with central obesity aged 50 years or older.
Primary Funding Source:
Health and Medical Research Fund.
