Effects of Tai Chi Chuan in Patients After Recent Acute Myocardial Infarction

Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on Blood Pressure, Respiratory Muscle Strength and Functional Capacity in Patients After Recent Acute Myocardial Infarction: a Randomized Clinical Trial

This is a randomized Clinical Trial to assess the effects of Tai Chi Chuan on blood pressure, respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity in patients after recent acute myocardial infarction.

Background:Patients with a recent myocardial infarction (MI) present a reduction in functional capacity expressed as a decrease in peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak). The impact of a Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) cardiac rehabilitation program for patients recovering from recent MI has yet to be assessed. Our goal is to evaluate functional capacity after a TCC-based cardiac rehabilitation program in patients with recent MI.

Methods: A single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted. The researchers who performed the tests were blinded to group allocation. Between the 14th and 21st days after hospital discharge, all patients performed a cardiopulmonary exercise testing and a laboratory blood workup. Mean age was similar (56 ± 9 years in the TCC group and 60 ± 9 years in the control group). Patients allocated to the intervention group performed 3 weekly sessions of TCC Beijin style for 12 weeks (n = 31). The control group participated in 3 weekly sessions of full-body stretching exercises (n = 30).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Recent acute myocardial infarction
• Age 45 and 75 years.
• admission until 20 days after hospital discharge
• With physical conditions for a cardiac rehabilitation program with exercise.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unstable angina
• Severe congestive heart failure
• Severe lung disease
• Altered response of blood pressure to stress