Immediate Effect of Tai Chi Exercise in Healthy Volunteers

Immediate Effect of Tai Chi Exercise in Healthy Volunteers:Randomized Controlled Study

Tai Chi has been widely practiced as a Chinese martial art that focuses on slow sequential movements, providing a smooth, continuous and low intensity activity. It has been promoted to improve balance and strength and to reduce falls in the elderly, especially those 'at risk'. The potential benefits in healthy younger age cohorts and for wider aspects of health have received less attention.

The present study documented prospective changes in balance and vascular responses for a community sample of adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 to 25 years old
• Have given written informed consent
• Have a high school level of education
• Be healthy and psychologically stable as determined by screening for medical and psychiatric problems via a personal interview, a medical questionnaire, a physical examination, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and routine medical blood and urinalysis laboratory tests.
• Have an active interest in exploring and developing their spiritual lives
• Cigarette smokers must agree to abstain from smoking on session days
• Agree to refrain from using any psychoactive drugs, including alcoholic beverages, within 24 hours
• Agree that for one week before each session, refrain from taking any nonprescription medication, nutritional supplement, or herbal supplement except when approved by the study investigators.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Women who are pregnant or nursing
• Cardiovascular conditions: coronary artery disease, stroke, angina, uncontrolled hypertension, a clinically significant ECG abnormality
• Epilepsy with history of seizures
• Insulin-dependent diabetes
• Currently taking psychoactive prescription medication on a regular (e.g., daily) basis