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Cardiorespiratory fitness is essential to functional ambulation
and health. Several cross-sectional studies have demonstrated Tai
Chi's effectiveness as a cardiovascular workout. Longtime practitioners
are able to raise their heart rate above 70% of the predicted maximum.
Compared to controls, the Tai Chi subjects have significantly higher
peak oxygen uptake and higher oxygen uptake at ventilatory threshold.
The rate of decline in maximal oxygen uptake was significantly less
in Tai Chi Chuan subjects than sedentary controls. Breathing rate
and ratio of dead space to tidal volume are significantly lower
while practicing Tai Chi than while biking. Elderly Tai Chi practitioners
score better in resting heart rate and three minute step test heart
rate than sedentary people. It is clear from the research that Tai
Chi Chuan enhances and maintains cardiovascular fitness. Tai Chi
also has clear application for cardiac rehabilitation.
Tai Chi Chuan can help decrease in diastolic blood pressure in people
who have had a heart attack. The use of a Tai Chi Chuan program
for rehabilitation after a coronary artery bypass surgery has been
studied. The Tai Chi group increased cardiovascular fitness over
10% while the controls only increased slightly. As with previously
described studies on healthy individuals, these post-surgical patients
were able to use Tai Chi Chuan to work at target heart rate sufficient
to improve cardiovascular function.
Along with improving cardiovascular
health and reducing stress, the neuromuscular reeducation inherent
to Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong include energy conservation strategies
that facilitate improved function in people with cardiac impairments.
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