A groundbreaking study by the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (CACMS) unveils a surprising discovery: tai chi surpasses aerobic exercise in effectively reducing blood pressure in individuals aged 18 to 65 with prehypertension. This condition, a precursor to high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases, poses increased risks such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. The study’s findings highlight the potential benefits of incorporating tai chi into heart health practices.
Prehypertension, characterized by a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 120 to 139 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 80 to 89 mmHg, serves as an early warning sign necessitating prompt diagnosis and intervention. Tai chi, known for its slow, gentle movements and meditative approach, emerged as a surprising champion in blood pressure reduction compared to traditional aerobic exercise.
The study involved 349 participants aged 18 to 65, randomly assigned to either a tai chi group or an aerobic exercise group. Both groups engaged in four supervised 60-minute sessions weekly for 12 months. The tai chi group practiced Yang-style tai chi, incorporating 24 standard movements, while the aerobic exercise group performed activities like climbing stairs, jogging, brisk walking, and cycling. Blood pressure was measured at baseline, six months, and 12 months, with the primary focus on the mean change in SBP.
Results after 12 months revealed a significant difference in the mean change in office SBP between the two groups. The tai chi group exhibited a greater reduction of –7.01 mmHg compared to –4.61 mmHg in the aerobic exercise group. Furthermore, the tai chi group demonstrated superior reductions in 24-hour and nighttime ambulatory SBP.
Remarkably, 21.8% of the tai chi group achieved normal blood pressure without medications, surpassing the 15.6% in the aerobic exercise group. Progression to hypertension was also lower in the tai chi group (12.0% vs. 17.7%).
The researchers propose that tai chi’s ability to reduce sympathetic nervous system excitability may contribute to its effectiveness. The study concludes that tai chi holds significant public health value in preventing cardiovascular disease in populations with prehypertension.
This study sheds new light on the potential health benefits of tai chi, positioning it as a promising avenue for promoting heart health and managing blood pressure.
