KSNS
E-SUBMISSION
Articles
- Page Path
- HOME > J Korean Acad Nurs > Volume 39(1); 2009 > Article
-
Original Article
- Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Quality of Life in Post-menopausal Women
- Rhayun Song1, Sukhee Ahn1, Hee Young So1, In Sook Park1, Hyun Li Kim1, Kyung Ok Joo2, Jong Sung Kim3
-
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2009;39(1):136-144.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2009.39.1.136
Published online: February 17, 2009
1Professor, Department of Nursing, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
2Researcher, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
3Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
1Professor, Department of Nursing, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
2Researcher, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
3Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
- Address reprint requests to : Ahn, Sukhee, Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Chungnam National University, 6 Munhwa 1-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon 301-747, Korea, Tel: 82-42-580-8324 Fax: 82-42-584-8915 E-mail: sukheeahn@cnu.ac.kr
• Received: November 6, 2008 • Revised: November 6, 2008 • Accepted: January 23, 2009
Copyright © 2009 Korean Society of Nursing Science
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
- 14 Views
- 0 Download
- 11 Scopus
Abstract
-
Purpose:
- Natural menopause resulting in the decline in endogenous estrogen concentrations is responsible for an increased risk of coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of a 6-month Tai Chi exercise program on cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life in post-menopausal women.
-
Methods:
- A quasi-experimental design with pretest and posttest measures was used. The participants in the study, 29 women in the Tai Chi group and 31 in the control group, were enrolled for 6 months.
-
Results:
- After 6 months of Tai Chi exercise, total cholesterol (M=213 to 185), LDL-cholesterol (M=135 to 128), and their 10 yr cardiovascular disease risk (M=2.62 to 2.27) had improved significantly for the Tai Chi participants compared to the control group. Total scores for quality of life along with the sub-dimensions of health perception and mental functioning were also significantly higher in the Tai Chi participants.
-
Conclusion:
- Tai Chi exercise favorably affected cardiovascular health and quality of life in post-menopausal women after 6 months. Additional rigorous studies are needed to examine long term effects on the prevention of cardiovascular disease in this population.
Table 1.General Characteristics of Participants
Table 2.Homogeneity Test of Study Variables at the Baseline
Table 3.Group Comparisons on Cardiovascular Risk Factors at the Posttest
Table 4.Group Comparisons on Quality of Life and Sub-dimensions at the Posttest
- Asbury E. A., Chandrruangphen P., Collins P.. 2006;The importance of continued exercise participation in quality of life and psychological well-being in previously inactive postmenopausal women: A pilot study. Menopause. 13:561–567.PubMed
- Asikainen T. M., Kukkonen-Harjula K., Miilunpalo S.. 2004;Exercise for health for early postmenopausal women: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Sports Medicine. 34:753–778.ArticlePubMed
- Audette J. F., Jin Y. S., Newcomer R., Stein L., Duncan G., Frontera W. R.. 2006;Tai Chi versus brisk walking in elderly women. Age and Ageing. 35:388–393.ArticlePubMed
- Avis N. E., Assmann S. F., Kravitz H. M., Ganz P. A., Ory M.. 2004;Quality of life in diverse groups of mid-life women: Assessing the influence of menopause, health status and psychosocial and demographic factors. Quality of Life Research. 13:933–946.PubMed
- Chen K. M., Chen W. T., Wang J. J., Huang M. F.. 2005;Frail elders’ views of Tai Chi. Journal of Nursing Research. 13:11–20.Article
- Cohen J.. 1988;Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences. 2nd ed.Mahwah, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
- D’Agostino R. B. Sr., Vasan R. S., Pencina M. J., Wolf P. A., Cobain M., Massaro J. M., et al. 2008;General cardiovascular risk profile for use in primary care: The Framingham Heart Study. Circulation. 117:743–753.PubMed
- Innes K. E., Selfe T. K., Taylor A. G.. 2008;Menopause, the metabolic syndrome, and mind-body therapies. Menopause. 15:1005–1013.PubMedPMC
- Jung J., Kim N.. 2006;Risk factors, subjective symptoms, knowl-edgeof coronary artery disease and preventive health practices in postmenopausal women. Korean Journal of Women Health Nurs-ing. 12:29–36.ArticlePDF
- Kim C. J., Kim T. H., Rhu W. S., Ryoo U. H.. 2000;Influence of menopause on high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and lipids. Journal of Korean Medical Science. 15:380–386.PubMedPMC
- Ko G. T., Tsang P. C., Chan H. C.. 2006;A 10-week Tai-Chi program improved the blood pressure, lipid profile and SF-36 scores in Hong Kong Chinese women. Medical Science Monitoring. 12:CR196–CR199.
- Konradi D. B., Lyon B. L.. 2000;Measuring adherence to a self-care fitness walking routine. Journal of Community Health Nursing. 17:159–169.ArticlePubMed
- Lam P.. 2006;Tai chi for osteoporosis program. Osteoporosis Australia. 2006. Retrieved March 20, 2006, from. http://www.taichipro-ductions.com./secureshop/product.php?ProductID=232
- Lan C., Chen S. Y., Lai J. S.. 2008;The exercise intensity of Tai Chi Chuan. Medical Sports Science. 52:12–19.
- Lan C., Su T. C., Chen S. Y., Lai J. S.. 2008;Effect of T’ai chi chuan training on cardiovascular risk factors in dyslipidemic patients. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 14:813–819.ArticlePubMed
- Lee E. N.. 2004;The effects of Tai chi exercise program on blood pressure, total cholesterol and cortisol level in patients with essential hypertension. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing. 34:829–837.PubMed
- Lee L. Y., Lee D. T., Woo J.. 2007;Effect of Tai Chi on state self-esteem and health-related quality of life in older Chinese residential care home residents. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 16:1580–1582.PubMed
- Liu X., Miller Y. D., Burton N. W., Brown W. J.. 2008;A preliminary study of the effects of Tai Chi and Qigong medical exercise on indicators of metabolic syndrome, glycaemic control, health related quality of life, and psychological health in adults with elevated blood glucose. British Journal of Sports Medicine, Published Online First: October 16. 2008:doi:10.1136/bjsm.2008. 051144. Accessed athttp://bjsm.bmj.comArticle
- Mosca L., Banka C. L., Benjamin E. J., Berra K., Bushnell C., Dolor R. J., et al. 2007;Evidence-based guidelines for cardiovascular disease prevention in women: 2007 update. Circulation. 115:1481–1501.PubMed
- Murrell P., Todd C. J., Martin A., Walton J., Lips P., Reeve J.. 2001;Postal administration compared with nurse-supported administration of the QUALEFFO-41 in a population sample: Comparison of results and assessment of psychometric properties. Osteoporosis International. 12:672–679.PubMed
- Mustian K. M., Katula J. A., Gill D. L., Roscoe J. A., Lang D., Murphy K.. 2004;Tai Chi Chuan, health-related quality of life and self-esteem: A randomized trial with breast cancer survivors. Supportive Care in Cancer. 12:871–876.ArticlePubMedPDF
- National Statistical Office.2008;Annual report on the cause of death statistics. Retrieved October 5, 2008, from. http://www.kihasa.re.kr/html/jsp/info/info_03_view.jsp?currPage=5&d1=1&d2=1&d3=1&seq=3&sg=
- Schwarz S., Volzke H., Alte D., Schwahn C., Grabe H. J., Hoff- mann W., et al. 2007;Menopause and determinants of quality of life in women at mid-life and beyond: The study of health in pomerania (SHIP). Menopause. 14:123–134.PubMed
- Shakir Y. A., Samsioe G., Nyberg P., Lidfeldt J., Nerbrand C.. 2006;Does the hormonal situation modify lipid effects by lifestyle factors in middle-aged women? Results from a population-based study of Swedish women: The women’s health in the Lund area study. Metabolism Clinical and Experimental. 55:1060–1066.PubMed
- Song R., Lee E. O., Bae S. C., Ahn Y. H., Lam P., Lee I. O.. 2007;Effects of Tai Chi self help program on glucose control, cardiovascular risks, and quality of life in Type 2 diabetic patients. Journal of Muscle and Joint Health. 14:13–25.
- Suk Danik J., Rifai N., Buring J. E., Ridker P. M.. 2006;Li-poprotein(a), measured with an assay independent of apolipopro-tein(a) isoform size, and risk of future cardiovascular events among initially healthy women. JAMA. 296:1363–1370.PubMed
- Thomas G. N., Hong A. W., Tomlinson B., Lau E., Lam C. W., Sanderson J. E., et al. 2005;Effects of Tai Chi and resistance training on cardiovascular risk factors in elderly Chinese subjects: A 12-month longitudinal, randomized, controlled intervention study. Clinical Endocrinology (Oxf). 63:663–669.
- Trost S. G., Owen N., Bauman A. E., Sallis J. F., Brown W.. 2002;Correlates of adults’ participation in physical activity: Review and update. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 34:1996–2001.ArticlePubMed
- Tsai J. C., Wang W. H., Chan P., Lin L. J., Wang C. H., Tomlinson B., et al. 2003;The beneficial effects of Tai Chi Chuan on blood pressure and lipid profile and anxiety status in a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Alternative Complimentary Medicine. 9:747–754.
- Verhagen A. P., Immink M., van der Meulen A., Bierma-Zein-stra S. M.. 2004;The efficacy of Tai Chi Chuan in older adults: A systematic review. Family Practice. 21:107–113.
- Wang C., Collet J. P., Lau J.. 2004;The effect of Tai Chi on health outcomes in patients with chronic conditions: A systematic review. Archives of Internal Medicine. 164:493–501.PubMed
- Yeo J. H.. 2004;Influencing factors on quality of life in pre and postmenopausal women. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing. 34:1334–1342.PubMed
REFERENCES
Figure & Data
REFERENCES
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by 
Cite
XML DownloadEffects of Tai Chi Exercise on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Quality of Life in Post-menopausal Women
Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Quality of Life in Post-menopausal Women
General Characteristics of Participants
| Characteristics | Tai Chi (n=29) | Control (n=31) | t or 2 | p | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mean (SD) or n (%) | Mean (SD) or n (%) | ||||
| Age (yr) | 58.59 (4.62) | 61.00 (5.60) | −1.81 | .075 | |
| Education (yr) | 8.86 (4.36) | 8.94 (3.68) | −0.71 | .944 | |
| Income (1,000 won/month) | 153.0 (102.3) | 169.3 (136.3) | −0.52 | .603 | |
| Number of pregnancies | 4.72 (2.20) | 4.27 (2.18) | 0.80 | .426 | |
| Number of deliveries | 2.69 (0.71) | 2.60 (1.43) | 0.30 | .763 | |
| Marital status/living status | Married/ with family | 28 (96.6) | 22 (71.0) | 7.66 | .022 |
| Widowed/ with family | 1 (3.4) | 3 (9.7) | |||
| Single/ living alone | 0 (0) | 6 (19.4) | |||
| Employment | Not employed | 26 (89.7) | 27 (87.1) | 0.09 | .758 |
| Employed | 3 (10.3) | 4 (12.9) | |||
| Exercise habit | 3-4 times/week | 20 (69.0) | 20 (64.5) | 1.73 | .629 |
| 1-2 times/week | 5 (17.2) | 6 (19.4) | |||
| Never | 4 (13.8) | 5 (16.1) | |||
| Smoking habit | None | 27 (93.1) | 30 (96.8) | 0.42 | .514 |
| Indirect exposure | 2 (6.9) | 1 (3.2) | |||
| Family history of cardiovascular | No | 15 (51.7) | 16 (51.6) | 0.00 | .993 |
| disease | Yes | 14 (48.3) | 15 (48.4) | ||
| Chronic disease | None | 10 (34.5) | 10 (32.3) | 1.43 | .697 |
| Hypertension | 7 (24.1) | 5 (16.1) | |||
| Diabetes | 1 (3.4) | 3 (9.7) | |||
| Others | 11 (37.9) | 13 (41.9) | |||
| Perceived stress | Low | 15 (51.7) | 21 (67.7) | 1.68 | .431 |
| Moderate | 9 (31.0) | 7 (22.6) | |||
| High | 5 (17.2) | 3 (9.7) | |||
| Perceived health compared with similar age group Similar | Worse | 9 (31.0) | 9 (29.0) | 0.60 | .741 |
| 18 (62.1) | 18 (58.1) | ||||
| Better | 2 (6.9) | 4 (12.9) |
Homogeneity Test of Study Variables at the Baseline
| Variables | Tai Chi (n=29) | Control (n=31) | t | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mean (SD) | Mean (SD) | |||
| 10-yr CVD risk (%)* | 9.55 (4.71) | 10.06 (5.13) | −0.40 | .689 |
| Cardiovascular risk factors | ||||
| Systolic BP (mmHg) 1 | 126.79 (14.59) | 126.35 (18.64) | 0.10 | .920 |
| Body mass index (kg/m2) | 24.69 (2.91) | 25.0 9 (2.37) | −0.59 | .555 |
| Total cholesterol (mg/dL) | 213.6 (37.27) | 217.0 (48.90) | −0.29 | .770 |
| Triglyceride (mg/dL) | 114.5 (43.24) | 132.7 (53.43) | −1.44 | .154 |
| HDL cholesterol (mg/dL) | 46.55 (9.18) | 46.00 (8.92) | 0.23 | .814 |
| LDL cholesterol (mg/dL) | 135.0 (29.03) | 137.4 (42.54) | −0.25 | .797 |
| Glucose (mg/dL) | 92.83 (12.97) | 95.52 (11.31) | −0.85 | .395 |
| Quality of life | 27.38 (10.72) | 29.68 (13.31) | −0.73 | .467 |
| Pain | 35.00 (27.06) | 32.10 (25.62) | 0.42 | .671 |
| PF-daily activities | 10.34 (11.49) | 9.07 (10.56) | 0.44 | .657 |
| PF-housework | 15.34 (14.01) | 20.00 (20.70) | −1.01 | .315 |
| Mobility | 18.86 (11.88) | 19.15 (13.52) | −0.09 | .929 |
| Leisure/social activities | 21.35 (16.09) | 31.92 (21.31) | −2.15 | .035 |
| Health perception | 53.16 (19.97) | 51.61 (25.77) | 0.25 | .797 |
| Mental functioning | 41.19 (15.49) | 43.37 (16.72) | −0.52 | .603 |
*Scores are calculated based on Framingham heart study for 10-yr risk in percent (%).
BP=blood pressure; HDL=high density lipoprotein; LDL=low density lipoprotein; CVD=cardiovascular disease; PF=physical functioning.
Group Comparisons on Cardiovascular Risk Factors at the Posttest
| Variables | Tai Chi (n=29) | Control (n=31) | F* | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mean (SD) | Mean (SD) | |||
| 10-yr CVD risk (%) | 9.1 (4.38) | 12.56 (7.04) | 8.86 | .004 |
| Cardiovascular risk factors | ||||
| Systolic BP (mmHg) | 126.7 (16.56) | 128.6 (20.35) | 0.34 | .560 |
| Body mass index (kg/m2) | 24.81 (2.94) | 25.45 (2.45) | 2.78 | .101 |
| Total cholesterol (mg/dL) | 185.5 (31.36) | 204.5 (42.57) | 6.49 | .014 |
| Triglyceride (mg/dL) | 113.1 (41.80) | 148.8 (64.25) | 4.10 | .047 |
| HDL cholesterol (mg/dL) | 42.93 (7.39) | 42.94 (12.36) | 0.05 | .821 |
| LDL cholesterol (mg/dL) | 128.7 (31.82) | 144.5 (41.54) | 4.88 | .031 |
| Glucose (mg/dL) | 86.76 (12.11) | 88.42 (15.41) | 0.03 | .857 |
*F score is from Analysis of Covariance with pretest scores as covariates. BP=blood pressure; HDL=high density lipoprotein; LDL=low density lipoprotein; CVD=cardiovascular disease.
Group Comparisons on Quality of Life and Sub-dimensions at the Posttest
| Variables | Tai Chi (n=29) | Control (n=31) | F* | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mean (SD) | Mean (SD) | |||
| Quality of life | 24.98 (10.14) | 28.78 (9.73) | 5.97 | .018 |
| Pain | 26.37 (20.34) | 30.64 (24.72) | 3.25 | .076 |
| PF-daily activities | 11.21 (9.93) | 10.48 (15.08) | 0.32 | .573 |
| PF-housework | 13.79 (14.91) | 20.00 (21.90) | 1.34 | .251 |
| Mobility | 16.70 (13.15) | 18.04 (13.87) | 0.19 | .664 |
| Leisure/social activities | 24.89 (15.41) | 29.64 (17.68) | 0.27 | .605 |
| Health perception | 46.55 (21.18) | 54.83 (24.03) | 5.53 | .022 |
| Mental functioning | 35.63 (14.66) | 42.83 (12.74) | 5.28 | .025 |
* F score is from Analysis of Covariance with pretest scores as covariates.
