Tai chi chuan: An ancient wisdom on exercise and health promotion
Journal
Sports Medicine
Journal Volume
32
Journal Issue
4
Pages
217-224
Date Issued
2002
Author(s)
Abstract
Tai chi chuan (TCC) is a Chinese conditioning exercise and is well known for its slow and graceful movements. Recent investigations have found that TCC is beneficial to cardiorespiratory function, strength, balance, flexibility, microcirculation and psychological profile. The long-term practice of TCC can attenuate the age decline in physical function, and consequently it is a suitable exercise for the middle-aged and elderly individuals. TCC can be prescribed as an alternative exercise programme for selected patients with cardiovascular, orthopaedic, or neurological diseases, and can reduce the risk of falls in elderly individuals. The exercise intensity of TCC depends on training style, posture and duration. Participants can choose to perform a complete set of TCC or selected movements according to their needs. In conclusion, TCC has potential benefits in health promotion, and is appropriate for implementation in the community.
SDGs
Other Subjects
body posture; cardiopulmonary hemodynamics; cardiovascular disease; Chinese; exercise; health promotion; human; microcirculation; neurologic disease; orthopedics; physical activity; psychological aspect; review; strength; tai chi chuan exercise
Publisher
Adis International Ltd
Type
review