Tai Chi Research Case Studies

Case Studies: looking at 3 interesting independent research on their hypothesis and conclusions.

1. The research done in Taiwan (Lan & Lai, 1993) had shown that Taichi (Yang style with 20min warm-up, 30 min practice & 10 min cool down) was beneficial to cardiorespiratory function. The HRmax and RER remain; and VO2max (measurement for aerobic performance) were higher.

2. The research done in United States (Tsao & Ratliff, 1982) had shown that it was unlikely that Taichi (Yang Style) effectively contributes to development of cardiovascular fitness in the traditional sense. The subjects were been measured on their VO2 during practise. The experienced practioners had higher the VO2.

3. Research in June 2007 (Takeshima et al., 2006) had shown that the functional fitness gain varies on older adults depending on exercise mode. It was hypothesised that to improve the function fitness, one type be aerobic exercise and the second type be chosen from Resistance, Balance and Taichi.

The 1993 research (about 47 +/- 9 yrs old) had shown that Taichi could improve aerobic capacity and hence the cardiorespiratory fitness. Research in United States was using younger adults (29.4 +/- 8.6 yrs old) had 55.7% of HRmax which lead to the conclusion that it was not sufficient for cardiorespiratory fitness unless the intensity was higher; this was almost similar observations on some Taichi groups here. Another interesting finding was that the more mastery the subject, the higher the VO2 which shown that the skills and techniques been able to master over the years. If the research in United States had done on subects with proper biomechanics and skill sets (that would contribute to moderate intensity) and to measure on the VO2max, the results would most likely to be similar.

Considering the physical preparation and practicing for example the Taichi 42 competition set or Chen style Taichi with proper biomechanics, one should be able to achieve functional fitness = aerobic exercise + Resistance OR Balance. Taichi practice can achieve the balance component, the strength endurance with wrist and ankle weight and strength component through resistance training from physical preparation (Refer to Taichi Physical Fitness on 14th Oct '08).


Some other concern on the training programs :

1. Right Taichi training method (right skills set and biomechanics) so the motor programs (neuro & muscular) and learning are correct from the start before habitualisation. Interval training allows the exercise intensity to vary according to the program. Slowing down with fine motor movement (心静体松, 呼吸自然, 轻灵沉着, 圆活连贯, 上下相随, 虚实分明, 柔中寓刚, 以意导动) in the program create balance (coherence) between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves system.

2. Symmetrical training for postural muscle balance (single sword training --> dominant hand will have shorter muscles than the other) causing postural muscle fatigue (abnormal muscle force compensation) at rest

3. Program design must able to increase bone strength (Turner & Robling, 2003)

4. Training (maintenance) that is on-going to bring both health and fitness level to later part of life cycle etc.



References

1. Lan, C., & Lai, J. S. (1993). The effects of Tai Chi Chuan training on the cardiorespiratory function in sedentary subjects. Journal of American College of Sports Medicine, 25(5), Supplement:S69.
2. Takeshima, N., Rogers, N. L., Rogers, M. E., Islam, M. M., Koizumi, D., & Lee, S. (2006). Functional fitness gain varies in older adults depending on exercise mode. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 39(11), 2036-2043.
3. Tsao, W. Y., & Ratliff, R. A. (1982). Energy cost of performing Tai-Chi. Journal of American College of Sports Medicine, 14(2), 172.
4. Turner, C. H., & Robling, A. G. (2003). Designing exercise regimens to increase bone strength. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 31(1), 45-50.