Tai chi exercise for patients with cardiovascular conditions and risk factors

This systematic review published in the Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention [2009 May-Jun;29(3):152-60], looked at the "literature evaluating tai chi exercise as an intervention for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or with CVD risk factors (CVDRF). . . . RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies met inclusion criteria: 9 RCTs, 14 nonrandomized studies, and 6 observational trials. Three studies examined subjects with coronary heart disease, 5 in subjects with heart failure, and 10 in heterogeneous populations that included those with CVD. Eleven studies examined subjects with CVDRF (hypertension, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose metabolism). Study duration ranged from 8 weeks to 3 years. Most studies included fewer than 100 subjects (range, 5-207). Six of 9 RCTs were of adequate quality (Jadad >or= 3). Most studies reported improvements with tai chi, including blood pressure reductions and increases in exercise capacity. . . . CONCLUSION: Preliminary evidence suggests that tai chi exercise may be a beneficial adjunctive therapy for some patients with CVD and CVDRF. Further research is needed."  Abstract: PubMed.