Signing up for a Tai Chi class may have the unexpected health benefit of lowering your blood pressure. A new clinical trial found that participants with prehypertension or slightly elevated blood pressure had improved readings after practicing tai chi for a year, compared to a group that did regular aerobic exercise. It has also been reported that there has been further improvement. washington post. The year-long study divided 342 Chinese adults into two groups. The first group was given a regimen of aerobic exercise (60 minutes of moderate exercise, such as a brisk walk) four times a week. The second group learned a Tai Chi routine performed for one hour four times a week.
Participants had their blood pressure measured six months later and again one year later. During the study, they also received health education and were encouraged to follow diets developed to improve heart health. The study found that although all participants were at risk for high blood pressure at the start of the study, 21.8% of the tai chi group had their blood pressure drop to the ideal range, and 15.6% of the aerobic group had it within that range. It is said that it has settled down.It was published in the magazine JAMA network open. So what explains Tai Chi’s blood pressure lowering benefits?
Ruth Taylor Piriae of the University of Arizona School of Nursing said: NPR Tai Chi’s gentle, slow movements and controlled breathing mean it tends to activate what’s known as the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body relax during times of stress. She also says it’s an accessible form of exercise. “I think the beauty of tai chi is that you don’t need a special gym membership or special clothing,” says Taylor Piriae, who was not involved in the training. “Once you learn Tai Chi, you can do it anytime, anywhere, anywhere. And it has a kind of calming and relaxing effect.” Other benefits associated with Tai Chi include balance. , flexibility, and muscle strength. harvard health. (There’s more to talk about blood pressure.)
