Effects of Tai Chi Softball Exercises on Physical Fitness Level and Cardiovascular Health-Related Factors among Older Females


Author: XiaoDong Cheng1,2, Yongzhao Fan1,2, Ling Ge1, Desen Zang3, Jianxi Li4, Jian Li1, Hao Wu1,2

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing 100191, China.

<sup>2</sup> Comprehensive Key Laboratory of Sports Ability Evaluation and Research of the General Administration of Sport of China, Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Function Assessment and Technical Analysis, Beijing 100191, China.

<sup>3</sup> Hefei No. 10 Middle School, Hefei 230001, Anhui, China.

<sup>4</sup> Winter Games Management Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China.
Conference/Journal: J Healthc Eng
Date published: 2021 Jul 2
Other:
 Volume ID: 2021   ,  Pages: 7671596   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1155/2021/7671596.   ,  Word Count: 167  
    Tai Chi softball was voted as one of the most popular health-promoting exercises and can also develop manipulative skill and hand-eye coordination. The purpose of this study was to explore changes in the physical fitness level and cardiovascular health-related factors after the 16-week Tai Chi softball (TCSB) training program among older females. One hundred healthy older females were assessed at the baseline before TCSB training, and then, they conducted intervention experiments. Through the 16-week TCSB intervention training, a control group and a physical exercise group showed significant differences. The physical exercise group significantly reduced body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure from all the results studied. It also reduces total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( ∗ p < 0.05), and waist-to-hip ratio ( ∗∗ p < 0.01), whereas handgrip, sit and reach, single leg stance, vital capacity ( ∗ p < 0.05), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( ∗∗ p < 0.01) were significantly increased. TCSB training may improve physical fitness ability and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease among older females.





PMID: 34306599 PMCID: PMC8272665 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7671596