The efficacy of Tai Chi for essential hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis


Author: Pengchao Zhang1, Dan Zhang1, Deyi Lu2

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Chongqing Metropolitan College of Science and Technology, Chongqing, China.

<sup>2</sup> University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Conference/Journal: Int J Nurs Pract
Date published: 2023 Oct 5
Other:
  Pages: e13211   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1111/ijn.13211.   ,  Word Count: 227  
    Aim:

We aimed to assess the impact of Tai Chi interventions on individuals with essential hypertension and to compare the effects of Tai Chi versus control in this population.



Background:

Tai Chi has been extensively utilized in the prevention of essential hypertension. Nevertheless, there is a lack of consensus regarding its benefits for treating essential hypertension.



Design:

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted.



Data sources:

We conducted a systematic literature search of the Medline, Scholar, Elsevier, Wiley Online Library, Chinese Academic Journal (CNKI) and Wanfang databases from January 2003 to August 2023.



Review methods:

Using the methods of the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook, a meta-analysis was conducted to assess the collective impact of Tai Chi exercise in controlling hypertension. The primary outcomes measured included blood pressure and nitric oxide levels.



Results:

The participants consisted of adults with an average age of 57.1 years who had hypertension (mean ± standard deviation systolic blood pressure at 148.2 ± 12.1 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure at 89.2 ± 8.3 mmHg). Individuals who practiced Tai Chi experienced reductions in systolic blood pressure of 10.6 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure of 4.7 mmHg and an increase in nitric oxide levels.



Conclusions:

Tai Chi can be a viable lifestyle intervention for managing hypertension. Greater promotion of Tai Chi by medical professionals could extend these benefits to a larger patient population.



Keywords: Tai Chi; essential hypertension; exercise intensity; exercise time; meta-analysis; nursing; systematic review.



PMID: 37798948 DOI: 10.1111/ijn.13211