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

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