Evaluation of Energy Expenditure and Cardiovascular Health Effects From Tai Chi and Walking Exercise

A 12-week (45 min per day, 5 days per week) instructor-led Tai Chi training program was conducted in the Tai Chi group. Of the 5 days of exercise, 3 days were led by qualified instructors, and 2 other days for self-practice. Each session consisted of a 10-min standard warm-up, 30-min of Tai Chi exercise, and 5-min cool down stretching. The modified 32 Yang-style Tai Chi Chuan was used, because it could be learned within a relatively short time, and has been widely promoted in HK community. An exercise log was used to record the actual implementation of the training (instructor-led \& self-practice).

A 12-week (45 min per day, 5 days per week) instructor-led brisk walking training program was conducted in the walking group. Of the 5 days of exercise, 3 days were led by qualified instructors, and 2 other days for self-practice. Each session consisted of a 10-min standard warm-up, 30-min of walking exercise, and 5-min cool down stretching. An exercise log was used to record the actual implementation of the training (instructor-led \& self-practice).