Health Outcomes of Two Different Tai Chi Interventions

PRESSURE Tai Chi routine consisted of eight forms following Yang style. PRESSURE was tailored for the targeted health outcome of BP in consultation with the professional, certified Tai Chi instructor and an experienced physical therapist. Specifically, investigators tailored PRESSURE to emphasize slow, deep breathing and relaxation by utilizing Tai Chi movements that: 1) were slow and smooth; 2) without break or pause; and 3) had minimal muscular force and exertion. Investigators included the following eight forms in PRESSURE: 1) Begin Tai Ji Quan; 2) Part the Horse's Mane; 3) Brush Knee and Push; 4) Cloud Hands; 5) Open and Close; 6) Part the Grass; 7) Single Whip; and 8) Finish Tai Ji Quan.

BALANCE Tai Chi routine consisted of eight forms following Yang style. BALANCE was tailored for the targeted health outcome of balance in consultation with the professional, certified Tai Chi instructor and an experienced physical therapist. Specifically, investigators tailored BALANCE to provide moderate to high levels of challenge to balance control by emphasizing movement principles (e.g., consciously control weight shifting during multi-directional stepping), and integrating Tai Chi movements that: 1) reduced the base of support; 2) moved the center of gravity; and 3) improved lower-extremity strength. Investigators included the following eight forms in BALANCE: 1) Begin Tai Ji Quan; 2) Roll the Ball; 3) Kick with Heel; 4) Repulse the Monkey; 5) Gather the Earth's Qi; 6) White Crane Spread Wing; 7) Fairy Weaves the Shuttle; and 8) Finish Tai Ji Quan.