Effect of tai chi vs a brisk walk on heart rate variability
A study reported during the American Academy of Family Physicians 2007 Annual Scientific Assembly concluded, “tai chi is comparable to but not quite as effective as a brisk walk for raising heart rate variability.”
First, the details as reported on Medscape
- 24 adults either walked on a treadmill or performed 6-posture tai chi for 20 minutes with 5 minutes of rest.
- After a week, they changed to the other exercise.
- Heart rate variability (beat-to-beat alterations in heart rate) was recorded during both exercises.
And, the results.
- Heart rate didn’t differ significantly between the groups
The bottom line?
After viewing the poster, Dr. Ellyn Stecker, a family medicine physician from South Bend, Indiana, concluded, “If you walk at 6 km an hour, which is a little less than 3 miles, you’ll get a similar heart rate and blood pressure change. So, for people who can’t walk because they have arthritis or whatever, they might be able to do [tai chi] and still achieve the same cardiovascular benefits.”
If you’re interested, more information about heart rate variability is here.
10/12/07 19:47 JR
