Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
ISSN: 1303 - 2968   
Ios-APP Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
Follow us
  
Views
75
Download
21
 
©Journal of Sports Science and Medicine ( 2025 )  24 ,  871  -  880   DOI: https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2025.871

Research article
Can The Frequency and Intensity of Tai Chi Influence the Magnitude of Adaptations in Health Markers and Physical Fitness in Older Adults? A Randomized Controlled Study
WenHua Zhai1, QingHua Zhai2, , LiXin Wei1, XiaoYuan Wen3
Author Information
1 College of Physical Education and Health, Geely University of China, Chengdu, China
2 Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
3 ChengDu Sports Univ, Chengdu, Peoples R China

QingHua Zhai
✉ Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
Email: 1119694576@qq.com
Publish Date
Received: 16-07-2025
Accepted: 19-09-2025
Published (online): 01-12-2025
Narrated in English
 
 
ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of different frequencies and intensities of Tai Chi practice on blood pressure, cognitive function, stress levels, and physical fitness parameters in older adults. A randomized controlled trial with parallel groups was conducted over 16 weeks to evaluate two Tai Chi interventions (3×50 min/week vs. 5×30 min/week) in older adults (n = 46). Outcomes included blood pressure, cognitive function (MoCA), perceived stress (PSS), flexibility (Chair Sit and Reach, Back Scratch), strength (handgrip, arm curl, chair stand), agility (8-Foot Up-and-Go), and functional capacity (Six-Minute Walk Test). Post-intervention, TC5d showed significantly better performance than the control group in arm curl (p = 0.017), chair stand (p = 0.001), handgrip strength (p = 0.004), and 8-foot up-and-go (p = 0.041). TC3d performed significantly better than the control group in the 6-minute walk test (p = 0.013). MoCA scores were significantly higher in both TC3d (p = 0.004) and TC5d (p = 0.008) compared to the control group. PSS scores were significantly lower in TC3d (p = 0.004) and TC5d (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. This study suggests that both Tai Chi interventions improve cognitive function and reduce stress in older adults. The TC5d group showed greater benefits in strength, agility, and flexibility, while the TC3d group improved functional capacity. These results suggest that a higher-frequency Tai Chi regimen (5×30 min/week) is more effective for improving physical fitness and mental health in older adults.

Key words: Tai Chi, aged, physical fitness, stress, health promotion


           Key Points
  • Tai Chi Improves Mental Health in Older Adults: Both Tai Chi regimens (3×50 min/week and 5×30 min/week) significantly improved cognitive function (MoCA scores) and reduced perceived stress (PSS scores) compared to the control group, demonstrating the mental health benefits of regular Tai Chi practice.
  • The higher-frequency Tai Chi group (5×30 min/week) showed significantly greater improvements in muscular strength (arm curl, chair stand, handgrip), agility (8-foot up-and-go), and flexibility compared to the control, indicating more robust physical fitness gains.
  • The lower-frequency group (3×50 min/week) significantly improved in the Six-Minute Walk Test, suggesting that even a moderate Tai Chi routine can enhance cardiovascular endurance and overall functional mobility in older adults.
 
 
Home Issues About Authors
Contact Current Editorial board Authors instructions
Email alerts In Press Mission For Reviewers
Archive Scope
Supplements Statistics
Most Read Articles
  Most Cited Articles
 
  
 
JSSM | Copyright 2001-2025 | All rights reserved. | LEGAL NOTICES | Publisher

It is forbidden the total or partial reproduction of this web site and the published materials, the treatment of its database, any kind of transition and for any means, either electronic, mechanic or other methods, without the previous written permission of the JSSM.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.