TAI CHI MAY STAVE OFF CVD IN ARTHRITIS PATIENTS ,

from MEDPAGE

I case you don’t want to read the whole article, here is a summary.

“To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first evidence of a possible reduction of cardiovascular risk through tai chi exercise by improving endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in patients with RA (rheumatoid arthritis),” wrote the study authors in Arthritis Research & Therapy.

Endothelial dysfunction is a major physiopathological mechanism that leads towards coronary artery disease, and other atherosclerotic diseases.It can be involved in hypertension, diabetes, septic shock, and other diseases. Physical inactivity is another risk factor.  Tai chi combines meditation with slow, gentle movements, deep breathing, and relaxation. The intensity of tai chi is equivalent to walking 6 km/hr, and moderately increases heart rate.

In this study participants did tai chi once a week for 60 minutes over 3 months.   There was significant positive change in the tai chi group in all areas measured including artery flow-mediated dilation, cholesterol level,  cardiovascular risk and arterial stiffness.

ANOTHER STUDY