• D E Barrow, A Bedford, G Ives, L O'Toole, and K S Channer.
• Department of Cardiology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK.
• Postgrad Med J. 2007 Nov 1; 83 (985): 717721717-21.

ObjectiveTo study the effect of Tai Chi on exercise tolerance in patients with moderate heart failure.DesignRandomised parallel group study balanced for baseline variables.SettingCardiology Department, Royal Hallamshire Hospital.Patients And Methods52 patients (42 men, mean age (68.9 years), range (46-90 years), and 10 women, mean age (70.0 years), range (58-82)) with chronic heart failure (New York Heart Association symptom class II-III) were studied. Patients were randomised to Tai Chi Chuan twice a week for 16 weeks or to standard medical care without exercise rehabilitation.Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome measure was the change in the distance walked in the shuttle walk test. Secondary outcome measures were changes in symptom scores and quality of life indices.ResultsObjective measures of exercise tolerance did not improve significantly with Tai Chi, but patients having Tai Chi exercise had an improvement in symptom scores of heart failure measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (comparison of deltas, -2.4 control vs -14.9; p = 0.01), and depression scores measured by the SCL-90-R questionnaire (-2.9 vs -6.8; p = 0.12) compared with those patients in the control group.ConclusionIn patients with chronic heart failure, 16 weeks of Tai Chi training was safe, with no adverse exercise related problems. It was enjoyed by all taking part and led to significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life.

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