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Sports Medicine

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01-04-2002 | Leading Article

Tai Chi Chuan

An Ancient Wisdom on Exercise and Health Promotion

Authors: Ching Lan, Jin-Shin Lai, Ssu-Yuan Chen

Published in: Sports Medicine | Issue 4/2002

Abstract

Tai chi chuan (TCC) is a Chinese conditioning exercise and is well known for its slow and graceful movements. Recent investigations have found that TCC is beneficial to cardiorespiratory function, strength, balance, flexibility, microcirculation and psychological profile. The long-term practice of TCC can attenuate the age decline in physical function, and consequently it is a suitable exercise for the middle-aged and elderly individuals. TCC can be prescribed as an alternative exercise programme for selected patients with cardiovascular, orthopaedic, or neurological diseases, and can reduce the risk of falls in elderly individuals. The exercise intensity of TCC depends on training style, posture and duration. Participants can choose to perform a complete set of TCC or selected movements according to their needs.

In conclusion, TCC has potential benefits in health promotion, and is appropriate for implementation in the community.

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Title: Tai Chi Chuan
An Ancient Wisdom on Exercise and Health Promotion
Authors: Ching Lan
Jin-Shin Lai
Ssu-Yuan Chen
Publication date: 01-04-2002
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Sports Medicine / Issue 4/2002
Print ISSN: 0112-1642
Electronic ISSN: 1179-2035
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200232040-00001

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An Ancient Wisdom on Exercise and Health Promotion

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