Date of Award

2013

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Kinesiology

Department

Kinesiology

First Advisor

Matthew J. Delmonico

Abstract

Introduction: Older obese women are at risk of obesity-related disability, but Tai Chi has not been explored as an exercise modality along with weight loss for their effects on physical function. Methods: A 16-week community-based intervention was conducted to assess the impact of Tai Chi plus behaviorally-based weight loss (TCWL, n=29) on obese (BMI=35.4 ±0.8 kg/m2) older (68.2±1.5 yr) women compared to a control group (CON, n=9, BMI=38.0±1.5kg/m2, 65.6±2.7 yr). The major outcome was the short physical performance battery (SPPB), consisting of 4-m gait speed (GS), standing balance, and chair stand (CS) tests. The TCWL group participated in two Tai Chi sessions and one dietary weight loss session per week with a goal of 5-10% weight loss. The CON group was asked to maintain their normal lifestyle. Results: The TCWL group lost weight, (1.6±2.9 kg, P=.006) while the CON group showed no significant change (1.2 ± 1.9 kg P=.11). SPPB score improved in TCWL (0.59±1.28, P=.023) when compared to the CON group (-0.56±1.81, P=.38). TCWL group improved GS (-0.14±0.76 sec, P=.34) time better (P=.004) than CON (0.56±0.81 sec, P=.07) and also improved CS (-0.80±1.71 sec, P=.02) time better (P=.065) than CON (0.28±2.83 sec, P=.77). Participants in the TCWL group who lost ≥ 3.0% (n=9) body weight saw improvements in SPPB (PDiscussion:Tai Chi combined with dietary weight loss may represent an effective intervention strategy to maintain and improve physical function in older obese women.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.