January 28, 2022 - Weight gain and related adverse changes in body composition are prevalent among midlife and older women and contribute to chronic disease (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypertension, depression). Tai Chi and Qigong demonstrate improved physical/psychological symptoms and body composition.
According to Journal of women and aging, Arizona State University teamed up with King's College London to use a standardized Tai Chi/Qigong protocol to explore pre/post intervention differences in percent body fat and factors related to body composition in midlife/older women. In the context of a single-group pilot study, 51 females ages 45-75 enrolled in an 8-week Tai Chi/Qigong intervention. Primary outcome measures of body composition, sleep quality, emotional eating and select secondary outcome psycho-emotional factors (perceived stress, mood state, mindfulness, self-compassion, body awareness) were collected.
Change in percent body fat did not reach statistical significance. Sleep quality improved significantly. Emotional eating changed in the expected direction, but not significantly. Significant differences were found in body awareness and perceived stress.
These preliminary results are promising as results showed improvements in factors related to healthy body composition. Refined research is needed to understand if/how Tai Chi/Qigong may improve body composition among midlife and older women.
