I have uploaded four more podcasts on tai chi, chi and kenpo. Tom Baeli is my guest in the four episodes. They are free and you can hear them at
http://feed.podcastmachine.com/podcasts/3314/mp3.rss
or through i Tunes at
http://www.blogger.com/goog_48576203
Showing posts with label tai chi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tai chi. Show all posts
Friday, February 4, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Tai chi postings
I've started another blog at http://www.taichiforlife.blogspot.com/ for articles on tai chi and related info. I'll keep this end to the more combative stuff.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
News spot on tai chi
Here's a link for a short thing they did on my class at the local hospital. http://www.leememorial.org/healthmatters/index.asp
See the Dec 14th SHARE Club/tai chi segment.
See the Dec 14th SHARE Club/tai chi segment.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Tai chi newsletter
This looks to be a pretty good newsletter for tai chi people. http://www.wishus.org/newsletter/QiDao_1010.pdf
They have a link to a group, too. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Qi_Dao
They have a link to a group, too. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Qi_Dao
Thursday, September 9, 2010
For the tai chi people
Came across a website used as a reference in the Harvard Health report. Tricia Yu comes from the same tai chi lineage as I. http://www.taichihealth.com/
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Harvard likes it
Harvard University says tai chi is good for you.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Womens_Health_Watch/2009/May/The-health-benefits-of-tai-chi
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Womens_Health_Watch/2009/May/The-health-benefits-of-tai-chi
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The doctor is in
This is big news for fibromyalgia sufferers. Dr. Rowe sent this along.
Chinese practice of tai chi may be effective as a therapy for fibromyalgia, according to a study published on Thursday in The New England Journal of Medicine.
A clinical trial at Tufts Medical Center found that after 12 weeks of tai chi, patients with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, did significantly better in measurements of pain, fatigue, physical functioning, sleeplessness and depression than a comparable group given stretching exercises and wellness education. Tai chi patients were also more likely to sustain improvement three months later.
“It’s an impressive finding,” said Dr. Daniel Solomon, chief of clinical research in rheumatology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, who was not involved in the research. “This was a well-done study. It was kind of amazing that the effects seem to carry over.”
Although the study was small, 66 patients, several experts considered it compelling because fibromyalgia is a complex and often-confusing condition, affecting five million Americans, mostly women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since its symptoms can be wide-ranging and can mimic other disorders, and its diagnosis depends largely on patients’ descriptions, not blood tests or biopsies, its cause and treatment have been the subject of debate.
“We thought it was notable that The New England Journal accepted this paper, that they would take fibromyalgia on as an issue, and also because tai chi is an alternative therapy that some people raise eyebrows about,” said Dr. Robert Shmerling, clinical chief of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, co-author of an editorial about the study.
“Fibromyalgia is so common, and we have such a difficult time treating it effectively. It’s defined by what the patient tells you,” he added. “It’s hard for some patients’ families and their doctors to get their head around what it is and whether it’s real. So, that these results were so positive for something that’s very safe is an impressive accomplishment.”
Recent studies have suggested that tai chi, with its slow exercises, breathing and meditation, could benefit patients with other chronic conditions, including arthritis. But not all of these reports have been conclusive, and tai chi is hard to study because there are many styles and approaches.
The fibromyalgia study involved the yang style of tai chi, taught by a Boston tai chi master, Ramel Rones. Dr. Solomon and other experts cautioned that bigger studies with other masters and approaches were necessary.
Still, patients, who received twice-weekly tai chi classes and a DVD to practice with 20 minutes daily, showed weekly improvement on an established measurement, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, improving more than the stretching-and-education group in physicians’ assessments, sleep, walking and mental health. One-third stopped using medication, compared with one-sixth in the stretching group.
Dr. Chenchen Wang, a Tufts rheumatologist who led the study, said she attributed the results to the fact that “fibromyalgia is a very complex problem” and “tai chi has multiple components — physical, psychological, social and spiritual.”
The therapy impressed Mary Petersen, 59, a retired phone company employee from Lynn, Mass., who said that before participating in the 2008 study, “I couldn’t walk half a mile,” and it “hurt me so much just to put my hands over my head.” Sleeping was difficult, and she was overweight. “There was no joy to life,” she said. “I was an entire mess from head to foot.”
She had tried and rejected medication, physical therapy, swimming and other approaches. “I was used to being treated in a condescending manner because they couldn’t diagnose me: ‘She’s menopausal, she’s crazy.’ ”
Before the study, “I didn’t know tai chi from a sneeze,” said Ms. Petersen, who has diabetes and other conditions. “I was like, ‘Well, O.K., I’ll get to meet some people, it will get me out of the house.’ I didn’t believe any of it. I thought this is so minimal, it’s stupid.”
After a few weeks, she said she began to feel better, and after 12 weeks “the pain had diminished 90 percent.” She has continued tai chi, lost 50 pounds and can walk three to seven miles a day.
“You could not have convinced me that I would ever have done this or continued with this,” she said. “I wouldn’t say it’s a cure. I will say it’s an effective method of controlling pain.”
Dr. Shmerling said that though tai chi is inexpensive compared with other treatments, some patients would reject such an alternative therapy. And Dr. Gloria Yeh, a Beth Israel Deaconess internist and co-author of the editorial, said others “will say, ‘It’s too slow, I can’t do that.’ ”
But she said it offered a “gentler option” for patients deterred by other physical activities. “The mind-body connections set it apart from other exercises,” she said, adding that doctors are seeking “anything we can offer that will make patients say ‘I can really do this.’ ”
Chinese practice of tai chi may be effective as a therapy for fibromyalgia, according to a study published on Thursday in The New England Journal of Medicine.
A clinical trial at Tufts Medical Center found that after 12 weeks of tai chi, patients with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, did significantly better in measurements of pain, fatigue, physical functioning, sleeplessness and depression than a comparable group given stretching exercises and wellness education. Tai chi patients were also more likely to sustain improvement three months later.
“It’s an impressive finding,” said Dr. Daniel Solomon, chief of clinical research in rheumatology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, who was not involved in the research. “This was a well-done study. It was kind of amazing that the effects seem to carry over.”
Although the study was small, 66 patients, several experts considered it compelling because fibromyalgia is a complex and often-confusing condition, affecting five million Americans, mostly women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since its symptoms can be wide-ranging and can mimic other disorders, and its diagnosis depends largely on patients’ descriptions, not blood tests or biopsies, its cause and treatment have been the subject of debate.
“We thought it was notable that The New England Journal accepted this paper, that they would take fibromyalgia on as an issue, and also because tai chi is an alternative therapy that some people raise eyebrows about,” said Dr. Robert Shmerling, clinical chief of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, co-author of an editorial about the study.
“Fibromyalgia is so common, and we have such a difficult time treating it effectively. It’s defined by what the patient tells you,” he added. “It’s hard for some patients’ families and their doctors to get their head around what it is and whether it’s real. So, that these results were so positive for something that’s very safe is an impressive accomplishment.”
Recent studies have suggested that tai chi, with its slow exercises, breathing and meditation, could benefit patients with other chronic conditions, including arthritis. But not all of these reports have been conclusive, and tai chi is hard to study because there are many styles and approaches.
The fibromyalgia study involved the yang style of tai chi, taught by a Boston tai chi master, Ramel Rones. Dr. Solomon and other experts cautioned that bigger studies with other masters and approaches were necessary.
Still, patients, who received twice-weekly tai chi classes and a DVD to practice with 20 minutes daily, showed weekly improvement on an established measurement, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, improving more than the stretching-and-education group in physicians’ assessments, sleep, walking and mental health. One-third stopped using medication, compared with one-sixth in the stretching group.
Dr. Chenchen Wang, a Tufts rheumatologist who led the study, said she attributed the results to the fact that “fibromyalgia is a very complex problem” and “tai chi has multiple components — physical, psychological, social and spiritual.”
The therapy impressed Mary Petersen, 59, a retired phone company employee from Lynn, Mass., who said that before participating in the 2008 study, “I couldn’t walk half a mile,” and it “hurt me so much just to put my hands over my head.” Sleeping was difficult, and she was overweight. “There was no joy to life,” she said. “I was an entire mess from head to foot.”
She had tried and rejected medication, physical therapy, swimming and other approaches. “I was used to being treated in a condescending manner because they couldn’t diagnose me: ‘She’s menopausal, she’s crazy.’ ”
Before the study, “I didn’t know tai chi from a sneeze,” said Ms. Petersen, who has diabetes and other conditions. “I was like, ‘Well, O.K., I’ll get to meet some people, it will get me out of the house.’ I didn’t believe any of it. I thought this is so minimal, it’s stupid.”
After a few weeks, she said she began to feel better, and after 12 weeks “the pain had diminished 90 percent.” She has continued tai chi, lost 50 pounds and can walk three to seven miles a day.
“You could not have convinced me that I would ever have done this or continued with this,” she said. “I wouldn’t say it’s a cure. I will say it’s an effective method of controlling pain.”
Dr. Shmerling said that though tai chi is inexpensive compared with other treatments, some patients would reject such an alternative therapy. And Dr. Gloria Yeh, a Beth Israel Deaconess internist and co-author of the editorial, said others “will say, ‘It’s too slow, I can’t do that.’ ”
But she said it offered a “gentler option” for patients deterred by other physical activities. “The mind-body connections set it apart from other exercises,” she said, adding that doctors are seeking “anything we can offer that will make patients say ‘I can really do this.’ ”
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The doctor is in
Marc Rowe sent this to me from the British Journal of Sports Medicine. If you can translate the medical-ese it says the tai chi master didn't lean forward or back, he kept his center. What do you know?
Br J Sports Med 2003;37:339-344 doi:10.1136/bjsm.37.4.339
Original article
Kinematic and electromyographic analysis of the push movement in tai chi
+ Author Affiliations
Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Correspondence to: Ms Chan, Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Kwok Sports Building, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong;chan_suk_ping@alumni.cuhk.net
Accepted 16 September 2002
Abstract
Background: Tai chi is a form of exercise derived from the martial art folk traditions of China. The force used in tai chi includes different principles of mechanical advantage. No studies on the kinematic features of tai chi exercise have been published.
Objective: To analyse the kinematics and electromyographic characteristics of tai chi.
Methods: An experienced tai chi master was asked to perform a sequence of basic movements: ward off, roll back, press, and push. The movements were videotaped and digitised using a motion analysis system. Electromyographic activities of the lumbar erector spinae, rectus femoris, medial hamstrings, and medial head of gastrocnemius were recorded by surface electrodes. The push movement data were analysed.
Results: The medial hamstrings and medial head of gastrocnemius muscle groups maintained low activity, with higher electromyographic values in the lumbar erector spinae and substantially higher ones in the rectus femoris during the push movement. Both concentric and eccentric contractions occurred in muscles of the lower limbs, with eccentric contraction occurring mainly in the anti-gravity muscles such as the rectus femoris and the medial head of gastrocnemius. The forward and backward shifts in centre of gravity (CG) were mainly accomplished by increasing and decreasing respectively the joint angles of the bilateral lower limbs rather than by adopting a forward or backward postural lean. The path of the CG in the anteroposterior and mediolateral component was unique, and the sway or deviation from the path was small. The master maintained an upright posture and maintained a low CG (hips, knees, and ankles bent) while travelling slowly and steadily from one position to another.
Conclusion: The eccentric muscle contraction of the lower limbs in the push movement of tai chi may help to strengthen the muscles.
Br J Sports Med 2003;37:339-344 doi:10.1136/bjsm.37.4.339
Original article
Kinematic and electromyographic analysis of the push movement in tai chi
+ Author Affiliations
Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Correspondence to: Ms Chan, Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Kwok Sports Building, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong;chan_suk_ping@alumni.cuhk.net
Accepted 16 September 2002
Abstract
Background: Tai chi is a form of exercise derived from the martial art folk traditions of China. The force used in tai chi includes different principles of mechanical advantage. No studies on the kinematic features of tai chi exercise have been published.
Objective: To analyse the kinematics and electromyographic characteristics of tai chi.
Methods: An experienced tai chi master was asked to perform a sequence of basic movements: ward off, roll back, press, and push. The movements were videotaped and digitised using a motion analysis system. Electromyographic activities of the lumbar erector spinae, rectus femoris, medial hamstrings, and medial head of gastrocnemius were recorded by surface electrodes. The push movement data were analysed.
Results: The medial hamstrings and medial head of gastrocnemius muscle groups maintained low activity, with higher electromyographic values in the lumbar erector spinae and substantially higher ones in the rectus femoris during the push movement. Both concentric and eccentric contractions occurred in muscles of the lower limbs, with eccentric contraction occurring mainly in the anti-gravity muscles such as the rectus femoris and the medial head of gastrocnemius. The forward and backward shifts in centre of gravity (CG) were mainly accomplished by increasing and decreasing respectively the joint angles of the bilateral lower limbs rather than by adopting a forward or backward postural lean. The path of the CG in the anteroposterior and mediolateral component was unique, and the sway or deviation from the path was small. The master maintained an upright posture and maintained a low CG (hips, knees, and ankles bent) while travelling slowly and steadily from one position to another.
Conclusion: The eccentric muscle contraction of the lower limbs in the push movement of tai chi may help to strengthen the muscles.
Friday, January 22, 2010
The doctor is in - Kids and tai chi
Marc Rowe sent me this.
ADD and ADHD. Research at the University of Miami School of Medicine has shown that adolescents with ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) displayed less anxiety, daydreaming behaviors, inappropriate emotions and hyperactivity, and greater improved conduct, after a five week, two day per week class. T'ai Chi meets many of the criteria for mood management techniques recommended for ADD (see the Treating Attention Deficit Disorder [ADD] section earlier in this chapter).
[Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T.M., & Thimas, E. (2001). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: benefits from Tai Chi. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, 5(2):120-3, 2001 Apr, 5(23 ref), 120-123.]
If you say that tai chi is just slow-motion kung-fu, the question is why wouldn't karate or kung-fu do the same? Hmmm.
ADD and ADHD. Research at the University of Miami School of Medicine has shown that adolescents with ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) displayed less anxiety, daydreaming behaviors, inappropriate emotions and hyperactivity, and greater improved conduct, after a five week, two day per week class. T'ai Chi meets many of the criteria for mood management techniques recommended for ADD (see the Treating Attention Deficit Disorder [ADD] section earlier in this chapter).
[Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T.M., & Thimas, E. (2001). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: benefits from Tai Chi. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, 5(2):120-3, 2001 Apr, 5(23 ref), 120-123.]
If you say that tai chi is just slow-motion kung-fu, the question is why wouldn't karate or kung-fu do the same? Hmmm.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The doctor is in
This was dug up by Dr. Rowe. It is about how tai chi can help diabetes.
UF study: Tai chi can help people with diabetes lower glucose levels
Filed under Health, Research on Wednesday, September 30, 2009.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A regular tai chi exercise program can help people better control their diabetes and lower glucose levels, according to a University of Florida study.
In a study of adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, those who participated in a supervised tai chi exercise program two days a week with three days of home practice for six months significantly lowered their fasting blood glucose levels, improved their management of the disease, and enhanced their overall quality of life, including mental health, vitality and energy.
“Tai chi really has similar effects as other aerobic exercises on diabetic control. The difference is tai chi is a low-impact exercise, which means that it’s less stressful on the bones, joints and muscles than more strenuous exercise,” said Beverly Roberts, the Annabel Davis Jenks endowed professor at the UF College of Nursing.
Roberts, with Rhayun Song, of Chungnam National University, studied tai chi’s effect on older Korean residents. The research was featured in the June issue of The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
About 23.6 million children and adults in the United States, or 7.8 percent of the population, have diabetes. It occurs when the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.
Risk factors include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, high blood pressure and cholesterol, a history of gestational diabetes and increased age, many of which can be reduced through exercise.
“People assume that for exercise to be beneficial you have to be huffing and puffing, sweating and red-faced afterward,” Roberts said. “This may turn people off, particularly older adults. However, we have found that activities like tai chi can be just as beneficial in improving health.”
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow, gentle circular movements. This low impact exercise uses shifts in body position and stepping in coordination with arm movements.
Sixty-two participants, mostly Korean women, took part in the study. Half the group participated in at least 80 percent of two supervised sessions one hour per week, with three days of home practice for six months, and the other half served as a control group. Those who completed the sessions had significantly improved glucose control and reported higher levels of vitality and energy.
“Those who participated in the tai chi sessions actually had lower blood glucose at three and six months,” Roberts said. “Those individuals also had lower hemoglobin A1c, which means they had better diabetic control.”
In addition to improved blood glucose levels, participants also reported significantly improved mental health. This was very encouraging especially since people with less depression are typically more active and independent, Roberts said.
Tai chi has also been used for people with arthritis and disabilities to increase balance, muscle strength and mobility and to reduce the risk of falls. It is worth investigating its effects in other conditions, especially in older people, Roberts said.
“Tai chi provides a great alternative for people who may want the benefits of exercise on diabetic control but may be physically unable to complete strenuous activities due to age, condition or injury,” Roberts said. “Future studies could examine if tai chi could similarly benefit conditions such as osteoporosis or heart disease.”
Since tai chi is an exercise that involves so many parts of the body and also helps to relax the mind, it is more likely participants will adhere to the exercise, said Paul Lam, a lecturer with the University of South Wales School of Public Health and Community Medicine and a practicing family physician in Sydney, Australia.
“This study shows that tai chi can have a significant effect on the management and treatment of diabetes — a significant and growing health challenge for all Western countries,” Lam said.
-30-
Credits
Media Contact
Tracy Brown Wright, tracyb@ufl.edu, 352-273-6421
Related Posts
Multimedia: UF study: Tai chi can help people with diabetes lower glucose levels
Diabetes T’ai Chi
UF study: Tai chi can help people with diabetes lower glucose levels
Filed under Health, Research on Wednesday, September 30, 2009.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A regular tai chi exercise program can help people better control their diabetes and lower glucose levels, according to a University of Florida study.
In a study of adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, those who participated in a supervised tai chi exercise program two days a week with three days of home practice for six months significantly lowered their fasting blood glucose levels, improved their management of the disease, and enhanced their overall quality of life, including mental health, vitality and energy.
“Tai chi really has similar effects as other aerobic exercises on diabetic control. The difference is tai chi is a low-impact exercise, which means that it’s less stressful on the bones, joints and muscles than more strenuous exercise,” said Beverly Roberts, the Annabel Davis Jenks endowed professor at the UF College of Nursing.
Roberts, with Rhayun Song, of Chungnam National University, studied tai chi’s effect on older Korean residents. The research was featured in the June issue of The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
About 23.6 million children and adults in the United States, or 7.8 percent of the population, have diabetes. It occurs when the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.
Risk factors include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, high blood pressure and cholesterol, a history of gestational diabetes and increased age, many of which can be reduced through exercise.
“People assume that for exercise to be beneficial you have to be huffing and puffing, sweating and red-faced afterward,” Roberts said. “This may turn people off, particularly older adults. However, we have found that activities like tai chi can be just as beneficial in improving health.”
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow, gentle circular movements. This low impact exercise uses shifts in body position and stepping in coordination with arm movements.
Sixty-two participants, mostly Korean women, took part in the study. Half the group participated in at least 80 percent of two supervised sessions one hour per week, with three days of home practice for six months, and the other half served as a control group. Those who completed the sessions had significantly improved glucose control and reported higher levels of vitality and energy.
“Those who participated in the tai chi sessions actually had lower blood glucose at three and six months,” Roberts said. “Those individuals also had lower hemoglobin A1c, which means they had better diabetic control.”
In addition to improved blood glucose levels, participants also reported significantly improved mental health. This was very encouraging especially since people with less depression are typically more active and independent, Roberts said.
Tai chi has also been used for people with arthritis and disabilities to increase balance, muscle strength and mobility and to reduce the risk of falls. It is worth investigating its effects in other conditions, especially in older people, Roberts said.
“Tai chi provides a great alternative for people who may want the benefits of exercise on diabetic control but may be physically unable to complete strenuous activities due to age, condition or injury,” Roberts said. “Future studies could examine if tai chi could similarly benefit conditions such as osteoporosis or heart disease.”
Since tai chi is an exercise that involves so many parts of the body and also helps to relax the mind, it is more likely participants will adhere to the exercise, said Paul Lam, a lecturer with the University of South Wales School of Public Health and Community Medicine and a practicing family physician in Sydney, Australia.
“This study shows that tai chi can have a significant effect on the management and treatment of diabetes — a significant and growing health challenge for all Western countries,” Lam said.
-30-
Credits
Media Contact
Tracy Brown Wright, tracyb@ufl.edu, 352-273-6421
Related Posts
Multimedia: UF study: Tai chi can help people with diabetes lower glucose levels
Diabetes T’ai Chi
Friday, September 18, 2009
Weight lifting and tai chi
In about 1985 I was working out at a Nautilus facility and that's where I met my first tai chi instructor, Bill Grizzle. He studied under Wai-Sun Liao in Chicago. I was wearing an Ed Parker's Studios T-shirt and that started the conversation. Knowing that weights and tai chi were thought to be mutually exclusive by many tai chi people I asked what his teacher would think of him weight-training he said "He'd freak out".
Marc Rowe sent this along on the subject. It's from a website by Fernando Bernall.
The Fitness Professional: A Model in the Health care Field, Part I
Squats and Deadlifts: add-ons for Tai Chi
September 17th, 2009
Squats and deadlifts are considered closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises. Meaning, that the force to overcome the load (barbell), is applied to an unmovable object (the ground) and not to the object being lifted. Open kinetic chain (OKC) exercises differ in that the force applied, moves the load, like in a bench press or bicep curl. In the following article, I will share some thoughts on the common ground these exercises share with tai chi and how, by applying principles of strength training, the tai chi practitioner can develop more functional strength and endurance.
The reader should know that I am fully aware of the negative views held within some Tai Chi circles regarding weight training. It is considered detrimental by many who think that weight lifting distracts from Tai Chi’s internal development and that too much emphasis is placed on muscular strength at the expense of softness and flow.
While I do think that everyone should practice some form of weight training, in particular dead lifts and squats, and seek to increase muscle mass, my intention is to show how principles of resistance training used within weight lifting, can and should be applied to Tai Chi practice. I’ll add that this is a necessity to Tai Chi practitioners who live in the West whose lifestyle is nowhere as physically demanding as that of our Tai Chi forefathers.
The process through which leg strength is gained through squats or dead lifts, is applicable to tai chi practice and several principles of strength and endurance training need to be understood.
GPO: Gradual Progressive Overload
If I’m squatting 3 sets of say 200 lbs. of 15 reps each twice per week, it won’t be long before adaptation takes place. This falls in line with the SAID (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demand) principle. Meaning, that my legs and back will only get as strong (adapt), as they need to be in order to accommodate the 200 lbs of weight (demand). If I want to improve in strength, I need to increase the weight or do more reps to improve in muscular endurance in a GPO fashion.
The same can be said for Tai Chi practice. If the practitioner wants to increase leg strength, then he or she needs to increase the load. However, in contrast to squats or dead lifts (which cover a wider range of motion from the legs being bent to around a 90 degree angle, as in squats, to full extension, and are isotonic in nature), much Tai Chi practice is limited to a given depth of stance through most of form practice. The limited range almost categorizes Tai Chi practice as isometric in nature. This means that the legs are only strong withing a given range of motion.. And, while in the Tai Chi form are some postures that require deeper lowering of the body, these are few and far in between; Snake Creeps Down, comes to mind..
Furthermore, even if the practitioner practiced Tai Chi standing at various depths in order to increase intensity, he is limited by his own weight. Thus, in order to improve in strength through Tai Chi practice, there needs to be change in the daily routine and such change can be accomplished through what is known as FITT (Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type)..
Frequency:
Have we not all heard of practitioners of old practicing their form several times per day? A dozen times and even more on daily basis? Sure we have. Yet, in today’s fast pace lifestyle, many find it difficult to allot sufficient practice time daily. Lamentable, in my opinion, is the creation of short forms which were choreographed for those too busy to practice.
Intensity:
In exercise, intensity is often determined or aimed to, by a percentage of maximum heart rate (MHR) or by a percentage of one rep maximum (1RM). While these parameters are outside of Tai Chi practice, there needs to be method through which intensity can be gauged, even if it is perceived rate of exertion, (PRE). Otherwise, how can one know if improvement is taking place? How is “effort” quantified?
Time:
Here we need to really take an honest look at our practice. We know that shorter forms have been developed to accommodate those whose time limitations prohibits any extended practice time.. But without an appropriate amount of time during one’s practice, how can physiological improvements take place?
We know that it takes at least 15 to 20 minutes of constant exercise before the body enters in the the so called “fat burning zone” How can a 15 minute form bring into play the energy systems involved in weight management? It can’t. If one is to reap any benefit from Tai Chi practice, one should at least commit to 30 minutes or more of daily practice.
Holding postures for a given amount of time and gradually increasing it will also fall under the “Time” aspect of FITT.
Type:
Type can fall into the resistance or cardiovascular approach to form practice. For example, sometimes I like to practice wearing a weighted vest. By adding the weight, my body is challenged from a resistance perspective. Practicing the form at a faster pace presents a cardiovascular component.
Any change on one or more of the FITT items on our Tai Chi practice would change the GPO and thus improve the practice martially and health wise..
Marc Rowe sent this along on the subject. It's from a website by Fernando Bernall.
The Fitness Professional: A Model in the Health care Field, Part I
Squats and Deadlifts: add-ons for Tai Chi
September 17th, 2009
Squats and deadlifts are considered closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises. Meaning, that the force to overcome the load (barbell), is applied to an unmovable object (the ground) and not to the object being lifted. Open kinetic chain (OKC) exercises differ in that the force applied, moves the load, like in a bench press or bicep curl. In the following article, I will share some thoughts on the common ground these exercises share with tai chi and how, by applying principles of strength training, the tai chi practitioner can develop more functional strength and endurance.
The reader should know that I am fully aware of the negative views held within some Tai Chi circles regarding weight training. It is considered detrimental by many who think that weight lifting distracts from Tai Chi’s internal development and that too much emphasis is placed on muscular strength at the expense of softness and flow.
While I do think that everyone should practice some form of weight training, in particular dead lifts and squats, and seek to increase muscle mass, my intention is to show how principles of resistance training used within weight lifting, can and should be applied to Tai Chi practice. I’ll add that this is a necessity to Tai Chi practitioners who live in the West whose lifestyle is nowhere as physically demanding as that of our Tai Chi forefathers.
The process through which leg strength is gained through squats or dead lifts, is applicable to tai chi practice and several principles of strength and endurance training need to be understood.
GPO: Gradual Progressive Overload
If I’m squatting 3 sets of say 200 lbs. of 15 reps each twice per week, it won’t be long before adaptation takes place. This falls in line with the SAID (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demand) principle. Meaning, that my legs and back will only get as strong (adapt), as they need to be in order to accommodate the 200 lbs of weight (demand). If I want to improve in strength, I need to increase the weight or do more reps to improve in muscular endurance in a GPO fashion.
The same can be said for Tai Chi practice. If the practitioner wants to increase leg strength, then he or she needs to increase the load. However, in contrast to squats or dead lifts (which cover a wider range of motion from the legs being bent to around a 90 degree angle, as in squats, to full extension, and are isotonic in nature), much Tai Chi practice is limited to a given depth of stance through most of form practice. The limited range almost categorizes Tai Chi practice as isometric in nature. This means that the legs are only strong withing a given range of motion.. And, while in the Tai Chi form are some postures that require deeper lowering of the body, these are few and far in between; Snake Creeps Down, comes to mind..
Furthermore, even if the practitioner practiced Tai Chi standing at various depths in order to increase intensity, he is limited by his own weight. Thus, in order to improve in strength through Tai Chi practice, there needs to be change in the daily routine and such change can be accomplished through what is known as FITT (Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type)..
Frequency:
Have we not all heard of practitioners of old practicing their form several times per day? A dozen times and even more on daily basis? Sure we have. Yet, in today’s fast pace lifestyle, many find it difficult to allot sufficient practice time daily. Lamentable, in my opinion, is the creation of short forms which were choreographed for those too busy to practice.
Intensity:
In exercise, intensity is often determined or aimed to, by a percentage of maximum heart rate (MHR) or by a percentage of one rep maximum (1RM). While these parameters are outside of Tai Chi practice, there needs to be method through which intensity can be gauged, even if it is perceived rate of exertion, (PRE). Otherwise, how can one know if improvement is taking place? How is “effort” quantified?
Time:
Here we need to really take an honest look at our practice. We know that shorter forms have been developed to accommodate those whose time limitations prohibits any extended practice time.. But without an appropriate amount of time during one’s practice, how can physiological improvements take place?
We know that it takes at least 15 to 20 minutes of constant exercise before the body enters in the the so called “fat burning zone” How can a 15 minute form bring into play the energy systems involved in weight management? It can’t. If one is to reap any benefit from Tai Chi practice, one should at least commit to 30 minutes or more of daily practice.
Holding postures for a given amount of time and gradually increasing it will also fall under the “Time” aspect of FITT.
Type:
Type can fall into the resistance or cardiovascular approach to form practice. For example, sometimes I like to practice wearing a weighted vest. By adding the weight, my body is challenged from a resistance perspective. Practicing the form at a faster pace presents a cardiovascular component.
Any change on one or more of the FITT items on our Tai Chi practice would change the GPO and thus improve the practice martially and health wise..
Monday, July 20, 2009
Tai chi
I met Bob Amacker through my tai chi teacher, Tom Baeli, about 14-15 years ago. He taught a seminar for Tom's students at my studio. I sat in on it and have to say that when he said something to the effect of "If you can't do a side-kick, you're not doing tai chi", I gave a mental cheer. Bob does the ch'uan (fist) martial application of tai chi. He made a few analogies that I refer to today when I teach and his presentation confirmed once again that certain principles cross cross style and system lines.
Tom recently got an e-mail from Bob, who is currently living and teaching in Moscow. Yes, the Russian Moscow, not Idaho. Below is what Bob wrote.
Please give my best to Lee Wedlake. He is one of the few people in America that seems interested in TCC as something other than an inadequate religion, and I really appreciate his interest, more than he can imagine.
I'm sure that some of the stuff in that workshop (at Lee's) I may have revised or even contradicted by now, as my understanding is much greater than at that time.
Tell Lee that my martial explanations were actually somewhat incomplete, as I did not understand the full implications of the separation of substantial and insubstantial. One thing is for sure: T'ai Chi Ch'uan is the most sophisticated view of boxing that has ever been created, and there seems no end to its depth. How anyone can call himself a master of it is beyond my comprehension, and my respect for the geniuses who contributed to its evolution constantly increases.
Bob mirrors my thinking in that the complexities of the arts make mastery truly difficult and the level of genius is astounding. He also acknowledges that we grow over time and that what we taught in the past may not be what we teach today. I hear complaints from people that their teachers don't teach the way they did before or what they did previously. But teachers have to grow, too and that creates change. I have to thank both Tom and Bob for this short exchange. There are substantial lessons here.
You can see Bob on YouTube. His website is www.bobamacker.com
Tom Baeli has a site at www.stonemonkeytaichi.com
Tom recently got an e-mail from Bob, who is currently living and teaching in Moscow. Yes, the Russian Moscow, not Idaho. Below is what Bob wrote.
Please give my best to Lee Wedlake. He is one of the few people in America that seems interested in TCC as something other than an inadequate religion, and I really appreciate his interest, more than he can imagine.
I'm sure that some of the stuff in that workshop (at Lee's) I may have revised or even contradicted by now, as my understanding is much greater than at that time.
Tell Lee that my martial explanations were actually somewhat incomplete, as I did not understand the full implications of the separation of substantial and insubstantial. One thing is for sure: T'ai Chi Ch'uan is the most sophisticated view of boxing that has ever been created, and there seems no end to its depth. How anyone can call himself a master of it is beyond my comprehension, and my respect for the geniuses who contributed to its evolution constantly increases.
Bob mirrors my thinking in that the complexities of the arts make mastery truly difficult and the level of genius is astounding. He also acknowledges that we grow over time and that what we taught in the past may not be what we teach today. I hear complaints from people that their teachers don't teach the way they did before or what they did previously. But teachers have to grow, too and that creates change. I have to thank both Tom and Bob for this short exchange. There are substantial lessons here.
You can see Bob on YouTube. His website is www.bobamacker.com
Tom Baeli has a site at www.stonemonkeytaichi.com
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
New tai chi site
My tai chi teacher, Tom Baeli, has started a brand new new site at www.stonemonkeytaichi.com. Take a look.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
The doctor is in
Dr. Rowe found this and passed it on to me about tai chi and diabetes.
London, Apr 1: Tai Chi Chuan, the traditional Chinese martial arts exercises, could help curb symptoms of type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.The study suggested that Tai Chi might prompt a fall in blood glucose levels, or improve blood glucose metabolism, triggering a drop in the inflammatory response, reports the British Medical Journal.The findings of the study indicate that regular Tai Chi Chuan exercise improves T cell helper function of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with an increase in T-bet transcription factor and IL-12 production.T cells are a vital constituent of the body's immune system, which generate powerful chemicals, including interleukins (ILs), which alter the immune response.For the study, the scientists examined the impact of a 12-week programme of Tai Chi exercises on the T helper cell activity of 30 patients with type 2 diabetes and 30 healthy people of the same age.The researchers observed that at the end of the 12-week programme, there was a significant fall of 7.59 percent to 7.16 percent in the glycated haemoglobin levels in the diabetic patients. It was found that the levels of interleukin-12, which boosts the immune response, doubled; while the levels of interleukin-4, which suppresses the immune response fell. In addition, there was a significant increase in T cell activity.The authors of the study said that strenuous physical activity result in disruption of the immune system response, but moderate exercise appears to trigger the opposite effect. Tai Chi is classified as moderate exercise.Previous research has shown that it boosts cardiovascular and respiratory function, as well as improving flexibility and relieving stress, they added.Tai Chi may prompt a fall in blood glucose levels, or improve blood glucose metabolism, sparking a drop in the inflammatory response.In a separate study, a 12 week programme of Tai Chi and Qigong (another Chinese exercise) prompted a significant fall in blood glucose levels and significant improvements in other indicators of the metabolic syndrome in 11 middle aged to older adults.The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of symptoms, including high blood pressure and high blood glucose that is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.The study was published ahead of print in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. (ANI)
London, Apr 1: Tai Chi Chuan, the traditional Chinese martial arts exercises, could help curb symptoms of type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.The study suggested that Tai Chi might prompt a fall in blood glucose levels, or improve blood glucose metabolism, triggering a drop in the inflammatory response, reports the British Medical Journal.The findings of the study indicate that regular Tai Chi Chuan exercise improves T cell helper function of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with an increase in T-bet transcription factor and IL-12 production.T cells are a vital constituent of the body's immune system, which generate powerful chemicals, including interleukins (ILs), which alter the immune response.For the study, the scientists examined the impact of a 12-week programme of Tai Chi exercises on the T helper cell activity of 30 patients with type 2 diabetes and 30 healthy people of the same age.The researchers observed that at the end of the 12-week programme, there was a significant fall of 7.59 percent to 7.16 percent in the glycated haemoglobin levels in the diabetic patients. It was found that the levels of interleukin-12, which boosts the immune response, doubled; while the levels of interleukin-4, which suppresses the immune response fell. In addition, there was a significant increase in T cell activity.The authors of the study said that strenuous physical activity result in disruption of the immune system response, but moderate exercise appears to trigger the opposite effect. Tai Chi is classified as moderate exercise.Previous research has shown that it boosts cardiovascular and respiratory function, as well as improving flexibility and relieving stress, they added.Tai Chi may prompt a fall in blood glucose levels, or improve blood glucose metabolism, sparking a drop in the inflammatory response.In a separate study, a 12 week programme of Tai Chi and Qigong (another Chinese exercise) prompted a significant fall in blood glucose levels and significant improvements in other indicators of the metabolic syndrome in 11 middle aged to older adults.The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of symptoms, including high blood pressure and high blood glucose that is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.The study was published ahead of print in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. (ANI)
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The doctor is in
Marc Rowe found this snippet on how tai chi helps one develop greater sensitivity in your feet.
Journal Article
Does Tai Chi improve plantar sensory ability? A pilot study.
Richerson S, Rosendale K. Diabetes Technol Ther 2007; 9(3): 276-86.
Correspondence: unavailable Affiliation: Biomedical Engineering Program,
Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, USA.
richerss@msoe.edu DOI: 10.1089/dia.2006.0033 What is this? (Copyright ©
2007, Mary Ann Liebert)
BACKGROUND: Aging adversely affects balance and
increases the propensity to slip and fall. Loss of plantar sensation due to
diabetic peripheral neuropathy and other diseases has been shown to further
increase this propensity to fall. The ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi has
been previously shown as a method to improve balance in healthy elderly
adults.
METHODS: The aim of this study was to determine if Tai Chi
intervention improved both balance and plantar sensory perception in healthy
elderly adults and elderly adults with diabetes and plantar sensory loss.
Elderly subjects (mean +/- SD age = 73.1 +/- 5.9 years, n = 18) were tested
for plantar sensory ability and several balance metrics before Tai Chi
training and again after 6 months of weekly sessions. Participants were
grouped by initial sensory perception scores (as measured by a vibrometer)
in order to make inferences on the effects of Tai Chi on sensory perception.
RESULTS: Plantar sensation results show all participants showed significant
improvement in sensory ability with the 6 months of Tai Chi training. All
groups also had a general improvement in all balance measures, with the
greatest improvement seen in those subjects with large sensory losses.
Hemoglobin A1C measurements also decreased as a result of the intervention.
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of Tai Chi training as
a method of improving plantar sensation and balance in elderly adults and
elderly adults with diabetes with a large plantar sensation loss.
Journal Article
Does Tai Chi improve plantar sensory ability? A pilot study.
Richerson S, Rosendale K. Diabetes Technol Ther 2007; 9(3): 276-86.
Correspondence: unavailable Affiliation: Biomedical Engineering Program,
Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, USA.
richerss@msoe.edu DOI: 10.1089/dia.2006.0033 What is this? (Copyright ©
2007, Mary Ann Liebert)
BACKGROUND: Aging adversely affects balance and
increases the propensity to slip and fall. Loss of plantar sensation due to
diabetic peripheral neuropathy and other diseases has been shown to further
increase this propensity to fall. The ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi has
been previously shown as a method to improve balance in healthy elderly
adults.
METHODS: The aim of this study was to determine if Tai Chi
intervention improved both balance and plantar sensory perception in healthy
elderly adults and elderly adults with diabetes and plantar sensory loss.
Elderly subjects (mean +/- SD age = 73.1 +/- 5.9 years, n = 18) were tested
for plantar sensory ability and several balance metrics before Tai Chi
training and again after 6 months of weekly sessions. Participants were
grouped by initial sensory perception scores (as measured by a vibrometer)
in order to make inferences on the effects of Tai Chi on sensory perception.
RESULTS: Plantar sensation results show all participants showed significant
improvement in sensory ability with the 6 months of Tai Chi training. All
groups also had a general improvement in all balance measures, with the
greatest improvement seen in those subjects with large sensory losses.
Hemoglobin A1C measurements also decreased as a result of the intervention.
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of Tai Chi training as
a method of improving plantar sensation and balance in elderly adults and
elderly adults with diabetes with a large plantar sensation loss.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Dr. Marc again
I hadn't seen Dr. Rowe for a while because our schedules just haven't meshed but he got to class this week and we had a chance to talk. He is a volunteer with the Coast Guard Auxiliary and his position somewhat mirrors mine with the Civil Air Patrol. We both give briefings for our respective groups from time to time and we were discussing Search and Rescue subjects on Wednesday after class. In the course of the discussion we were talking about the common types of people we run across in our activities and the in-your-face know-it-all type came up. (You're going to love this.)
Marc said he was starting a briefing on drowning, something pretty important to the USCG and boating community. As he starts one of these guys raises his hand and says that there was a paper done by the University of Miami on the subject and that is stated blah, blah, blah, and that it was the definitive work on the subject. Marc thanked him for that. The kicker is that MARC WROTE THAT PAPER. Marc didn't tell him that, he's got too much class for that, but I thought it was temendously funny.
Anyway, here's an article on tai chi and falls in older people that Marc sent along.
Tai chi training may help reduce falls in the elderly
Emory University
March 29, 2004
Emory University researchers have found that intense training in tai chi,
the ancient Chinese martial arts form, may help reduce the risks of falls in
elderly, frail adults. But the benefit of the exercise is somewhat less
pronounced than in more active, "robust" seniors, according to lead
researcher Steven Wolf, PhD, FAPTA, a professor in the department of
rehabilitation medicine at Emory University School of Medicine.
The advantages of the tai chi training in a study population defined as
"transitioning to frailty" became most apparent by the fourth month of the
study, when risks of falling were reduced by 40%, as participants became
less dependent on walkers and wheelchairs and learned the movements of tai
chi. The $1.2 million study was funded by the National Institute of Aging, a
branch of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and results were published
recently in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Association.
Researchers enrolled more than 300 participants from 70-97 years of age in
the 48-week study. All participants lived in assisted-living facilities in
the Atlanta area. Participants were randomized by the facilities in which
they lived to learn either tai chi or to take wellness education classes.
All participants had to be "transitioning to frailty" and all had to have
fallen one or more times in the year before they were enrolled in the study.
"In a previous study known as the FICSIT (Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative
Studies of Intervention Techniques) study, we looked at the effects of tai
chi, balance training and wellness education in elderly people," said Wolf.
"This study enrolled older individuals in the community who were otherwise
healthy and strong, often identified as 'robust'. The results showed that
tai chi had the most profound effect in fall prevention, reducing the risks
of multiple falls by 47.5%, when compared to balance training and wellness
education."
This research study and its findings, published in 1996, were selected as
the best paper in the 1990s by the Journal of the American Geriatrics
Association out of about 1400 other entries.
"With information from the FICSIT study, we decided to evaluate the
population that is considered to be 'transitioning to frailty' to determine
if the outcomes are similar. We haven't looked at tai chi training in less
healthy individuals until now," said Wolf.
The tai chi participants in the most recent study took classes twice a week.
Tai chi consists of slow, rhythmic movements that emphasize trunk rotation,
weight shifting and coordination. Participants in the wellness education
class gathered once a week to learn about fall prevention, exercise and
balance, diet and nutrition, medication management and other topics. Handout
material was provided, but there was no formal instruction in exercise.
"While we saw a 40% decline in falls from the fourth month on in the tai chi
group, we also saw a slight decline in the number of falls per month in the
wellness education group," said Wolf. "Health promotion can be an effective
intervention in preventing disease or injury. The wellness education
activities may have motivated some participants to become more physically
active, adopt healthier and safer lifestyles, and thus reduce their risk
factors for falling," Wolf explained.
Over the 48-week study period, 46% of the participants did not fall. The
percentage of participants who fell at least once in the tai chi group was
47.6 and 60.3% in the wellness education group.
The study also looked at the participants' education and fall rates.
Participants in the tai chi group with no high school degree had
significantly lower fall rates than those in the wellness education group.
This article was prepared by Biotech Week editors from staff and other
reports.
©Copyright 2003, via NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net
Marc said he was starting a briefing on drowning, something pretty important to the USCG and boating community. As he starts one of these guys raises his hand and says that there was a paper done by the University of Miami on the subject and that is stated blah, blah, blah, and that it was the definitive work on the subject. Marc thanked him for that. The kicker is that MARC WROTE THAT PAPER. Marc didn't tell him that, he's got too much class for that, but I thought it was temendously funny.
Anyway, here's an article on tai chi and falls in older people that Marc sent along.
Tai chi training may help reduce falls in the elderly
Emory University
March 29, 2004
Emory University researchers have found that intense training in tai chi,
the ancient Chinese martial arts form, may help reduce the risks of falls in
elderly, frail adults. But the benefit of the exercise is somewhat less
pronounced than in more active, "robust" seniors, according to lead
researcher Steven Wolf, PhD, FAPTA, a professor in the department of
rehabilitation medicine at Emory University School of Medicine.
The advantages of the tai chi training in a study population defined as
"transitioning to frailty" became most apparent by the fourth month of the
study, when risks of falling were reduced by 40%, as participants became
less dependent on walkers and wheelchairs and learned the movements of tai
chi. The $1.2 million study was funded by the National Institute of Aging, a
branch of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and results were published
recently in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Association.
Researchers enrolled more than 300 participants from 70-97 years of age in
the 48-week study. All participants lived in assisted-living facilities in
the Atlanta area. Participants were randomized by the facilities in which
they lived to learn either tai chi or to take wellness education classes.
All participants had to be "transitioning to frailty" and all had to have
fallen one or more times in the year before they were enrolled in the study.
"In a previous study known as the FICSIT (Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative
Studies of Intervention Techniques) study, we looked at the effects of tai
chi, balance training and wellness education in elderly people," said Wolf.
"This study enrolled older individuals in the community who were otherwise
healthy and strong, often identified as 'robust'. The results showed that
tai chi had the most profound effect in fall prevention, reducing the risks
of multiple falls by 47.5%, when compared to balance training and wellness
education."
This research study and its findings, published in 1996, were selected as
the best paper in the 1990s by the Journal of the American Geriatrics
Association out of about 1400 other entries.
"With information from the FICSIT study, we decided to evaluate the
population that is considered to be 'transitioning to frailty' to determine
if the outcomes are similar. We haven't looked at tai chi training in less
healthy individuals until now," said Wolf.
The tai chi participants in the most recent study took classes twice a week.
Tai chi consists of slow, rhythmic movements that emphasize trunk rotation,
weight shifting and coordination. Participants in the wellness education
class gathered once a week to learn about fall prevention, exercise and
balance, diet and nutrition, medication management and other topics. Handout
material was provided, but there was no formal instruction in exercise.
"While we saw a 40% decline in falls from the fourth month on in the tai chi
group, we also saw a slight decline in the number of falls per month in the
wellness education group," said Wolf. "Health promotion can be an effective
intervention in preventing disease or injury. The wellness education
activities may have motivated some participants to become more physically
active, adopt healthier and safer lifestyles, and thus reduce their risk
factors for falling," Wolf explained.
Over the 48-week study period, 46% of the participants did not fall. The
percentage of participants who fell at least once in the tai chi group was
47.6 and 60.3% in the wellness education group.
The study also looked at the participants' education and fall rates.
Participants in the tai chi group with no high school degree had
significantly lower fall rates than those in the wellness education group.
This article was prepared by Biotech Week editors from staff and other
reports.
©Copyright 2003, via NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Young instructors, Gear Up!
The following article from the Miami Sun-Sentinel was sent by Marc Rowe and it pertains to the projected increase of population having arthitis and how tai chi can help. In the coming years more and more of us will be looking for alternative treatments. So, young instructors; learn tai chi well!
Florida will see the nation's biggest leap in arthritis cases by the year 2030 as today's seniors and Baby Boomers succumb to the age-related degeneration of the joints, federal researchers said Thursday.Obesity and inactive lifestyles also will help fuel the boom in arthritis, driving up health costs and straining parts of the medical system. The authors of the federal study called for people to exercise more and shed excess pounds to stave off the disease and lessen its debilitating effects."The population is growing so quickly in Florida and is aging," said the lead author, Mark Freedman, a researcher at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "But there are things we can do about [arthritis], things that work."Elizabeth Zahn has already started. The Lake Worth nurse, 67, who was disabled years ago by arthritis, said she barely got out of her chair until she joined a tai chi class given by the Arthritis Foundation in Palm Beach County."It's amazing, the change," Zahn said. "I would just sit and do nothing all day. Now after eight weeks of tai chi, I've cut down on my pain medications, I've cut down on my steroid pills" and cut the use of an electrical stimulator for back pain.The CDC study found that Florida, with 3.7 million arthritis sufferers, would see the number balloon to 6.3 million by 2030. That rise is larger than projected in any state and would make Florida second behind California in arthritis.
The researchers suggested more money for exercise programs and classes on coping with arthritis, which has more than 100 varieties. Only 11 percent of patients now enroll."I guess people are busy and they just don't want to commit," said Susie Rhodes, a foundation coordinator in West Palm Beach. "If the joints keep moving, they're less apt to be inflamed and sore and stiff. Just simple things like walking and stretching will help."
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/health/sfl-rxarth04may04,0,7948505.story?coll=sfla-news-health
**************************************
Lee Wedlake has been teaching Kenpo Karate for over 35 years and has written a variety of Kenpo Books about different kenpo katas and kenpo concepts. Mr. Wedlake has worked directly with Ed Parker and is generous with his knowledge and his time. He is available for Kenpo Seminars and camps.
Florida will see the nation's biggest leap in arthritis cases by the year 2030 as today's seniors and Baby Boomers succumb to the age-related degeneration of the joints, federal researchers said Thursday.Obesity and inactive lifestyles also will help fuel the boom in arthritis, driving up health costs and straining parts of the medical system. The authors of the federal study called for people to exercise more and shed excess pounds to stave off the disease and lessen its debilitating effects."The population is growing so quickly in Florida and is aging," said the lead author, Mark Freedman, a researcher at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "But there are things we can do about [arthritis], things that work."Elizabeth Zahn has already started. The Lake Worth nurse, 67, who was disabled years ago by arthritis, said she barely got out of her chair until she joined a tai chi class given by the Arthritis Foundation in Palm Beach County."It's amazing, the change," Zahn said. "I would just sit and do nothing all day. Now after eight weeks of tai chi, I've cut down on my pain medications, I've cut down on my steroid pills" and cut the use of an electrical stimulator for back pain.The CDC study found that Florida, with 3.7 million arthritis sufferers, would see the number balloon to 6.3 million by 2030. That rise is larger than projected in any state and would make Florida second behind California in arthritis.
The researchers suggested more money for exercise programs and classes on coping with arthritis, which has more than 100 varieties. Only 11 percent of patients now enroll."I guess people are busy and they just don't want to commit," said Susie Rhodes, a foundation coordinator in West Palm Beach. "If the joints keep moving, they're less apt to be inflamed and sore and stiff. Just simple things like walking and stretching will help."
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/health/sfl-rxarth04may04,0,7948505.story?coll=sfla-news-health
**************************************
Lee Wedlake has been teaching Kenpo Karate for over 35 years and has written a variety of Kenpo Books about different kenpo katas and kenpo concepts. Mr. Wedlake has worked directly with Ed Parker and is generous with his knowledge and his time. He is available for Kenpo Seminars and camps.
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