Short-form Sun-style t’ai chi as an exercise training modality in people with COPD

The aims of the study were to determine the effect of short-form Sun-style t'ai chi (SSTC) (part A) and investigate exercise intensity of SSTC (part B) in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Part A: after confirmation of eligibility, participants were randomly allocated to either the t'ai chi group or control group (usual medical care). Participants in the t'ai chi group trained twice weekly for 12 weeks. Part B: participants who had completed training in the t'ai chi group performed a peak exercise test (incremental shuttle walk test) and SSTC while oxygen consumption (VO₂) was measured. Exercise intensity of SSTC was determined by the per cent of VO₂ reserve. Of 42 participants (mean ± sd forced expiratory volume in 1 s 59 ± 16% predicted), 38 completed part A and 15 completed part B. Compared to control, SSTC significantly increased endurance shuttle walk time (mean difference 384 s, 95% CI 186-510); reduced medial-lateral body sway in semi-tandem stand (mean difference -12.4 mm, 95% CI -21- -3); and increased total score on the chronic respiratory disease questionnaire (mean difference 11 points, 95% CI 4-18). The exercise intensity of SSTC was 53 ± 18% of VO2 reserve. SSTC was an effective training modality in people with COPD achieving a moderate exercise intensity which meets the training recommendations.