Abstract

Objectives : The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of a 4 weeks Meridian Tai Ji exercise treatment on blood pressure reducing in hypertensive patients. Methods : We measured the blood pressure of 3 patients who were visited in the Gwacheon Health center from 21th November 2007 to 17th December 2007. Eligible participants had systolic blood pressure ${\geq}$ 120 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ${\geq}$ 80 mmHg with antihypertensive drug. Blood pressure measurements were after the patient had been in rest for at least 10 minute. Twelve sessions of Meridian Tai Ji exercise treatment over 4 weeks were performed in the patients. Blood pressure were measured twice before and after each session. Results : After 4 weeks, blood pressure reduction was observed in the treatment patients, with an average decline of systolic blood pressure up to 5.67 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure up to 0.17 mmHg. But, it was not statistically significant. Blood pressure increased between measurements taken before and after an Meridian Tai Ji exercise treatment session, although individual responses were quite variable. No significant difference was found in the immediate effect. Conclusion : Twelve sessions of Meridian Tai Ji exercise treatment do not seem to control hypertension. Further research is required to determine whether Meridian Tai Ji exercise treatment can enhance clinical management of hypertension if it is used in combination with more enrolled participants, over longer periods, or randomized controlled trial.

Keywords

• hypertension;
• Tai Ji;
• complementary therapies