Effect of Tai Chi exercise for hypertension: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objectives: We designed this study to evaluate the effect of Tai Chi exercise for hypertension patients. Methods: RCTs designed to evaluate the effect of Tai Chi exercise for hypertension patients were searched from Science Direct, EBSCO, Pub Med, CNKI and Wanfang databases. Results: The meta-analysis found that (ATC) the SBP (WMD = 13.19 mmHg; 95%CI: 11.52 to 14.87; P < 0.0001) and DBP (WMD = 8.92 mmHg; 95% CI: 7.94 to 9.90; P< 0.0001) can be significantly reduced after Tai Chi exercise compared to before Tai Chi exercise (BTC). ATC significantly improved the content of NO (WMD =−7.98mmol/L; 95%CI: −10.63 to −5.33; P < 0.0001), and decreased the content of TG (WMD =0.22mmol/ml; 95%CI: 0.06 to 0.38; P =0.006) and LDL-C (WMD =0.20mmol/ml; 95%CI: 0.13 to 0.26; P < 0.0001). There was no obvious difference between ATC and BTC on HR (WMD = 1.64; 95%CI: −0.51 to 3.97; P =0.14), TC (WMD = −0.03mmol/ml; 95%CI: −0.22 to 0.17; P =0.80) and HDL-C (WMD =−0.04 mmol/ml; 95%CI: −0.09 to 0.01; P =0.13). Conclusions: As a valid treatment for hypertension patients, Tai Chi exercise can decrease SBP, DBP, TG, LDL-C and increase NO.