ABSTRACT
HARVEY KURLAND
This study measured the oxygen consumption of two Yang style t’ai-chi ch’uan instructors to determine their energy expenditure. T’ai-chi ch’uan (taijiquan) is a Chinese martial art practiced by Chinese Seniors for low intensity exercise and health promotion. There are five major styles, which differ in intensity and emphasis. Yang style is the most popular style and is characterized by a basic choreographed form of from 24 to over 264 movements done slowly and smoothly. This study measured the oxygen consumption of two expert Yang stylists to determine energy expenditure. Subject I (S-I) performed a 20 minute form and ranged from VE of 10.8 L/m to 18.5 L/m; VO2 of 549 to 795 ml/m; VO2 of 7.4 to 12.4 ml/kg/m; RER from 0.72 to 0.86. Subject II (S-II) did an 8 min form with VE from 15.3 to 20.3 L/m; VO2 from 750 to 828 ml/m; VO2 from 9.3 to 11.1 ml/kg/m; RER from 0.70 to 0.86. Mean values for S-I was VE 13.8 L/m; VO2 669 ml/m; VO2 10.4 ml/kg/m; RER 0.78. Mean values for S-II were VE 17.3 L/m; VO2 777 ml/m; VO2 10.4 ml/kg/m; RER 0.78. Both subjects averaged VO2 of 10.4 ml/kg/min and RER of 0.78.
Conclusion: The Yang style slow forms studied are examples of low intensity aerobic exercise.
Note: This data suggests that t’ai-chi ch’uan form studied is a suitable aerobic exercise for those people with low maximal capacities, such as in the 6 MET range and can be substituted for walking programs (3 mph pace). Those students with high blood pressure should be monitored to assure you that the movements do not cause any untoward raising of blood pressure.
This research was presented 11/23/91 at the SW Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine annual meeting in San Diego and published in SPORTS MEDICINE, TRAINING AND REHABILITATION, 1992, Vol. # 3, p 228.