Practicing tai chi may help stroke patients reduce their risk of depression, anxiety or stress, according to new findings presented virtually at EuroHeartCare – ACNAP Congress 2021, an online congress hosted by the European Society of Cardiology.
Approximately one in three stroke survivors feel the effects of depression, leading to increased stress and anxiety in addition poor sleeping habits. Tai chi, with its focus on relaxation and releasing tension, seems like it was practically designed with these specific issues in mind.
“Mind-body interventions are commonly used among adults to lessen depressive symptoms,” study author Ruth Taylor-Piliae, PhD, RN, an associate professor at the University of Arizona in Tucson, said in a prepared statement. “Tai chi practice allows the individual to quiet the mind by dwelling in the present and setting aside unnecessary negative emotions, such as depression.”
Taylor-Piliae et al. focused on 11 stroke survivors who reported experiencing symptoms associated with depression. Their average age was 70 years old, and 55% were male.
All study participants attended three tai chi classes per week for eight weeks. Each class included a 10-minute warm-up period, 40 minutes of tai chi and 10 more minutes to cool down. Participants learned approximately two new tai chi movements per week.
Overall, the authors observed, participants reported significant reductions in their symptoms after taking the eight-week course. Sleep patterns also improved.
“At baseline, the participants reported mild to moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress,” Taylor-Piliae added. “I was surprised and pleased with the improvements we observed in these self-reported symptoms and in sleep with just an eight-week intervention.”
Blood work also showed that there was lower activity of markers of oxidative stress after the patients completed the tai chi course. Markers of inflammation in the blood, meanwhile, showed no signs of change.
The researchers did note that their study had a small sample size, adding that a randomized trial with “a larger group of patients” is already in the works.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.