Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a serious public health problem in Hong Kong and worldwide. Older adults, the age group with the highest prevalence of MetS, may prefer specific exercise modalities that are suitable for their regular participation to manage MetS. This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Tai Chi, a very suitable exercise for older adults, to alleviate MetS in older population
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a serious public health problem in Hong Kong and worldwide. Older adults, the age by specific exercise modalities that are suitable for regular participation. This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Tai Chi to alleviate MetS in older population. DESIGN \& METHODS: This study is a three-arm assesscer blinded randomized controlled trial. Older adults aged 50 years or above with abdominal obesity will be randomly assigned to passive control, active control and Tai Chi groups. Subjects assigned to Tai Chi and active control groups will receive a 12-week intervention of Tai Chi and generic fitness, respectively. No intervention will be given to the passive control group. Outcome measures including waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, triglyceride and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol will be assessed at baseline, post-intervention and follow-up (6 months after the end of intervention) assessments in all groups. HYPOTHESES: We hypothesize that: 1) improvements of waist circumference and other indicators of MetS are found in Tai Chi group but not in passive control group and 2) improvements of waist circumference and other indicators of MetS are more profound in Tai Chi group than active control group.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
543
Subjects in this group will receive three 1-hour conventional exercise training sections per week for 12 weeks
Subjects in this group will receive three 1-hour tai chi training sections per week for 12 weeks
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Waist circumference
Waist circumference will be measured midway between the lowest rib and the superior border of the iliac crest using an inelastic measuring tape on the bare skin to the nearest 0.1 cm. Measurement will be performed at the end of normal expiration.
Time frame: Immediately after completion of the 12-week intervention
Waist circumference
Waist circumference will be measured midway between the lowest rib and the superior border of the iliac crest using an inelastic measuring tape on the bare skin to the nearest 0.1 cm. Measurement will be performed at the end of normal expiration.
Time frame: 6 months after the completion of intervention
Remission of central obesity
The percentage of subjects that no longer diagnosed with central obesity according to the criterion of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) for abdominal obesity using Asian-specific cut off (waist circumference ≥ 90 cm for male; ≥ 80 cm for female).
Time frame: Immediately after completion of the 12-week intervention and 6 months after the completion of intervention
Blood triglyceride
Biochemical measurements will be performed in venous blood samples collected after overnight fast. Subjects will come to our laboratory after an overnight (≥ 8 hours) fasting. Subjects will sit in a quiet environment for 15 minutes prior to blood collection. Venous blood will be drawn from an antecubital vein in the forearm by a licensed phlebotomist. The level of blood triglyceride will be measured by an accredited medical laboratory.
Time frame: Immediately after completion of the 12-week intervention and 6 months after the completion of intervention
High density lipoprotein-cholesterol
Biochemical measurements will be performed in venous blood samples collected after overnight fast. Subjects will come to our laboratory after an overnight (≥ 8 hours) fasting. Subjects will sit in a quiet environment for 15 minutes prior to blood collection. Venous blood will be drawn from an antecubital vein in the forearm by a licensed phlebotomist. The level of HDL-cholesterol will be measured by an accredited medical laboratory.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: Immediately after completion of the 12-week intervention and 6 months after the completion of intervention
Fasting blood glucose
Biochemical measurements will be performed in venous blood samples collected after overnight fast. Subjects will come to our laboratory after an overnight (≥ 8 hours) fasting. Subjects will sit in a quiet environment for 15 minutes prior to blood collection. Venous blood will be drawn from an antecubital vein in the forearm by a licensed phlebotomist. The level of blood glucose will be measured by an accredited medical laboratory.
Time frame: Immediately after completion of the 12-week intervention and 6 months after the completion of intervention
Systolic blood pressure
Blood pressure measurement will be measured on the right arm after a 5-minute seated rest using the Datascope Accutorr Plus BP Monitor. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure will be obtained over brachial artery region with the arm supported at heart level using appropriate sized cuff. The average of two measurements taken within one minute interval will be recorded for analysis.
Time frame: Immediately after completion of the 12-week intervention and 6 months after the completion of intervention
Diastolic blood pressure
Blood pressure measurement will be measured on the right arm after a 5-minute seated rest using the Datascope Accutorr Plus BP Monitor. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure will be obtained over brachial artery region with the arm supported at heart level using appropriate sized cuff. The average of two measurements taken within one minute interval will be recorded for analysis.
Time frame: Immediately after completion of the 12-week intervention and 6 months after the completion of intervention
Bodyweight
A calibrated electronic digital weighing scale with a capacity from 0.05kg to 150kg (± 0.05kg accuracy) will be used to weigh the subjects.
Time frame: Immediately after completion of the 12-week intervention and 6 months after the completion of intervention
Body mass index
A calibrated electronic digital weighing scale with a capacity from 0.05kg to 150kg (± 0.05kg accuracy) will be used to weigh the subjects. A stadiometer (Holtain Ltd., UK) with 200 cm limit and ± 0.01 cm accuracy will be used to measure body height. The BMI will be calculated from the body weight and height.
Time frame: Immediately after completion of the 12-week intervention and 6 months after the completion of intervention