Acute effects of different Tai Chi practice protocols on cardiac autonomic modulation

Abstract

Tai Chi serves as an effective exercise modality for enhancing autonomic regulation. However, a majority of existing studies have employed the single routine (SR) protocol as the basis for health interventions. The extent to which the gong routine application (GRA) protocol achieves similar levels of exercise load stimulation as traditional single practice routines remains uncertain. Therefore, this study the distinct characteristics of autonomic load stimulation in these different protocols, thus providing a biological foundation to support the development of Tai Chi health promotion intervention programs. we recruited a cohort of forty-five university students to participate in the 15 min GRA protocol and SR protocol. We collected heart rate and heart rate variability indicators during periods of rest, GRA protocol, and SR protocol utilizing the Polar Scale. Additionally, we assessed the mental state of the participants using the BFS State of Mind Scale. In summary, the autonomic load is lower in the GRA protocol compared to the SR protocol, with lower sympathetic activity but higher parasympathetic activity in the former. Results are specific to college students, additional research is necessary to extend support for frail older adults. It is advised to incorporate GRA protocol alongside SR protocol in Tai Chi instruction. This approach is likely to enhance Tai Chi skills and yield greater health benefits.

Keywords: Heart rate variability; Intensity; Tai Chi; University student.

Figure 1

Schematic diagram of the experimental data collection process.

Figure 2

Schematic diagram of the 24-form Tai Chi's gong routine application protocol.

Figure 3

Schematic diagram of heart rate comparison between the state of 24-form Tai Chi’s GRA protocol and SR protocol. (Note: ****P < 0.05;the symbol "****" above each bar indicates a significant difference compared to the quiet state, P < 0.05; the HR between the two groups is significantly different, P < 0.05.

Figure 4

Schematic diagram of the RMSSD comparison between the state of 24-form Tai Chi’s GRA protocol and SR protocol. Note: ****P < 0.05;the symbol “****” above each bar indicates a significant difference compared to the quiet state, P < 0.05; the RMSSD between the two groups is significantly different, P < 0.05.

Figure 5

Schematic diagram of the HF (nu) comparison between the state of 24-form Tai Chi’s GRA protocol and SR protocol. Note: ****: P < 0.05;the symbol "****" above each bar indicates a significant difference compared to the quiet state, P < 0.05; the HF(nu) between the two groups is significantly different, P < 0.05.

Figure 6

Schematic diagram of the LF (nu) comparison between the state of 24-form Tai Chi’s GRA protocol and SR protocol. Note: ****P < 0.05;the symbol "****" above each bar indicates a significant difference compared to the quiet state, P < 0.05; the LF (nu) between the two groups is significantly different, P < 0.05.

Figure 7

Schematic diagram of the LF/HF comparison between the state of 24-form Tai Chi’s GRA protocol and SR protocol. Note: ****P < 0.05;the symbol "****" above each bar indicates a significant difference compared to the quiet state, P < 0.05; the LF/HF between the two groups is significantly different, P < 0.05.

Figure 8

Schematic diagram of the Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability comparison between each stage of the GRA protocol. Note: ****P < 0.05;the symbol "****" above each bar indicates a significant difference compared to the quiet state, P < 0.05; the indicates between the two groups is significantly different, P < 0.05.