MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ricardo Stein, MD, ScD Exercise Cardiology Research Group, Cardiology Division Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil MedicalResearch: What is the background for this study? Dr. Stein: Patients with a recent myocardial infarction (MI) present a reduction in functional capacity expressed as a decrease in peak oxygen consumption (VO₂ peak). The impact of a Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) cardiac rehabilitation program for patients recovering from recent MI has yet to be assessed. Our goal was to evaluate functional capacity after a TCC-based cardiac rehabilitation program in patients with recent non complicated MI. MedicalResearch: What are the main findings? Dr. Stein:  After the 12-week study period, participants in the Tai Chi Chuan group experienced a significant 14% increase in VO₂ peak from baseline (21.6 ± 5.2 to 24.6 ± 5.2 mL.Kg^-1.min^-1), whereas control participants had a non-significant 5% decline in VO₂ peak (20.4 ± 5.1 to 19.4 ± 4.4 mL.Kg^-1.min^-1). There was a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.0001). As a primary outcome, CPET results for the TCC and control groups at baseline and after the 12-week intervention period leading to a significant difference in peak VO₂ (5.2 mL.Kg^-1.min^-1; 95% CI, 2.8 to 7.7, in favor to TCC group). This difference remained significant after adjustment to baseline measurements, age, gender, diabetes, and smoking (4.1 mL.Kg^-1.min^-1; 95% CI, 2.6 to 5.6, in favor to TCC group). Summarizing: -       We observed a significant increase in VO₂ peak in TCC group participants. -       Our results provide important information data from a randomized clinical trial of Tai Chi Chuan in patients with a history of recent MI. -       Tai Chi Chuan can be an attractive alternative to cardiac rehabilitation for patients who don't have access to conventional cardiac rehabilitation programs. (more…)