Next Article in Journal
Irradiation with Polychromatic Incoherent Low Energy Radiation of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells In Vitro: Effects on Cytokine Production
Next Article in Special Issue
Sex Differences in Body Composition Changes after Preseason Training in Elite Handball Players
Previous Article in Journal
Spatial Trade-Offs and Temporal Evolution of Multiple Ecosystem Services in a Marine-Terrestrial Urban-Agglomeration Zone
Previous Article in Special Issue
Comparison of the Effect of Different Resistance Training Frequencies on Phase Angle and Handgrip Strength in Obese Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
Journals
IJERPH
Volume 17
Issue 4
10.3390/ijerph17041232
ijerph-logo
Submit to this Journal Review for this Journal Propose a Special Issue
► Article Menu

Article Menu

share Share announcement Help format_quote Cite question_answer Discuss in SciProfiles thumb_up
...
Endorse textsms
...
Comment
first_page
settings
Order Article Reprints
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

Lower Percentage of Fat Mass among Tai Chi Chuan Practitioners

by
Silvia Stagi
1,*,
Azzurra Doneddu
2,
Gabriele Mulliri
2,
Giovanna Ghiani
2,
Valeria Succa
1,
Antonio Crisafulli
2 and
Elisabetta Marini
1,*
1
Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
2
Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(4), 1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041232
Submission received: 8 January 2020 / Revised: 29 January 2020 / Accepted: 11 February 2020 / Published: 14 February 2020
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Body Composition and Physical Health in Sports Practice)
Browse Figures
Review Reports Versions Notes

Abstract

:
The aim of the study was to analyze total and regional body composition in Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) middle-aged and elderly practitioners. A cross-sectional study on 139 Italian subjects was realized: 34 TCC practitioners (14 men, 20 women; 62.8 ± 7.4 years) and 105 sedentary volunteers (49 men, 56 women; 62.8 ± 6.4 years). Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, arm, waist, and calf circumferences), hand-grip strength, and physical capacity values were collected. Total and regional (arm, leg, and trunk) body composition was analyzed by means of specific bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (specific BIVA). TCC practitioners of both sexes were characterized by a normal nutritional status, normal levels of physical capacity, and normal values of hand-grip strength. Compared to controls, they showed lower percentages of fat mass (lower specific resistance) in the total body, the arm, and the trunk, and higher muscle mass (higher phase angle) in the trunk, but lower muscle mass in the arm. Sexual dimorphism was characterized by higher muscle mass (total body, arm, and trunk) and lower %FM (arm) in men; sex differences were less accentuated among TCC practitioners than in the control. TCC middle-aged and elderly practitioners appear to be less affected by the process of physiological aging and the associated fat mass changes, compared to sedentary people.

1. Introduction

Aging is associated with body composition variations: muscle mass progressively declines, while fat mass (FM) initially increases, especially in the visceral region, and then levels off or decreases [1]. These variations may lead to sarcopenia, a condition characterized by both low skeletal muscle mass and low skeletal muscle strength or quality, and to sarcopenic obesity, due to the coexistence of sarcopenia and fat excess or fat infiltration into muscle [2]. Sarcopenic and sarcopenic obese elderly have a lower independence and an increased risk of morbidity and mortality [2].
Physical activity has been shown to contribute substantially to the maintenance of the individual physiological and psychological well-being in all phases of life [3]. In the elderly, physical exercise can slow down or even reverse the trend towards sarcopenia [4,5]. However, which kind of physical activity could provide the more beneficial effects is still unclear and needs to be studied in depth [3]. Furthermore, body composition changes in different body districts were still poorly studied in the elderly. Instead, regional body composition gives relevant information. In particular, it allows better understanding of the role of physical activity in different conditions, such as sarcopenia and obesity [6].
Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is an ancient Chinese martial art. The practice consists of the repetition of a sequence of slow and harmonious movements, focused on balance and based on respiration techniques. This discipline is particularly adequate for elderly people, who find difficult to perform rapid movements, and has been recommended to improve quality of life and to prevent or retard sarcopenic obesity [4]. TCC practice may help improve coordination and balance [7], retard bone loss [8], maintain cardiorespiratory fitness and flexibility [9]. It also contributes to promote social and psychological health [10], and cognitive function [11].
The effect of TCC on total and regional body composition has been poorly studied and the literature shows a still unclear pattern. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) has been used to assess bone mass density in postmenopausal TCC women [8], whereas anthropometric techniques [9,12], equations based on bioimpedance measures [12,13,14,15,16], or air displacement [17] have been applied to analyze fat and fat-free mass. The studies on regional body composition have been based on skinfold thickness distribution only [12]. Specific bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (specific BIVA; [18]) has never been used. Specific BIVA is based on the analysis of bioelectrical values (resistance, R; reactance, Xc; Ω), standardized by body height and transversal cross-sections, in order to minimize the effect of conductor dimensions, that is the effect of anthropometric differences. Bioelectrical vectors can be projected on the Cartesian plane, where they are defined by their length (impedance: (R2 + Xc2)0.5) and inclination angle (phase angle: arctan Xc/ R180/π). Specific BIVA has been validated against DXA in a sample of US adults [19], showing high sensitivity and specificity in the evaluation of %FM (the longer the vector, the higher the %FM). It has also shown to be highly correlated with DXA results in elderly subjects [20,21] and young athletes [22]. Furthermore, phase angle, a variable considered a proxy of muscle mass [23], has shown to be positively correlated with intracellular/extracellular water ratio (ICW/ECW), when compared to dilution techniques [22,24]. Indeed, specific BIVA has been proposed as a promising technique for body composition assessment in athletes [25], and has been already applied in different contexts (e.g., cavers: [26]; various athletes: [22]; soccer players: [27]).
The aim of the present research was to analyze total body and regional body composition in TCC middle-aged and elderly practitioners by means of specific bioelectrical impedance vector analysis.

2. Materials and Methods

This observational study was realized on a cross-sectional sample of TCC practitioners and an age-matched group of sedentary subjects. The measurement process flow chart is shown in Figure 1.

2.1. Subjects

The sample was composed of 34 middle-aged and elderly TCC volunteers (14 men and 20 women) aged 62.8 ± 7.4 years, recruited from the A.S.D. Tai Chi Chuan school of Cagliari and La Porta d’Oriente of Quartu S.Elena (Italy). At the time of the measurement, the subjects had already been practicing Tai Chi Chuan for an average of six years and were training three times a week or more. Four of them participated in other sports too (swimming, walking, yoga, cycling). All the subjects declared to eat a balanced diet, with a great intake of fruits and vegetables.
The control group was composed of 105 volunteers (49 men, 56 women) of the same mean age (62.8 ± 6.4 years), and living in the same geographical area, selected for not practicing physical exercise.
Criteria of exclusion were physical handicaps, pathologies that might influence the measurements, metallic prostheses, pacemakers, or limb amputations.
Data was deposited in the University of Cagliari repository: http://hdl.handle.net/11584/269226.
The research was approved by the Independent Ethical Committee of the A.O.U. of Cagliari (PG/2017/1700). Each participant was informed about the purposes and methods of the research and signed consent to participate.

2.2. Measurements

2.2.1. Anthropometry

Anthropometric measurements (height, cm; weight, kg; waist circumference, cm; arm and calf circumferences of both sides) were taken using international standard procedures [28]. The length (cm) of each regional district was also recorded: arm length, defined as the acromion-stylion distance; leg length, as the distance between the great trochanter and the malleolus; trunk length, as the distance between injector electrodes.
Body mass index BMI was calculated by the formula: weight/height2 (kg/m2). Underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity, and visceral obesity were defined according to BMI [29].

2.2.2. Bioimpedance

Whole body and regional bioelectrical impedance measurements (resistance, R, and reactance, Xc, at 50 kHz and 800 μA) were taken using a single-frequency phase sensitive impedance analyzer (BIA 101, Akern, Firenze, Italy).
Following the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism Working Group guidelines [30], the measurements were taken in the morning and the volunteers were asked to avoid drinking and eating (3 h before the test; alcohol 24 h), exercising (12 h before the test), and to void their bladder before the examination. The device was checked before each session with a calibrated circuit whose impedance values are known: R = 380 Ω, Xc = 47 Ω (±2% error). The intra-observer technical error of measurement (TEM) and the %TEM were calculated in a subsample of 25 subjects (R: TEM = 3.5 ohm, TEM% = 0.6%), that are within the admitted variability of the device. The accuracy of specific BIVA in evaluating %FM has been showed by Buffa et al. [19] using DXA as a reference (receiving operator curves, ROC areas: 0.84–0.92), while Marini et al. [22] showed the agreement with dilution techniques in the evaluation of ICW/ECW.
Bioimpedance measurements were taken with the subject lying supine, on the right side of the total body and the trunk, the right arm and leg, using two pairs of detector and injector electrodes. For total body measurements, on the hand, the injector was placed at the distal extremity of the third metacarpal, and the detector on the dorsal surface of the wrist, at level of the styloid process; on the foot, the injector was placed at the base of the second and third metatarsals, and the detector on the dorsal surface, at the median point of the tibial tarsal joint. Regional bioelectrical measurements were taken using the following procedure. Arm: on the shoulder, the injector was placed at the acromion process level and the detector at 5 cm distance, following the axillary line [31]; on the hand, the same position of the total body was used. Leg: on the hip, the injector was placed anterior to the iliac crest and the detector at a distance of 5 cm [32]; on the foot, the same position of the total body was used. Trunk: the electrodes already positioned on the shoulder and hip for the regional measures were used.
Specific bioelectrical impedance vector analysis [18] was used to estimate body composition. Resistance and reactance were multiplied by a correction factor (A/L). For the total body, the A value was estimated as 0.45 arm area + 0.10 trunk area + 0.45 calf area (cm2); arm, trunk, and calf area were calculated as C24π, where C (cm) is the circumference of the segment. The length was calculated as L = 1.1H, where H is the height in cm. In the regional approach, A/L for the arm, leg, and trunk were calculated considering the cross section of the mid arm, calf, and wrist (A) and the arm, leg, and trunk length (L), respectively.
Specific impedance (Zsp) was calculated as (Rsp2 +Xcsp2)0.5 (Ω cm) and phase angle as arctan Xc/R180/π (degree).

2.2.3. Hand-Grip Strength

Hand-grip strength was taken using a Sahean hand dynamometer (Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer Saehan Corporation, MSD buba Belgium). The volunteers were asked to hold the dynamometer with the elbow flexed at 90° and to squeeze it with maximum isometric effort for a few seconds, three times with a 1 min interval between each attempt. Only the highest strength value was taken into account. According to Dodds et al. [33], 27 kg for men and 16 kg for women were considered the diagnostic threshold for assessing probable sarcopenia.

2.2.4. Mini-Nutritional Assessment

The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®; [34]) is a recommended multidimensional method to evaluate nutritional status in the elderly, and was applied to the subgroup of subjects over 60 years old only. It is an 18 item questionnaire considering: dietary habits, living conditions, anthropometry, cognitive and disability status. A normal nutrition score is 24 or higher, a score between 17 and 23.5 designates risk of malnutrition, and a score lower than 17 indicates a condition of malnutrition.

2.2.5. Physical Capacity Assessment

Participants underwent a cardiopulmonary test (CPX) with a gas analyzer (ULTIMA CPX, MedGraphics St. Paul, MN, USA), while pedaling on a mechanically braked cycle ergometer (CUSTO Med, Ottobrunn, Germany). The test consisted of a linear increase of workload (10 W/min), starting at 20 W, at a pedaling frequency of 60 rpm, until exhaustion, which was considered the point when the subject was unable to maintain a pedaling rate of at least 50 rpm. During the CPX, the following variables were gathered: oxygen uptake (V̇O2), carbon dioxide production (V̇CO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER, calculated as V̇CO2/V̇O2), pulmonary ventilation (VE), and heart rate (HR). The oxygen pulse (V̇O2/HR), a parameter related to stroke volume and cardiac performance [35], was also calculated. Workloads reached at anaerobic threshold (WAT) and at maximum (Wmax) were taken into consideration. AT was calculated using the V-slope method, while V̇O2 at Wmax (V̇O2max) was calculated as the average V̇O2 during the final 30 s of the incremental test. Achievement of V̇O2max was considered as the attainment of at least two of the following criteria: (1) a plateau in V̇O2 despite increasing workload (<80 mL·min−1); (2) RER above 1.10; and (3) HR ± 10 beats·min−1 of predicted maximum HR calculated as 220-age [36].

2.3. Statistical Analysis

The comparison between anthropometric and bioelectrical measurements in the TCC group and controls, considering sex, was realized using a two-way ANOVA. Cohen’s d [37] for independent samples was calculated to measure the effect size in the comparison between TCC practitioners and controls.
Confidence ellipses, representing the area around the sample mean within which the “true mean” is expected to lie with a probability of 95%, and Hotelling’s T2 test were used to compare total body composition characteristics in the TCC and control samples, and between sexes.
The SPSS program was used to calculate univariate and bivariate statistics. Specific BIVA was applied using an ad hoc software available online (www.specificbiva.unica.it).

3. Results

Men and women practicing Tai Chi Chuan showed in mean a normal weight condition, according to BMI, and were below the threshold for visceral adiposity, according to waist circumference (Table 1). A good nutritional status was observed also in the individuals aged more than 60 years (MNA: men, 27.3 ± 1.0; women, 27.5 ± 0.6); no subjects were at risk of malnutrition. Compared to the age-matched control sample, TCC men and women showed higher height, lower circumferences, and lower BMI. They also showed lower total body and arm specific resistance, higher phase angle in the trunk, and lower phase angle in the arm (Table 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3). According to specific BIVA, these values indicate lower %FM in the total body and the arm, and higher ICW/ECW and muscle mass in the trunk, but not in the arm. Furthermore, among the controls there was a high prevalence of individuals at risk of malnutrition (18%). Cohen’s d showed large or medium size effects on anthropometric (with the exception of stature) and on total body and arm bioelectrical comparisons (with the exception of total body phase angles), while the effect was small on leg and trunk bioelectrical measurements, hand-grip strength, and age.
Hand-grip strength (HGS) values were above the cut offs for sarcopenia in both TCC and controls.
Table 2 reports values of cardiopulmonary parameters gathered during the CPX test.
Both TCC and control men showed higher values than women in all anthropometric measurements, except for BMI, higher values of hand-grip strength and of total body, arm and trunk phase angles, and lower values of arm specific resistance and impedance (Table 1). Sex differences in bioelectrical values were less accentuated among TCC practitioners than in the controls. In fact, bioimpedance mean vectors were significantly different between in the control group only (Figure 4).

4. Discussions

The present research showed that TCC practitioners of both sexes, including the older ones, were overall characterized by a normal nutritional status, normal levels of physical capacity, and normal values of hand-grip strength. With respect to a sample of sedentary people of similar age, they showed lower percentages of fat in the total body, the arm, and the trunk (as indicated by the lower specific vector length and waist circumferences), and higher muscle mass in the trunk (as indicated by the higher phase angle), but lower muscle mass in the arm, and similar hand-grip strength. Sexual dimorphism was characterized by higher muscle mass (total body, arm, and trunk) and hand-grip strength, and lower %FM (arm) in men; sex differences were less accentuated among TCC practitioners than in the control.
These results suggest a positive effect of TCC practice on body composition, particularly on fat mass. Consistently with our results, the literature focused on body composition in TCC suggest a major effect of TCC on fat mass. Lan et al. [9] observed a lower percentage of body fat among TCC practitioners. Longitudinal studies on the effect of a 10/12-week Tai Chi program showed a reduction of %FM [13,15], or of body fat [14,17]. The analysis of regional body composition and anthropometry confirmed the effect of TCC on %FM. The lower %FM values (lower specific vector length) among TCC practitioners with respect to controls mainly concerned the arm and the trunk, where a lower waist circumference, indicative of lower visceral fat accumulation, was also detected. These results are indicative of a healthy body composition, considering the role of visceral fat in the development of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases [38]. It should also be noted that such phenotype is unexpected, considering the increase of abdominal adiposity commonly associated with physiological aging [39]. The body composition of the legs, instead, was not significantly different from the control. Conversely, Yu et al. [12] detected lower values of subcutaneous adipose tissue in the thighs of TCC practitioners than in the control.
Overall, our results also suggest a weak effect of TCC on muscle mass, as indicated by the similar hand-grip strength and similar or even lower phase angle of TCC practitioners with respect to the control group. Similarly, Yu et al. [12] and Lai et al. [16] failed to detect differences in the comparison with a sample of swimmers, nor respect to the control [12], and Kelly and Gilman [4] observed that TCC was not as effective at building muscle compared to other types of physical exercise. However, other studies showed an improvement of skeletal muscle mass [13,14], of muscle strength [13], and of functional performance [40,41], and suggested that TCC would have a similar effect as walking on parameters related to aerobic metabolism [9,15].
The regional approach of this study also allowed a detailed analysis of sex differences. The observed larger muscle mass in men and the higher %FM in the women, particularly in the arm and leg, are coherent with the known pattern of sexual dimorphism [6]. Furthermore, the higher waist circumference values of men are consistent with their generally greater central fat distribution. However, mean waist values were below the threshold for visceral obesity in both sexes, consistently with the results on low visceral adiposity reported among TCC subjects in this study and by other authors [12]. Furthermore, sex differences were less accentuated among TCC practitioners than in the control. This finding is not consistent with the low degree of sexual dimorphism detected in young subjects practicing different kinds of physical activities [42].
On the whole, the results of this study suggest that TCC practitioners do not strictly follow the trend towards the increase of fat mass, particularly of visceral adiposity, the reduction of hand-grip strength, and the worsening of nutritional status generally observed among middle-aged and elderly people [1]. Hence, TCC practitioners appear to be less affected by the process of physiological aging and the associated fat mass and functional changes. The healthy lifestyle commonly adopted by TCC practitioners could also contribute to such pattern.
This study has points of strength. In fact, this is the first study on total body and regional body composition in middle-aged and elderly athletes of both sexes using, phase angle, and specific BIVA, that is a procedure particularly promising for body composition analysis in sport [25]. The main limitation of the study is related to the sample size of TCC practitioners, which is not so large due to the peculiarity of the age range and the still limited diffusion of the discipline in Western countries. However, the information on regional body composition, that is scant in middle-aged and elderly athletes, can be insightful for future research.

5. Conclusions

The present research showed that TCC practitioners were characterized by good nutritional status (normal values of BMI, MNA, and low levels of fat mass in the total body, in the arm, and in the trunk) and had normal values of hand-grip strength. The effect on muscle mass was less evident. These results confirm the positive effect of TCC practice on body composition and functionality. Considering the suitableness of the practice in late adulthood over other disciplines, TCC represents a safe and effective way to help improve nutritional status and physical function.
From a methodological point of view, specific BIVA appears a suitable technique to screen and monitor total body and regional body composition in middle-aged and elderly subjects, in order to evaluate their nutritional status and risk of morbidity.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, S.S. and E.M.; Data curation, S.S., A.D., G.G., A.C., and E.M.; Formal analysis, S.S., G.M., V.S., and E.M.; Investigation, S.S., A.D., G.M., G.G., A.C., and E.M.; Supervision, E.M.; Visualization, S.S.; Writing—original draft, S.S., A.C., and E.M.; Writing—review and editing, S.S., A.D., G.M., G.G., V.S., A.C., and E.M. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Acknowledgments

We are most grateful to all the TCC volunteers of the A.S.D. Tai Chi Chuan school of Cagliari (Italy) and La porta d’Oriente school of Quartu (Italy). Silvia Stagi gratefully acknowledges Sardinia Regional Government for the financial support of her PhD scholarship (P.O.R. Sardegna F.S.E. Operational Programme of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, European Social Fund 2014-2020-Axis III Education and training, Thematic goal 10, Priority of investment 10ii), Specific goal 10.5, Action partnership agreement 10.5.12.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

  1. Buffa, R.; Floris, G.U.; Putzu, P.F.; Marini, E. Body composition variations in ageing. Coll. Antropol. Zabreg 2011, 35, 259–265. [Google Scholar]
  2. Cruz-Jentoft, A.J.; Bahat, G.; Bauer, J.; Boirie, Y.; Bruyère, O.; Cederholm, T.; Cooper, C.; Landi, F.; Rolland, Y.; Sayer, A.A.; et al. Sarcopenia: Revised European consensus on definition and diagnosis. Age Ageing 2019, 48, 16–31. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  3. Koolhaas, C.M.; Dhana, K.; Van Rooij, F.J.A.; Schoufour, J.; Hofman, A.; Franco, O.H. Physical activity type and health-related quality of life among middle-aged and elderly adults: The Rotterdam study. J. Nutr. Health Aging 2018, 22, 246–253. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  4. Kelly, O.J.; Gilman, J.C. Can unconventional exercise be helpful in the treatment, management and prevention of osteosarcopenic obesity? Curr. Aging Sci. 2017, 10, 106–121. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  5. Fien, S.; Climstein, M.; Quilter, C.; Buckley, G.; Henwood, T.; Grigg, J.; Keogh, J.W.L. Anthropometric, physical function and general health markers of masters athletes: A cross-sectional study. Peer J. 2017, 5, e3768. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  6. Hinton, B.J.; Fan, B.; Ng, B.K.; Shepherd, J.A. Dual energy X-Ray Absorptiometry body composition reference values of limbs and trunk from NHANES 1999-2004 with additional visualization methods. PLoS ONE 2017, 12, 1–17. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  7. Wong, A.M.K.; Pei, Y.C.; Lan, C.; Huang, S.C.; Lin, Y.C.; Chou, S.W. Is Tai Chi Chuan Effective in Improving Lower Limb Response Time to Prevent Backward Falls in the Elderly? Age 2009, 31, 163–170. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  8. Qin, L.; Choy, W.; Leung, K.; Leung, P.C.; Au, S.; Hung, W.; Dambacher, M.; Chan, K. Beneficial Effects of Regular Tai Chi Exercise on Musculoskeletal System. J. Bone Miner. Metab. 2005, 23, 186–190. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  9. Lan, C.; Lai, J.S.; Wong, M.K.; Yu, M.L. Cardiorespiratory Function, Flexibility, and Body Composition among Geriatric Tai Chi Chuan Practitioners. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 1996, 77, 612–616. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  10. Chan, A.W.K.; Yu, D.S.F.; Choi, K.C. Effects of Tai Chi Qigong on Psychosocial Well-Being Among Hidden Elderly, Using Elderly Neighborhood Volunteer Approach: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin. Interv. Aging 2017, 12, 85–96. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  11. Lim, K.H.L.; Pysklywec, A.; Plante, M.; Demers, L. The Effectiveness of Tai Chi for Short-Term Cognitive Function Improvement in the Early Stages of Dementia in the Elderly: A Systematic Literature Review. Clin. Interv. Aging 2019, 14, 827–839. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  12. Yu, T.-Y.; Pei, Y.-C.; Lau, Y.-C.; Chen, C.-K.; Hsu, H.-C.; Wong, A.M.K. Comparison of the Effects of Swimming and Tai Chi Chuan on Body Fat Composition in Elderly People. Chang Gung Med. J. 2007, 30, 128–134. [Google Scholar] [PubMed]
  13. Barbat-Artigas, S.; Filion, M.E.; Dupontgand, S.; Karelis, A.D.; Aubertin-Leheudre, M. Effects of Tai Chi Training in Dynapenic and Nondynapenic Postmenopausal Women. Menopause 2011, 18, 974–979. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  14. Hsu, W.H.; Hsu, R.W.W.; Lin, Z.R.; Fan, C.H. Effects of Circuit Exercise and Tai Chi on Body Composition in Middle-Aged and Older Women. Geriatr. Gerontol. Int. 2015, 15, 282–288. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  15. Hui, S.S.; Xie, Y.J.; Woo, J.; Kwok, T.C.Y. Practicing Tai Chi had lower energy metabolism than walking but similar health benefits in terms of aerobic fitness, resting energy expenditure, body composition and self-perceived physical health. Complement. Ther. Med. 2016, 27, 43–50. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  16. Lai, H.M.; Liu, M.S.Y.; Lin, T.J.; Tsai, Y.L.; Chien, E.J. Higher Dheas Levels Associated with Long-Term Practicing of Tai Chi. Chin. J. Physiol. 2017, 60, 124–130. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  17. Dechamps, A.; Gatta, B.; Bourdel-Marchasson, I.; Tabarin, A.; Roger, P. Pilot Study of a 10-Week Multidisciplinary Tai Chi Intervention in Sedentary Obese Women. Clin. J. Sport Med. 2009, 19, 49–53. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  18. Buffa, R.; Mereu, E.; Comandini, O.; Ibanez, M.E.; Marini, E. Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) for the Assessment of Two-Compartment Body Composition. Eur. J. Clin. Nutr. 2014, 68, 1234. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  19. Buffa, R.; Saragat, B.; Cabras, S.; Rinaldi, A.C.; Marini, E. Accuracy of Specific BIVA for the Assessment of Body Composition in the United States Population. PLoS ONE 2013, 8, e58533. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  20. Marini, E.; Sergi, G.; Succa, V.; Saragat, B.; Sarti, S.; Coin, A.; Manzato, E.; Buffa, R. Efficacy of Specific Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) for Assessing Body Composition in the Elderly. J. Nutr. Health Aging 2013, 17, 515–521. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  21. Saragat, B.; Buffa, R.; Mereu, E.; De Rui, M.; Coin, A.; Sergi, G.; Marini, E. Specific bioelectrical impedance vector reference values for assessing body composition in the Italian elderly. Exp. Gerontol. 2014, 50, 52–56. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  22. Marini, E.; Campa, F.; Buffa, R.; Stagi, S.; Matias, C.N.; Toselli, S.; Sardinha, L.B.; Silva, A.M. Phase Angle and Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis in the Evaluation of Body Composition in Athletes. Clin. Nutr. 2019. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  23. Norman, K.; Stobäus, N.; Pirlich, M.; Bosy-Westphal, A. Bioelectrical phase angle and impedance vector analysis–clinical relevance and applicability of impedance parameters. Clin. Nutr. 2012, 31, 854–861. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  24. Campa, F.; Matias, C.N.; Marini, E.; Heymsfield, S.B.; Toselli, S.; Sardinha, L.B.; Silva, A.M. Identifying athlete body-fluid changes during a competitive season with bioelectrical impedance vector analysis. Int. J. Sports Physiol. Perform. 2019, 1, 1–21. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  25. Castizo-Olier, J.; Irurtia, A.; Jemni, M.; Carrasco-Marginet, M.; Fernández-García, R.; Rodríguez, F.A. Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) in Sport and Exercise: Systematic Review and Future Perspectives. PLoS ONE 2018, 13, e0197957. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  26. Antoni, G.; Marini, E.; Curreli, N.; Tuveri, V.; Comandini, O.; Cabras, S.; Gabba, S.; Madeddu, C.; Crisafulli, A.; Rinaldi, A.C. Energy expenditure in caving. PLoS ONE 2017, 12, e0170853. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  27. Toselli, S.; Marini, E.; Maietta Latessa, P.; Benedetti, L.; Campa, F. Maturity Related Differences in Body Composition Assessed by Classic and Specific Bioimpedance Vector Analysis among Male Elite Youth Soccer Players. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 22, 729. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  28. Lohman, T.G.; Roche, A.F.; Martorell, R. Anthropometric Standardization Reference Manual; Human Kinetics Books Champaign: Champaign, IL, USA, 1988. [Google Scholar]
  29. World Health Organization. Obesity: Preventing and Managing the Global Epidemic. Report of a WHO Consultation; World Health Organization Technical Report Series; WHO: Geneva, Switzerland, 2000; Volume 894, pp. 1–253. [Google Scholar]
  30. Kyle, U.G.; Bosaeus, I.; De Lorenzo, A.D.; Deurenberg, P.; Elia, M.; Manuel Gómez, J.; Lilienthal Heitmann, B.; Kent-Smith, L.; Melchior, J.C.; Pirlich, M.; et al. Bioelectrical impedance analysis—Part II: Utilization in clinical practice. Clin. Nutr. 2004, 23, 1430–1453. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  31. Baumgartner, R.N.; Chumlea, W.C.; Roche, A.F. Bioelectric Impedance Phase Angle and Body Composition. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 1988, 48, 16–23. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  32. Fuller, N.J.; Elia, M. Potential Use of Bioelectrical Impedance of the “whole Body” and of Body Segments for the Assessment of Body Composition: Comparison with Densitometry and Anthropometry. Eur. J. Clin. Nutr. 1989, 43, 779–791. [Google Scholar]
  33. Dodds, R.M.; Syddall, H.E.; Cooper, R.; Benzeval, M.; Deary, I.J.; Dennison, E.M.; Der, G.; Gale, C.R.; Inskip, H.M.; Jagger, C.; et al. Grip Strength across the Life Course: Normative Data from Twelve British Studies. PLoS ONE 2014, 9, e113637. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  34. Guigoz, Y. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®) Review of the Literature-What Does It Tell Us? J. Nutr. Health Aging 2006, 10, 466. [Google Scholar]
  35. Crisafulli, A.; Piras, F.; Chiappori, P.; Votelli, S.; Caria, M.A.; Lobina, A.; Millia, R.; Tocco, F.; Concu, A.; Melis, F. Estimating stroke volume from oxygen pulse during exercise. Physiol. Meas. 2007, 28, 1201. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  36. Howley, E.T.; Bassett, D.R.; Welch, H. Criteria for maximal oxygen uptake: Review and commentary. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 1995, 27, 1292–1301. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  37. Cohen, J. Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences; Routledge: London, UK, 2013. [Google Scholar]
  38. Neeland, I.J.; Ross, R.; Després, J.P.; Matsuzawa, Y.; Yamashita, S.; Shai, I.; Seidell, J.; Magni, P.; Santos, R.D.; Arsenault, B.; et al. Visceral and ectopic fat, atherosclerosis, and cardiometabolic disease: A position statement. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2019, 7, 715–725. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  39. Bosy-Westphal, A.; Booke, C.A.; Blöcker, T.; Kossel, E.; Goele, K.; Later, W.; Heller, M.; Glüer, C.C.; Müller, M.J. Measurement site for waist circumference affects its accuracy as an index of visceral and abdominal subcutaneous fat in a Caucasian population. J. Nutr. 2010, 140, 954–996. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  40. Manor, B.; Lough, M.; Gagnon, M.M.; Cupples, A.; Wayne, P.M.; Lipsitz, L.A. Functional benefits of tai chi training in senior housing facilities. J. Am. Geriatr. Soc. 2014, 62, 1484–1489. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  41. Lan, C.; Lai, J.S.; Chen, S.Y.; Wong, M.K. 12-month Tai Chi training in the elderly: Its effect on health fitness. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 1998, 30, 345–351. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  42. Buffa, R.; Marini, E.; Floris, G. Variation in sexual dimorphism in relation to physical activity. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2001, 13, 341–348. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Ijerph 17 01232 g001 550
Figure 1. Measurement process flow chart.
Figure 1. Measurement process flow chart.
Ijerph 17 01232 g001
Ijerph 17 01232 g002 550
Figure 2. Total body confidence ellipses. Comparison between the Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) group and controls. Men: T2 = 6.6, p = 0.047; women: T2 = 8, p = 0.023.
Figure 2. Total body confidence ellipses. Comparison between the Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) group and controls. Men: T2 = 6.6, p = 0.047; women: T2 = 8, p = 0.023.
Ijerph 17 01232 g002
Ijerph 17 01232 g003 550
Figure 3. Regional confidence ellipses. Comparison between TCC group and controls. Arm (men: T2 = 9.8, p = 0.001; women: T2 = 11.2, p = 0.007); trunk (men T2 = 2.7, p = 0.285; women T2 = 2.2, p = 0.340).
Figure 3. Regional confidence ellipses. Comparison between TCC group and controls. Arm (men: T2 = 9.8, p = 0.001; women: T2 = 11.2, p = 0.007); trunk (men T2 = 2.7, p = 0.285; women T2 = 2.2, p = 0.340).
Ijerph 17 01232 g003
Ijerph 17 01232 g004 550
Figure 4. Total body confidence ellipses. Comparison between sexes. TCC: T2 = 3, 8, p = 0.177; controls: T2 = 20.1, p = 0.000.
Figure 4. Total body confidence ellipses. Comparison between sexes. TCC: T2 = 3, 8, p = 0.177; controls: T2 = 20.1, p = 0.000.
Ijerph 17 01232 g004
Table
Table 1. Anthropometry, total and regional body composition in the Tai Chi Chuan group. Two-way ANOVA for the comparison between sexes and with the control sample of healthy Italian adults.
Table 1. Anthropometry, total and regional body composition in the Tai Chi Chuan group. Two-way ANOVA for the comparison between sexes and with the control sample of healthy Italian adults.
Total Body Composition Tai Chi ChuanControlF
Men (n = 14)Women (n = 20)Men (n = 49)Women (n = 56)
Means.d.Means.d.Means.d.Means.d.psexpsportpsex•sport
Age (y)63.47.962.57.162.96.662.86.40.7130.9480.763
Height (cm)172.25.1155.56.7166.16.2153.26.70.0000.0010.151
Weight (kg)70.17.254.17.477.811.864.011.50.0000.0000.615
BMI (kg/m2)23.72.522.43.028.24.127.34.70.1860.0000.824
Waist (cm)87.29.074.06.997.411.385.212.10.0000.0000.822
Arm (cm)28.62.126.02.230.33.129.03.20.0000.0000.297
Calf (cm)35.22.033.02.436.83.334.93.70.0020.0090.876
Rsp (ohm·cm)352.745.6380.454.2454.956.3553.250.50.0100.0010.677
Xcsp (ohm·cm)39.76.539.27.453.48.958.89.10.7940.0010.955
Zsp (ohm·cm)355.045.6382.554.3391.1259.4429.071.80.0110.0010.680
Phase angle sp (°)6.51.05.91.06.71.06.10.80.0010.2750.756
Regional Body CompositionMen (n = 14)Women (n = 20)Men (n = 27)Women (n = 33)psexpsportpsex•sport
Arm: R sp (ohm·cm)248.831.7285.447.9266.944.7330.061.90.0000.0050.230
Arm: Xc sp (ohm·cm)25.44.824.75.231.87.6531.28.00.6870.0000.993
Arm: Z sp sp (ohm·cm)250.131.8286.448.1268.845.03331.662.00.0000.0050.235
Arm: phase angle sp (°)5.81.05.00.66.81.15.41.10.0000.0020.287
Leg: R sp (ohm·cm)254.617.4287.034.2255.244.4297.958.520.0000.5620.601
Leg: Xc sp (ohm·cm)27.33.629.68.031.39.631.79.90.4760.1160.621
Leg: Z sp sp (ohm·cm)256.117.4288.733.7257.245.0299.758.90.0000.5450.619
Leg: phase angle sp (°)6.10.86.02.26.91.46.031.30.1350.2290.241
Trunk: R sp (ohm·cm)492.9142.5436.5132.4520.0196.8506.7159.30.5230.3050.791
Trunk: Xc sp (ohm·cm)68.124.144.814.063.825.149.022.60.0000.7930.538
Trunk: Z sp sp (ohm·cm)497.7144.1438.9132.9524.0198.0509.2160.40.4910.3130.783
Trunk: phase angle sp (°)7.81.45.91.07.11.45.41.40.0000.0480.700
Hand grip (kg)39.68.924.35.038.09.423.65.40.0000.7890.913
s.d.: standard deviation; BMI: body mass index; Rsp: specific resistance; Xcsp: specific reactance; Zsp: specific impedance.
Table
Table 2. Results of the cardiopulmonary test (CPX) test for the whole group (top table), and for women (middle table) and men subgroups (bottom panel).
Table 2. Results of the cardiopulmonary test (CPX) test for the whole group (top table), and for women (middle table) and men subgroups (bottom panel).
Average Result for the Whole Group
Workload (w)V̇O2 (mL/kg·min−1)V̇O2 (mL·min−1)V̇CO2 (mL·min−1)RERVE (L·min−1)HR (bpm)OP (mL·bpm−1)
Rest04.05 ± 0.79257.5 ± 57.5249.1 ± 73.50.96 ± 0.169.1 ± 2.877.6 ± 13.73.4 ± 1.1
WAT90.7 ± 40.018.03 ± 5.411153.4 ± 409.81303.6 ± 522.61.12 ± 0.1335.8 ± 12.4130.9 ± 24.28.8 ± 2.5
Wmax119.4 ± 49.422.76 ± 6.631449.3 ± 473.31824.3 ± 669.51.25 ± 0.1354.9 ± 18.9150.3 ± 25.69.7 ± 2.8
Average Results for Women Subgroup
Rest04.08 ± 0.90233.5 ± 52.7228.9 ± 86.70.96 ± 0.218.2 ± 2.980.0 ± 12.52.9 ± 0.8
WAT73.1 ± 30.818.91 ± 4.09976.12 ± 267.31075.1 ± 286.91.11 ± 0.1629.4 ± 7.9131.1 ± 19.77.4 ± 1.5
Wmax92.7 ± 32.519.75 ± 3.901142.8 ± 278.61429.3 ± 361.31.25 ± 0.4243.0 ± 12.4148.3 ± 18.27.7 ± 1.6
Average Results for Men Subgroup
Rest04.14 ± 0.84291.0 ± 52.4287.4 ± 47.20.99 ± 0.1110.7 ± 2.173.5 ± 15.04.1 ± 1.1
WAT95.4 ± 33.716.99 ± 4.791194.2 ± 311.51375.9 ± 435.41.14 ± 0.1139.3 ± 11.8122.0 ± 27.19.8 ± 2.1
Wmax128.6 ± 44.822.81 ± 6.091583.6 ± 309.01995.4 ± 566.91.24 ± 0.1561.5 ± 18.7140.7 ± 28.011.4 ± 1.7
WAT = workload at anaerobic threshold; Wmax = maximum workload; V̇O2 = oxygen uptake indexed by body weight; V̇O2 = oxygen uptake; V̇CO2 = carbon dioxide production; RER = respiratory exchange ratio; VE = pulmonary ventilation; HR = heart rate; OP = oxygen pulse.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Stagi, S.; Doneddu, A.; Mulliri, G.; Ghiani, G.; Succa, V.; Crisafulli, A.; Marini, E. Lower Percentage of Fat Mass among Tai Chi Chuan Practitioners. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 1232. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041232

AMA Style

Stagi S, Doneddu A, Mulliri G, Ghiani G, Succa V, Crisafulli A, Marini E. Lower Percentage of Fat Mass among Tai Chi Chuan Practitioners. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17(4):1232. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041232

Chicago/Turabian Style

Stagi, Silvia, Azzurra Doneddu, Gabriele Mulliri, Giovanna Ghiani, Valeria Succa, Antonio Crisafulli, and Elisabetta Marini. 2020. "Lower Percentage of Fat Mass among Tai Chi Chuan Practitioners" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 4: 1232. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041232

APA Style

Stagi, S., Doneddu, A., Mulliri, G., Ghiani, G., Succa, V., Crisafulli, A., & Marini, E. (2020). Lower Percentage of Fat Mass among Tai Chi Chuan Practitioners. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(4), 1232. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041232

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop