Objectives: This systematic review evaluated the effects of Tai Chi on health outcomes among community-dwelling adults with or at risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS).
Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched in 10 databases. Data were statistically pooled for meta-analysis.
Results: Twenty RCTs were included. One study involved adults with MetS, and the other 19 studies involved adults with at least one risk factor for MetS. Tai Chi was found to reduce waist circumference and increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in obese adults. Tai Chi also reduces waist circumference, body mass index, blood glucose level, insulin resistance, and increases the quality of life (QoL) in adults with elevated blood glucose/type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Among participants with hypertension, Tai Chi improves blood pressure, lipid profiles, anxiety, depression, and physical QoL.
Conclusions: Tai Chi may be effective for enhancing the physiological and psychosocial wellbeing of community-dwelling adults at risk of MetS. Further RCTs are needed to examine its effects in adults with MetS and identify optimal regimes.
Keywords: Hypertension; Metabolic syndrome; Obesity; Physical exercise; Tai chi; Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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