EFFECTS OF TAI CHI EXERCISES ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND PULMONARY FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING

M. Razzaq¹, S. Obaid¹, I. Tariq¹, A. Iqbal¹

Background: Prevalence of Coronary Artery Bypass grafting has been increasing day by day globally but in developing countries like Pakistan the incidence is increasing with alarmingly high rates. Literature provides evidence regarding cardiac rehabilitation sound safe and effective clinical approach to treat to post CABG patients. Different studies have focused on preventing and managing coronary arteries by Tai Chi exercises in phase III and IV but the effects of Tai Chi training during phase II cardiac rehabilitation is still need to be determined.

Purpose: To determine the Effect of Tai chi on physical activity, pulmonary function and rate of perceived exertion after exercise in patients with coronary artery bypass grafting.

Methods: Randomized control trail was conducted in Armed forces institute of cardiology/ National institute of heart diseases (AFIC/NHID) Rawalpindi from January 2018 - July 2018.74 post coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients were calculated by open epi tool and through lottery method randomly allocated in interventional and control group with 37cases in each group. Experimental Group were given Tai Chi exercises while control group was given bicycle.  40-60 years male and female post CABG patients with EF>40% were included while Postoperative unstable patients were excluded. Level of Physical activity, pulmonary function and rate of perceived exertion after exercise at baseline and after 6 weeks of training were compared between both groups.

Results: There were no statistical difference of HR (baseline P = 0.064, 6th week P=0.095) and HRR (baseline P=0.114, 6th week P=0.350) between both groups. Saturated oxygen shows significant difference with baseline P=0.444 and at 6th week P<0.001, Physical activity was low at baseline but after exercise training Tai Chi group showed great improvement (P < 0.01).Pulmonary function showed statistical insignificant results (baseline P=0.244, 6th week P=0.865).Rate of perceived exertion was high at 2nd week and gradually decreases with the mean of 3.20 and 3.37 while Time of exercise was improved with P<0.01.

Conclusion(s): Tai Chi exercises have better improvement in heart rate, SPO2, pulmonary function, RPE, time of exercise and physical activity in post CABG patients.

Implications: The findings of this study can be utilized in developing countries where Tai Chi exercises are not routinely practiced specially with coronary artery bypass grafting in phase II cardiac rehabilitation. Supervised post CABG Tai Chi aerobic exercises with cardiac and pulmonary interventions should be a part of interdisciplinary management to reduce secondary complications of major cardiac surgeries specially after CABG.  

Funding, acknowledgements: None 

Keywords: Tai chi, Pulmonary function, Physical activity

Topic: Cardiorespiratory

Did this work require ethics approval? Yes

Institution: Riphah International university

Committee: research ethical committee

Ethics number: RIPHAH/RCRS/REC/Letter-00316