Chinese Exercise Routine Improves Lives Of COPD Patients

Australian researchers who worked with 42 people suffering from chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD) have found that Sun-style Tai Chi (SSTC), a smooth, flowing form of exercise, can improve exercise capacity and quality of life. The researchers also suggest that the exercise may be beneficial for pulmonary rehabilitation. For the study, half of the participants attended Tai Chi lessons twice a week and performed Tai Chi at home. The other half followed their usual medical management, which did not include exercise. The Tai Chi participants could walk significantly longer in a walking test, and also had higher scores on a COPD questionnaire,  indicating a better quality of life.