Effects of Tai Chi on Heart Rate Variability Parameters and Stress
Heart rate variability (HRV) as an accurate, noninvasive measure of the Autonomous Nervous System (ANS) can reflect mental health (e.g., stress, depression, or anxiety). Tai Chi and Yoga, as the most widely practiced mind-body exercises, have shown positive outcomes of mental health. To date, no systematic review regarding the long-lasting effects of Tai Chi and Yoga on HRV parameters and perceived stress has been conducted.
In a study recently published by Journal of clinical medicine, researchers from China, Brazil and the United States collaborated in a research project on this subject. Five electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, SportDiscus and Cochrane Library) were searched from the start of the research project to July 2018. Study selection, data extraction, and study quality assessment were independently carried out by two reviewers. The potentially identified randomized controlled trials (RCT) reported the useful quantitative data that were included only for meta-analysis.
Meta-analysis of 17 medium-to-high quality RCTs showed significantly beneficial effects on HRV parameters (normalized low-frequency, normalized high-frequency, low-frequency to high-frequency ratio) and stress level.
Stress reduction may be attributed to sympathetic-vagal balance modulated by mind-body exercises. Tai Chi and Yoga could be two alternative methods for stress reduction for people who live under high stress or negative emotions.