Effects of 16-Form Wheelchair Tai Chi on the Autonomic Nervous System among Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/6626603 · Published: November 28, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Alternative Medicine Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how Wheelchair Tai Chi (WCTC16) affects the autonomic nervous system in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions like heart rate and breathing. Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured before and after WCTC16 to assess changes in the autonomic nervous system. HRV reflects the balance between the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous systems. The study found that WCTC16 can enhance vagal activity and decrease sympathetic activity, helping SCI patients achieve a more balanced autonomic state. This suggests WCTC16 could improve autonomic nerve control and potentially reduce mortality in SCI patients.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

20 patients with chronic complete thoracic SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
There was no significant difference in RR interval, SDNN, RMSSD, TP, HEP, VLFP, and LFP of SCI patients before and after WCTC16 exercise.
2
LFPnu and HF peak decreased, while HFPnu and LF/HF increased in SCI patients after WCTC16 exercise. The differences were statistically significant.
3
WCTC16 might enhance vagal activity and decrease sympathetic activity with balanced sympathovagal tone in patients with complete thoracic SCI.

Research Summary

This study explored the impact of 16-form Wheelchair Tai Chi (WCTC16) on the autonomic nervous system of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The goal was to provide a theoretical basis for safe and effective scientific fitness for this population. The study found that while some HRV parameters didn't change significantly, LFPnu and HF peak decreased, while HFPnu and LF/HF increased significantly after WCTC16, suggesting enhanced vagal activity and decreased sympathetic activity. The conclusion is that WCTC16 might enhance vagal activity and decrease sympathetic activity, leading to a more balanced sympathovagal tone in patients with complete thoracic SCI, potentially improving autonomic function and reducing life-threatening complications.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Exercise

WCTC16 can be used as a therapeutic exercise to improve autonomic function in patients with SCI.

Reduced Mortality Risk

Improved autonomic nerve control through WCTC16 might reduce mortality risk in SCI patients.

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation

WCTC16 can be incorporated into cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs for SCI patients due to its coordination of breathing and exercise.

Study Limitations

1
The relationship between LF power of HRV and cardiac autonomic function has still been unclear.
2
Blood pressure has some effect on HRV, but blood pressure has not been investigated in this study.
3
It is incomplete to make a thorough inquiry about the mechanism of WCTC16 affecting HRV.

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