Tai Chi Current Research: Does Tai Chi Delay Cell Ageing?In May 2008, the Golden Lion Academy of Tai Chi (TC) was asked to participate in a pilot study investigating the question ‘Does Tai Chi delay cell ageing?’ There has been a great deal of anecdotal evidence which has indicated that TC players live longer and healthier lives than non players. This major traditional Chinese exercise has been shown to be effective in improving the health-related quality of life in aged populations and patients with arthritis and diabetes. TC has been used in falls prevention programs with some success. However, the scientific evidence and mechanisms of this practice at the level of the cells in the body is unclear. The investigators, Professor Andy Choo, Dr Veronica Collins, Dr Hua Ren and Dr David Thorburn from the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, located at the Royal Children's Hospital aim to investigate the mechanisms of TC practice and its effect on the aging process. They aim to provide a better understanding of the scientific basis of the effects of TC at the cellular level and thus offer a greater scientific confidence in using TC to promote health. Fiona Clay, the project coordinator contacted Master Si Gung Charles Tsui-Po to invite the Golden Lion Academy instructors and students to be part of this project. The researchers' aim is that at least 400 adults will eventually be involved. The participants are members of the general public aged 30 years and over who are either long-term TC practitioners, are just starting to learn tai chi or who have never done TC. They will come from many TC centres in Australia, in addition to those from the Golden Lion Academy. A number of the TC instructors and a large percentage of the Golden Lion TC students consented to take part in this study. In order to measure the changes or activities of cells that may be related to TC practice, the researchers required a mouth wash sample from each participants. Initially, two tests will be done on this mouth wash cell sample. The first is to measure the end sections of chromosomes called the telomeres. A chromosome is a rod-shaped element of the cell that appears in the nucleus as cells divide. There is some evidence that telomeres get shorter as we get older and perhaps when we get sick with certain conditions such as heart problems. The second test is to look at measures of the energy production of the cell, in a part of the cell called the mitochondria. The mitochondria and its function can be affected by stress in a person's life and this might be helped by TC practice. Each participant was also asked to complete a questionnaire. This information will be used when analyzing the laboratory data. The purpose being to identify the changes in the cells as being related to TC practice itself, rather than being related to other aspects of the participants lifestyle or health.Si Gung Charles Tsui-Po supported this research because although he understood that there may be no immediate benefit to his students, because it is a new exploratory area of study, however, he believed that it is important to contribute to building a body of scientific knowledge about TC practice and how it affects the body and health. Additionally, as TC is a non-pharmacological activity with very few side effects that is often used to help with health conditions, knowledge gained from this study, and other related studies, will provide a better understanding of the scientific basis of this practice. This will mean that people will have greater confidence in using TC to improve health-related quality of life in the general community, as well as for specific health conditions. The study may also lead to more emphasis being given to tai chi as a health-promoting activity and for improving certain health conditions. More information about this study can be obtained by contacting the Project Coordinator, Ms Fiona Clay, Contact telephone: (03) 8341 6255 or 8341 6307 For more articles about TC research, please click on the following link: Return to Tai Chi Home Page
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