Thursday, March 25, 2010

Use of Tai Chi in older patients with human herpes virus 3

The Facts:
* Four months' use of Tai Chi was found to improve the immune response to human herpes virus 3 (varicella zoster virus) in older patients, both before and after vaccination with VARIVAX.
* Tai Chi, combined with vaccination, produced a stronger immune response than the vaccine alone.
* The immune response was significantly better than that achieved in a group of patients given health education only.

Shaun’s comment: Tai Chi is an internal Chinese martial art and it is thought to promote good health and longevity. There is no doubt that it can improve balance, flexibility and cardiovascular health, but can it help the immune system? This study, published in a quality medical journal, found a statistically significant improvement in immune response after having a vaccine injection. Other studies have found benefits in diabetes and ADHD and it will be fascinating to see future research.

Study reference:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2007.01109.x

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