Their argument was based on the obvious: Since there is no increase in pulse and blood pressure when practicing tai chi and the like, there could be no training effect for the heart and circulation. Their assumption was based on the assumption that both would have to be challenged in a similar way to muscles in order to achieve an effect. But is this true? Or does Chinese sport help against high blood pressure?

Sport against high blood pressure: shadow boxing

No, say Chinese scientists led by Dr. Yu Liu, head of the Department of Kinesiology at Shanghai Sports University. His team spent more than five years analyzing international studies with more than 2,000 participants. They came to the conclusion that the meditative movements did indeed have an effect on the heart and circulation, and that high blood pressure could be reduced through exercise. Patients with pre-existing conditions in this area in particular were able to reduce their systolic blood pressure value at rest by an average of almost 10 mmHg and the diastolic value by more than 5 mmHg with shadow boxing.

Fewer strokes and heart disease

This may not sound like much, but it actually has a lasting effect. Studies have shown that reducing blood pressure by around 10 mmHg reduces the number of strokes by up to 41 percent in the long term. Coronary heart disease was reduced by 22 percent. LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels are also favorably influenced. Exercise against high blood pressure, such as a course in Tai Chi or Qigong at the adult education center or in a sports club, is therefore definitely worthwhile.