Abstract

Objective: The present study investigated the effects of 12 weeks’ tai chi chuan (TCC) practice on the immune function of female college students. Method: 60 female college students (19.3 ± 1.8 years) were recruited and were randomly assigned to either the TCC training (n=30) or the control group (n=30). In the TCC group, the exercise duration was 45 minutes per day and 5 days a week for 12 weeks. The TCC group performed TCC under the teaching of a TCC master. Immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, IgM, Cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3), CD4+, CD8+, interferon γ (IFN-γ), interleukin 4 (IL-4) and IL-12 were measured before and after 12 weeks of TCC practice. Results: The TCC group had significantly higher plasma levels of IgG (P=0.000), IgM (P=0.05) and CD4+ (P=0.032) after practice compared with their respective pre-practice levels. There were no significant differences in IgA, CD3, IFN-γ, IL-4 or IL-12, but IgA and IFN-γ levels increased and IL-12 decreased within the normal range. Conclusion: The results suggest that regular long-term TCC practice might be a potential method to improve the cellular immune function (anti-virus and anti-infection) of people who lack physical exercise. Further studies concerning other immune aspects are needed. Verf.-Referat