Abstract

A series of researches on the physiological effects of Tai Ji Quan carried out in China was reviewed in this paper. The intensity of Tai Ji Quan of different style and posture was established in general. The effect of Tai Ji Quan in delaying body dystrophy and structural and functional changes of the spine associated with aging were explored in some detail. Some virtues of Tai Ji Quan players in cardiovascular and respiratory function as well as blood lipid levels were expounded. Studies about the effects of Tai Ji Quan on endocrine levels and immune function have also been started and some interesting results have been obtained. The research work is rather extensive in area but remains to be explored further, and some findings remain to be confirmed. As mentioned at the beginning of this paper, Tai Ji Quan as an item of conditioning and therapeutic exercise, has its outstanding characteristics which may give rise to some special physiological effects. EEG changes during imaginary Tai Ji Quan exercise and the higher energy consumption documented during Tai Ji Quan exercise of high level Tai Ji Quan players revealed some interesting phenomena. It may be of great value to carry out further studies in this direction. Verf.-Referat