J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2013 Nov;20(4):389-399.

Effects of 12 Weeks Tai Chi Exercise and Education Intervention Program on Glucose Control, Sexual Function and Immune Function for Women with Type 2 Diabetes

• Park HS
• Kim K

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was done to identify effects of a 12 weeks Tai Chi exercise and education intervention program on HbA1C, sexual function and IL-12 (Interleukin 12), IL-4 (Interleukin 4), TNF-alpha (Tumor Necrosis Factor) for women with type 2 diabetes.
METHODS
The study had a nonequivalent control group pretest posttest design. The participants were 64 women with diabetes recruited from an outpatient clinic of a university hospital. The Tai Chi exercise and education intervention program was provided twice a week for 12 weeks for the 32 women in the experimental group. The 32 women in the control group were maintained on basic outpatient treatment. Outcome variables were HbA1C, sexual dysfunction scores, IL-4, IL-12 and TNF-alpha.
RESULTS
The experimental group showed significantly improved HbA1C (F=3.10, p=.004), and sexual function (F=3.78, p=.001) compared to the control group. Also for the experimental group TNF-alpha (F=-2.69, p=.004) significantly increased compared to the control group.
CONCLUSION
Results indicate that a Tai Chi exercise and education intervention program can be utilized effectively for women with type 2 diabetes.

Keyword

Women; Diabetes mellitus; Sexual dysfunctions; Tai chi

MeSH Terms

Ambulatory Care Facilities
Diabetes Mellitus
Education*
Female
Glucose*
Humans
Interleukin-12
Interleukin-4
Necrosis
Outpatients
Tai Ji*
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
Glucose
Interleukin-12
Interleukin-4
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha