Objective-To compare the effects of Tai Chi (TC, n = 37) and Western exercise (WE, n = 39) with an attention-control group (C, n = 56) on physical and cognitive functioning in healthy adults age 69 ± 5.8 yr, in a 2-phase randomized trial.Methods-TC and WE involved combined class and home-based protocols. Physical functioning included balance, strength, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Cognitive functioning included semantic fluency and digit-span tests. Data were analyzed using intention-to-treat analysis.Results-At 6 mo, WE had greater improvements in upper body flexibility (F = 4.67, p = .01) than TC and C. TC had greater improvements in balance (F = 3.36, p = .04) and a cognitivefunction measure (F = 7.75, p < .001) than WE and C. The differential cognitive-function improvements observed in TC were maintained through 12 mo.Author contributions: Dr. Taylor-Piliae: Acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation of data, and manuscript preparation. Ms. Newell: Study concept and design, acquisition of participants, and manuscript preparation. Ms. Cherin: Acquisition of participants and manuscript preparation. Dr. Lee: Study concept and design and manuscript preparation. Dr. King: Study concept and design, analysis and interpretation of data, and manuscript preparation. Dr. Haskell: Study concept and design, analysis and interpretation of data, and manuscript preparation. Sponsor's role:The funding agency had no role in the design, methods, recruitment, data collection, analyses, or manuscript preparation. HHS Public AccessAuthor manuscript J Aging Phys Act. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2016 January 04. Published in final edited form as:J Aging Phys Act. 2010 July ; 18(3): 261-279. Author Manuscript Author ManuscriptAuthor Manuscript Author ManuscriptConclusion-The TC and WE interventions resulted in differential improvements in physical functioning among generally healthy older adults. TC led to improvement in an indicator of cognitive functioning that was maintained through 12 mo.Keywords mind-body therapy; physical activity; executive function; aged adult Healthy aging is an important public health issue, given the increasing number of older adults worldwide. They account for the greatest proportion of chronic-disease burden, which often contributes to impaired physical and cognitive functioning, loss of independent living, and increased disability ("Trends in Aging," 2003). Conversely, regular physical activity is a critical element of an overall healthy lifestyle that can extend years of independent living, reduce disability, and improve physical and cognitive functioning among older adults (Colcombe & Kramer, 2003;Hogan, 2005;King et al., 2000;Mazzeo et al., 1998). Physical activity recommendations for older adults include moderate-intensity aerobics and musclestrengthening and flexibility activities, along with balance exercises, to improve and maintain health (Nelson et al., 2007). Despite the widely reported benefits of regular physical activity (Colcombe & Kramer, 2003;Netz,...

Background: Clinical trial data and the results of a meta-analysis suggest a hypocholesterolemic effect of soy protein. The effect may be partially attributable to the isoflavones in soy. Few studies have examined the separate effects of soy protein and isoflavones. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of soy protein and isoflavones on plasma lipid concentrations in postmenopausal, moderately hypercholesterolemic women. Design: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 3 treatment groups. After a 4-wk run-in phase during which the women consumed a milk protein supplement, the subjects were randomly assigned to 12 wk of dietary protein supplementation (42 g/d) with either a milk protein (Milk group) or 1 of 2 soy proteins containing either trace amounts of isoflavones (Soy-group) or 80 mg aglycone isoflavones (Soy+ group). Results: LDL-cholesterol concentrations decreased more in the Soy+ group (n = 31) than in the Soy-group (n = 33) (0.38 compared with 0.09 mmol/L; P = 0.005), but neither of these changes was significantly different from the 0.26-mmol/L decrease observed in the Milk group (n = 30). The results for total cholesterol were similar to those for LDL cholesterol. There were no significant differences in HDL-cholesterol or triacylglycerol concentrations between the 3 groups. Conclusions: The difference in total-and LDL-cholesterol lowering between the 2 soy-protein supplements suggests an effect attributable to the isoflavone-containing fraction. However, the unexpected LDL-cholesterol lowering observed in the Milk group, and the fact that there was no significant difference between either soy group and the Milk group, suggests that changes may have been due to other factors related to participation in the study.Am J Clin Nutr 2001;73:728-35.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of stress management training on quality of life, functional capacity, and heart rate variability in elderly patients with New York Heart Association class I-III congestive heart failure (CHF). While substantial research exists on stress management training for patients with coronary heart disease, there are few data on the value of psychosocial training on patients with CHF. Thirty-three multiethnic patients (mean age, 66+/-9 years) were assigned through incomplete randomization to one of two treatment groups or a wait-listed control group. The 14 participants who completed the treatment attended eight training sessions during a 10-week period. The training consisted of 75-minute sessions adapted from the Freeze-Frame stress management program developed by the Institute of HeartMath. Subjects were assessed at baseline and again at the completion of the training. Depression, stress management, optimism, anxiety, emotional distress, and functional capacity were evaluated, as well as heart rate variability. Significant improvements (p<0.05) were noted in perceived stress, emotional distress, 6-minute walk, and depression, and positive trends were noted in each of the other psychosocial measures. The 24-hour heart rate variability showed no significant changes in autonomic tone. The authors noted that CHF patients were willing study participants and their emotional coping and functional capacity were enhanced. This program offers a simple and cost-effective way to augment medical management of CHF. Given the incompleteness of CHF medical management and the exploding interest in complementary medical intervention, it seems imperative that further work in psychosocial treatment be undertaken.

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