BACKGROUND
Aging-related loss of muscle mass predisposes to an increased risk of frailty and dependency. In this sense, moderate physical exercise is one of the best options for this effect, among which Tai Chi (TC) stand out. In this regard, tele-exercise by internet (zoom) is one of the options for the practice of physical exercise, especially due to the isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, recently experienced.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of TC tele-training by zoom on markers of oxidative stress and muscle mass in Mexican older adults.
METHODS
A quasi-experimental study of 38 older women who participated in a zoom tele-exercise program, divided into two groups: (i) TCG, Tai Chi group n=19; (ii) STG, strength training group n=19. All participants had blood markers of oxidative stress (OxS), inflammation and body composition parameters assessed at baseline and after six months of tele-exercise training.
RESULTS
Adherence to the tele-trainingby zoom program was observed in more than 80% of the participants. A statistically significant decrease in the concen-tration of carbonylated proteins was found in the TCG compared to the STG (TCG, baseline 47.30 ± 5.16, post. 37.09 ± 12.90 vs. STG, baseline, 35.64 ± 13.96, post. 47.68 ± 16.85 , p<0.05), in addition to a decrease in the oxidative stress index (TOS/TAS) in the TCG compared to the STG (TCG, base-line, 9.34 ± 6.88, Post. 5.79 ± 3.95 vs. GST, baseline 5.35 ± 2.39, post 13.24 ± 7.07, p<0.01). Likewise, a greater increase in the ratio of free fat mass and skeletal muscle mass was observed in the TCG compared to the STG with borderline statistical significance (p=0.06).
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that TC tele-training by zoom has a significantly greater antioxidant effect than ST linked to an increase in fat-free mass and skeletal muscle mass. Therefore, the use of remote digital platforms, such as zoom, may be an option for healthy aging interventions through the use of the internet.
CLINICALTRIAL
ISRCTN48485253