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 / 기본간호학회지

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.