Impact of the newly compiled Tai Chi (BaFa WuBu) on vascular health in middle-aged and older postmenopausal women: an analysis of the long-term intervention effect of a 24-week RCT

Background: cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a common health problem in middle-aged and older populations, with aging of the cardiovascular system being particularly significant. The risk of developing CVD increases significantly as women become postmenopausal, partly attributed to decreasing estrogen levels. Atherosclerosis is one of the major pathogenic mechanisms of CVD, and postmenopausal women are more likely to develop atherosclerosis and abnormal vascular endothelial function. Exercise exercise is considered an effective means to improve cardiovascular function and reduce the risk of CVD, and the traditional Chinese tai chi exercise has received much attention. However, the current exercise intervention cycle is short, the selection of indicators is not perfect, and for special populations, such as middle-aged and elderly menopausal women, it is difficult to adhere to and complete routine exercise, thus limiting the intervention effect. Therefore, the present study was the first to systematically assess the effects of the newly developed Tai Chi (BaFa WuBu) on vascular health in middle-aged and elderly postmenopausal women.As a summary of the core taijiquan techniques, Tai Chi (BaFa WuBu) is easier to train and is more suitable for special populations. Using a 24-week long-term intervention program, this study aims to provide a scientific basis for improving the vascular health of middle-aged and elderly postmenopausal women and to explore a new safe training method.