Comparison of the effects of swimming and Tai Chi Chuan on body fat composition in elderly people.
BACKGROUND
Accumulation of fat and substantial loss of muscle mass are common phenomena in the elderly. In this study, we observed the effects of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) and swimming, two exercises suitable for elderly people, on the percentage body fat and fat distribution by measuring subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness and body composition.


METHODS
Subjects were divided into three groups: regular swimmers (n = 20), regular TCC practitioners (n = 32), and age-matched control subjects (n = 31). Subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness was taken using a Lange skinfold caliper at the chests, abdomens, and thighs in the men, and the triceps, suprailium, and thighs in the women. Mid-arm circumference (MAC) was measured on the non-dominant upper arm using fiberglass tape. Body composition was analyzed using the Inbody 3.0 logo, a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) system.


RESULTS
No significant differences were found between the three test groups in relation to total body adiposity and arm muscle circumference in the men and women. There was significantly less subcutaneous adipose tissue at the abdomen (p = 0.011) and thigh (p < 0.001) of TCC-group men and at the thighs (p < 0.001) of the swimming group compared with the control group. In women, only the thigh skinfold (p = 0.002) showed a decrease in the TCC group compared with the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Swimming and TCC may not decrease total fat adiposity in elderly men and women, however, they may change body fat distribution due to certain muscle group usage. The differences observed in the effects of exercise on body fat distribution between elderly women and men may be gender-related.
Yu
Tung-Yang
TY
Department of Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. 5, Fushing St., Gueishan Township, Taoyuan County 333, Taiwan, ROC.
Pei
Yu-Cheng
YC
Lau
Yiu-Chung
YC
Chen
Chih-Kuang
CK
Hsu
Hung-Chih
HC
Wong
Alice M K
AM
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D000368:Aged; D001823:Body Composition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013550:Swimming; D026302:Tai Ji