Physical inactivity is a major risk factor associated with cardiovascular diseases, while regular exercise contributes to a reduction in cardiovascular disease mortality. A 3-month Tai Chi programme was conducted in the community for people with cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, overweight, physical inactivity and smoking. After acquiring Tai Chi skills, participants were advised to practise Tai Chi at home for at least 30 minutes per day and 5 days per week. Tai Chi exercise was then compared with brisk walking exercise. The results suggest that regular Tai Chi exercise is better than brisk walking in reducing blood pressure and blood glucose levels, and improving psychosocial well-being with long-term benefits.

Moreover, a 12-week group- plus home-based Tai Chi programme was conducted in the community for patients with coronary heart disease. Participants in the Tai Chi group first attended supervised group-based Tai Chi classes with incrementally increasing sessions over 6 weeks, followed by 6-week home-based Tai Chi with 4 sessions per week and 60 minutes per session. The results showed that patients’ physical functions (including aerobic endurance, lower-body strength, lower-body flexibility, and balance), blood pressure and psychosocial well-being had been improved after joining this Tai Chi programme.