Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of long-term Tai Ji exercise on risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and incidence of chronic diseases. Methods The elderly involved were divided into control group (n=62) and Tai Ji group (n=63). Both of them received 2-years health education. The Tai Ji group exercised with the frequency of 30~40 minutes each time, 3 times a week, while the control group didn't change their daily behavior. They were observed 2 and 6 years later. Results 2 years later, the blood pressure, weight and waistline decreased in Tai Ji group compared with the control group (P<0.05). After 6 years followed, 1 people died and 4 people occured cardiovascular diseases in Tai Ji group, while 2 people died and 12 people occured cardiovascular diseases in the control group. The incidence of chronic diseases was lower in Tai Ji group (9.52%) than in the control group (33.87%) (P<0.01). And the blood pressure, waistline, and hipline in Tai Ji group decreased significantly compared with the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion Long-term Tai Ji Exercise can ameliorate the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and reduce the incidence of chronic diseases.

Key words: Tai Ji, cardiovascular diseases, risk factors