The Combined Effects of Tai Chi, Resistance Training, and Diet on Physical Function and Body Composition in Obese Older Women
Table 1
Baseline characteristics of the experimental group (EXD) and of the control group (CON).
Characteristic
EXD group ()
CON group ()
P value
Age (years)1
65.2 (8.1)
65.6 (8.6)
0.912
Education2
0.132
High school, GED, or less*3
10
5
Associates/some college*3
6
1
Bachelors or higher*3
1
3
Weight (kg)1
97.9 (16.1)
94.5 (12.0)
0.578
Height (cm)1
158.3 (6.6)
159.8 (6.0)
0.593
BMI (kg/m2)1
38.8 (5.1)
36.6 (3.4)
0.241
Waist circumference (cm)1
115.0 (8.9)
106.8 (9.8)
0.042
Hip circumference (cm)1
124.3 (11.1)
120.1 (6.2)
0.305
Waist to hip ratio1
0.93 (0.05)
0.89 (0.07)
0.167
Body fat (%)1
49.8 (3.3)
49.6 (2.9)
0.888
Race/ethnicity1
Non-White*1
13 (76)
9 (100)
0.263
White*1
4 (24)
0 (0)
Physical activity (kcal/week)3,1
7965.5 (5696.5)
3100.4 (3657.5)
0.038
Diet quality score4,1
72.6 (21.4)
76.4 (27.6)
0.716
At risk (<60)*
6 (40)
4 (44)
Possible risk (60–75)*
8 (47)
4 (44)
Not at risk (>75)*
2 (13)
1 (12)
There were two baseline differences found in the physical activity kcal/week and in the waist circumference measures. BMI: body mass index; %: percent. All data are expressed as means with (standard deviations).
1Data analyzed using Student’s -test, 2data analyzed using Fisher’s exact test, 3measured by Yale Physical Activity Survey, and 4measured by Dietary Screening Tool. *Data are expressed as “” and (percentage).
