ACSM and AHA guidelines for PA for older adults recommend that sedentary older adults
begin with balance, flexibility and strength training to build endurance prior to participating
in moderate to vigorous-intensity aerobic PA (Nelson et al., 2007). Further, they recommend
the measurement of intensity for older adults be measured on a 10 point scale with an emphasis
on slight increases in heart rate and breathing as a measure of moderate-intensity. Both TC and
QG are particularly suitable for older adults, as they are implemented without the aerobic and
musculoskeletal strain that is sometimes associated with higher intensity exercise as described
above, and show a growing body of research that indicates a wide range of potential health
benefits (Wong et., 2001). These two MM forms of PA, Tai Chi and Qigong (TC&QG), were
systematically assessed for benefits to the health and quality of life of older adults.