觀瞻氣功於心臟血管老年患者之整體性科學療效

Scientific and Holistic Therapy Perspectives on Qigong Practice for Elders with Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

隨著年齡的上升，老年人罹患慢性病比增加，其中心血管疾病占33.26%，居慢性病的第一位，成為第二位的主要死因別，另依統計數據顯示，我國健保藥品費用佔率最高為心臟血管藥物，可見，心血管疾病不僅耗費醫療資源，相關的負面影響成果(adverse outcome)，更憑添照護之負荷，對個人、家庭和社會造成衝擊。調查報告指出，降低心臟血管危險因子最重要的行為是增加身體的活動，而氣功是中國的一種治療性訓練，透由溫和的肢體動作及呼吸技巧訓練，促進健康及提升精力，使身體、心理及靈性臻至理想狀態。本文回顧文獻中氣功在心血管危險因子之實證成效，結果包含改善心肺血管功能、血脂肪組成、降低血糖、減輕焦慮／憂鬱等，建議可針對高危險族群的老年人，發展出一套安全、便利及簡易的氣功，作為增進老人健康之參考。

The ratio of older adults with chronic illnesses has increased due to increased average life spans. The incidence of cardiovascular diseases among older adults has reached 33.26%, becoming the leading chronic disease and second most significant cause of mortality among older adults. Statistics show that the largest proportion of expenditures on prescription pharmaceuticals in the National Health Insurance goes toward the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, complications resulting from cardiovascular diseases result in burdens of care that impact seriously on the individual, their family, and society. Studies have supported physical activity as the most important behavior in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors. Qigong, a traditional Chinese therapeutic activity, uses gentle movements of extremities and control of breathing to improve health, enhance vitality and enable bodies, emotion, and spirit to reach optimal performance. Evidence-based research supports the argument that Qigong improves cardiovascular-respiratory function and lipid profile, decreases blood sugar, and relieves anxiety and depression. We suggest developing a safe, convenient, and simple Qigong exercise regimen for older adults at higher risk of cardiovascular diseases to extend their life expectancy and quality of life.