Effect of Remote Tai Chi Training vs. Strength Training on Muscle Mass and Grip Strength in Older Mexican Adults in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Tele-exercise (TEF) is an option for maintaining the vitality of people who have difficulty exercising outside the home and in confinement situations. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of TEF in Tai Chi (CT) compared to strength training (ST) on muscle mass and strength in older Mexican adults. The following groups were formed: (i) CT Group (CTG) n=42; (ii) ST Group (STG) n=41; (iii) Control Group (CG) n=40. Skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI), %FM (percentage of fat mass), handgrip strength (HF), and sit-stand test (SST) were assessed before and after the intervention. Both TEF groups showed an increase in SMMI, GTC (+0.73 ± 1 kg/m², p 0.009) and GEF (+0.45 ± 0.9 kg/m², p 0.03) in contrast to the GC (-0.49 ± 0.5, p 0.05). Likewise, both groups showed a significant decrease in %FM (GTC, -4.32 ± 6, p<0.01; GEF, -4.24 ± 6, p<0.01) compared to the GC (2.12 ± 7, p=0.04). An increase was also found in HS: TCG (+4 ± 7, p=0.08) and GEF (+5 ±3, p=0.08), along with a decrease in STST time in both groups (GTC, -2.19±3, p<0.01; GEF, -3.48 ± 3, p<0.001). The tele-exercise in tai chi or strength training has a similar positive effect on SMMI, %FM, HS, and STST, and an option for older adults in confinement situations.