Exercise Medicine Australia National and International Accreditation Program 
(17 CPDs for Continuing Education and Professional Development for Health
and Exercise Professionals)

Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases are the leading cause of disease burden in Australia and around the world. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) alone accounts for nearly one third of global deaths. In Australia, heart, stroke and vascular diseases kill more Australians than any other disease groups.  Lung disease poses a significant and growing health challenge in Australia with 2.6 million cases of lung disease reported in 2007-2008. 

14 randomized control trials conducted around the world on Tai Chi for cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary diseases demonstrated that Tai Chi significantly improved  cardiac  function,  coronary  risk profile and quality of life (QOL). It also improved heart  rate and  heart  rate  response, blood  pressure, baroreflex sensitivity and peak oxygen uptake, left ventricular ejection fraction, enhanced 6MWD (six-minute walking distance) and increased CRQ total score (Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire). 12 out of the 14 randomized control trials were based on Yang Style Tai Chi, which is the style used for the Tai Chi for Cardiopulmonary Health Program. 

The Tai Chi for Cardiopulmonary Health Program is an evidence-based, safe and targeted Tai Chi intervention program designed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease, improve cardiopulmonary health, physical function and quality of life. 

The results of the recent clinical trial conducted by medical experts and researchers at the Prince Charles Hospital have showed that 12 week practice of the Tai Chi for Cardiopulmonary Health Program has significantly improved the cardiopulmonary patients’ life schema on SIWB.

SIWB index is widely used in studies of chronic illness, aging, and palliative care to measure health-related quality of life and wellbeing. The results of the study also showed a trend for reduction in depressive symptoms in the patients. 

Improvement in the patients' lower limb strength and balance has also been reported. The study has reported that throughout the trial, there have been no adverse events reported. The results of the trial were reported at the Inaugural Scientific Meeting of the Pulmonary Hypertension Society of Australia and New Zealand in Sydney, Australia.

The Tai Chi for Cardiopulmonary Health Program is a practical training course involving step-by-step teaching and practice of the program. The theoretical component covers research evidence underpinning the Tai Chi for Cardiopulmonary Health Program, and the teaching and practice quidelines for the program. 

This course is suitable for health (allied and non-allied) and exercise professionals involved in primary prevention and rehabilitation of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. The course is also open to physical activity leaders, community health workers, carers, Tai Chi and Qigong instructors, volunteers and the general public. 

Click here for the course schedule

Click here for the course location, date and cost and to register

Click here for evidence on Tai Chi for cardiovascular and respiratory health