Sport and Fitness Journal

Volume 11, No.3, Sept 2023: 225-229

E-ISSN: 2654-9182

TAICHI EFFICACY FOR β-ENDORPHIN IN THE AGING PROCESS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Arnylia Djunaidy1*, Wilianto1, I Putu Gede Adiatmika2

  • 1 . Anti Aging Medicine Concentration for Biomedical Science Graduate Program, Medical Faculty, Udayana University, 80234, Denpasar, Indonesia

  • 2 .Physiology Department, Medical Facult, Udayana University, 80234, Denpasar, Indonesia Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The aging process can be delayed by exercises such as taichi and meditation. They are useful for reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular aging. The older people will be more fit and happy. One of the parameters is β-endorphin. This literature review will investigate the effect of taichi determined by beta-endorphin in the aging process. Google Scholar, Researchgate, and Mendeley were used as the search engine. The keywords were taichi, endorphin, & anti-aging. The effect of taichi on beta-endorphin in the aging process was analyzed from 7 articles. The aging process changes body homeostasis, organ systems, and other so it will reduce the functional capacity from the cellular to the individual level. In case of the cellular level, beta-endorphin is one of the parameter for tai chi efficacy. Beta-endorphin can give happiness so that the elderly can get a better homeostasis. The endorphin change after taichi so the aging process will improve.

Keywords: taichi; anti-aging; beta-endorphin

INTRODUCTION

Indonesia is going to give the demographic bonus so there will be 100 million citizens older than 60 years old by 2050. The number of older people in Indonesia was 10% in 2016.1 Longer life expectancy can be beneficial for our country.2 However, old people often have a poor quality of life. They can be sick easily compared with the younger generation. Older people also own other social issues.3 Depression and anxiety are more potentials in an older population.4 β-endorphin levels can predict an individual’s social network structure.5 β-endorphin is a peptide molecule that can affect the human body. β-endorphin is the primary agonist of opioid receptors for regulating the brain and immune cells as the body has potent analgesic effects.6

Tai Chi programs can reduce β-endorphin levels in older populations who have chronic pain.7 Taichi's psychological and physical benefits should be researched more thoroughly. 8 As a result, policies and methods for encouraging sports and physical activity are needed to lessen the ageing, bad health, and functioning implications, while also taking into account and addressing the structural codeterminants involved.9 Based on this context, this article will delve deeper into the efficacy of taichi for β-endorphins in the aging process.

METHOD

Google Scholar, Researchgate, Pubmedia, and Mendeley were used as search engines. The method uses journals and preliminary research publications. The effects of tai chi on β-endorphin levels in the elderly are explored. The keywords were tai chi, endorphin, and antiaging. The literature search yielded 163,000 articles. There were 5 trusted articles with inclusion criteria of literature publication years. Indonesian or English was used. Non-full-text literature is excluded.

RESULTS

Seven articles have shown the change in β-endorphin in the elderly. Tai chi was programmed for 12 to 24 weeks. The number of participants varied and the age group was approximately 65 years.

Table 1. The Analysis of The Tai chi Effect to Change Beta-endorphin Levels in Elderly

No

Article

Goal

Physiological

Age

Population

Study

Length

Intervention

Results

Compared

To assess inflammator

The

74

N = 40

with the light physical

Depletio

y markers in older adults with

exercise

n of

1

You T, et al 2020.7

endocrine, immune

years (range 65–87

F = 17

12 weeks

group with 1-hour

plasma β-

chronic

system

years)

M = 23

duration for each class

endorphi n levels

pain

twice per week

To know

Significa

the changes

48 weeks

48 weeks

nt

2

Jing Zhao, 2020.10

in bone mineral density in

Endocrine, musculoskel etal

45-55 years

74 perimenopau sal women

(twice a week, 60 minutes/ti

(twice a week, 60 minutes/times

increase in plasma

perimenopa usal women

mes)

).

endorphi n levels

To

a Tai Chi

Increasin g the level of β-endorphi n

You, Tongjian Ogawa, et al, 2017.11

investigate

Older

(N=28)

offered

Comparison

Mobility in

Endocrine,

adults

twice

with light

3

Older

Adults with

Multisite

musculoskel etal

aged ≥65 years

light physical exercise

weekly for 12 weeks.

physical exercise program

Pain

(N=26)

"evidence

Tai chi,

To compare

map," or a

mindfuln

visual

ess, and

Giannitrap

with other complement ary and

11

Systematic

display, of

massage

4

ani, Karleen

Endocrine,

electron ic

reviews met our inclusion

the literature

the strength of the

can be effective

et.al,

Integrative Health Therapies for Pain

neurology

databas

criteria:

size and

evidence

for

2019.12

es.

tai chi (21).

broad estimates

multiple kinds of

of

chronic

effectiven

pain.

ess

significa nt

increase

to measure

of

To know

A brain 1H

NAA/Cr

MRS and a

enrolled

N-acetyl

ratios in

Zhou, Min

the brain

Metabolism

Endocrine, neurology

Six

muscle 31P

in a 12-

aspartate to creatine

the

5

et.al, 2018.13

and Muscle Energetics improveme

healthy older adults

MRS were scanned before and after the

week Tai Chi program.

(NAA/Cr) ratios and phosphocreati

posterior cingulate gyrus

nt

training,

ne (PCr) recovery time

PCr

recovery time

improve ment in

leg muscles

DISCUSSION

Tai chi altered the elderly endorphin levels who have chronic pain. 7 Stress triggers the pituitary gland to release endorphin, a neuropeptide hormone with immune-boosting effects. The non-opiate receptor increases β-endorphin mitogenesis, affecting the elderly's immune system. POMC production is studied for its effects.14

Endorphins are opioid neuropeptides that are naturally produced in the body and act mainly as an inhibitor of pain perception and are present in pleasant situations.15 As agonists of the body's opioid receptors, β-endorphins are known for their strength and pain-relieving effect. They are also related to homeostasis-restoring behavior.6

Tai chi can improve the physical and mental health of the elderly. After short-term tai chi training, the N-acetyl aspartate to creatine ratio (NAA/Cr) increased significantly in the posterior cingulate gyrus and restored leg muscle creatine phosphate (PCr).13 Older people will greatly improve the beneficial tai chi mechanism. Tai Chi interventions produce beneficial neurological changes in the human brain. 16

The opioids were used for the alternative therapy of pain management. This complementary and integrative health therapy may help some types of chronic pain patients. Other randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with sufficient power to demonstrate tai chi and other types of pain intervention are warranted.17,12

Another parameter for tai chi research in the elderly is the telomere molecule. Telomeres are DNA protein structures. They are at the ends of chromosomes. Telomeres are involved in the physical aging process. The effects of tai chi on telomerase activity (TA) and gel transmittance (GT) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the association of TA and GT with tai chi are controversial. Tai Chi can protect TA and improve GT. TA increased with increasing GT.18

The function of cerebral vessels in the elderly is also significantly weakened compared to that of young people and strongly correlates with age. Compared to an older control group, Tai Chi practitioners showed significant improvements in cerebrovascular hemodynamic index (CVHI) scores (cerebrovascular hemodynamic index), mean blood flow velocity, peak blood flow velocity, and blood flow velocity.19

There have been few studies on the effects of Tai Chi on perimenopause and bone mineral density. Tai chi practice for 48 weeks can significantly improve symptoms in perimenopausal women, implying that changes in plasma dopamine and beta-endorphin levels are one of the contributing factors to symptom relief in perimenopause.10 Another study found that practicing tai chi has a significant effect on lowering blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients. Practicing tai chi can also change blood sugar levels. 20 Tai chi is frequently practiced. Superoxide dismutase and catalase levels increased repeatedly, while lipoperoxide levels decreased.21

Tai chi had a significant positive effect on self-efficacy in 5 studies. Only one study found negative results at follow-up. Furthermore, it is unknown which types, frequencies, and durations of tai chi interventions are most effective in increasing self-efficacy. Tai chi appears to be linked to increased self-efficacy.22 When practitioners are motivated enough, Tai chi can improve mental alertness and leadership. Tai Chi improved the frame of mind attention. Contrary to popular belief, the primary negative results in non-Chinese participants can attribute to lower motivation and a relatively short duration of tai chi practice.23

CONCLUSION

Tai chi can influence the aging process in several organ systems, especially in neuroendocrine system, as monitored by beta endorphin levels as shown in 5 articles used. Clinical-level molecular, cellular, and organic evidence for the effectiveness of tai chi were showed for regulating β-endorphin levels in the elderly. Tai chi can be an alternative to an anti-aging lifestyle. It is hoped that future antiaging tai chi research will be conducted with a larger sample size, gender balance, and specific age restriction criteria.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Nothing is considered a conflict of interest.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The author appreciates the guidance of dr. Indira Vidiari Juhanna, M.Fis and Prof. Dr. dr. I Putu Gede Adiatmika, M.Kes, as our supervisor for the Basic Sports Medicine course, Anti-Aging Medicine concentration of Biomedical Science Graduate Program, Medical Faculty, Udayana University– Bali – Indonesia.

REFERENCES

  • 1.     Kementerian Kesehatan RI. Infodatin Lanjut Usia (lansia). Pusat Data dan Informasi Kementerian

Kesehatan RI. 2016. p. 12.

  • 2.     Bloom DE, Canning D, Lubet A. Global Population Aging: Facts, Challenges, Solutions & Perspectives.

Daedalus. MIT Press; 2015 Apr 1;144(2):80–92.

  • 3.     Chatterjee S, Dey I, Banerjee M, Bhair S, Bhattacharjee S, Sinha S, Ahmed T. Study of positive and

negative contributors to mental health in old age. Indian Journal of Community Psychology. 2017;13(2).

  • 4.     Wu YT, Kralj C, Acosta D, Guerra M, Huang Y, Jotheeswaran AT, Jimenez-Velazquez IZ, Liu Z, Llibre

Rodriguez JJ, Salas A, Sosa AL, Alkholy R, Prince M, Prina AM. The association between, depression, anxiety, and mortality in older people across eight low- and middle-income countries: Results from the 10/66 cohort study. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2020;35(1).

  • 5.     Han M, Jiang G, Luo H, Shao Y. Neurobiological Bases of Social Networks. Frontiers in Psychology.

2021.

  • 6.     Pilozzi A, Carro C, Huang X. Roles of β-endorphin in stress, behavior, neuroinflammation, and brain

energy metabolism. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021.

  • 7.     You T, Ogawa EF, Thapa S, Cai Y, Yeh GY, Wayne PM, Shi L, Leveille SG. Effects of Tai Chi on beta

endorphin and inflammatory markers in older adults with chronic pain: an exploratory study. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research. 2020;32(7):1389–1392. PMID: 31432432

  • 8.     Webster CS, Luo AY, Krägeloh C, Moir F, Henning M. A systematic review of the health benefits of Tai

Chi for students in higher education. Prev Med Rep. The Authors; 2016;3:103–112.

  • 9.     Niño A, Villa-Vicente JG, Collado PS. Functional Capacity of Tai Chi-Practicing Elderly People. Int J

Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(4).

  • 10.    Zhao J. Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on the changes of bone mineral density of perimenopausal women.

Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research. 2020;24(2).

  • 11.    You T, Ogawa E, Thapa S, Cai Y, Zhang H, Nagae S, Yeh G, Wayne P, Leveille S. Effects of Tai Chi on

Mobility in Older Adults with Multisite Pain. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2017;49(5S):2.

  • 12.    Giannitrapani KF, Holliday JR, Miake-Lye IM, Hempel S, Taylor SL. Synthesizing the Strength of the

Evidence of Complementary and Integrative Health Therapies for Pain. Pain Medicine (United States). 2019;20(9).

  • 13.    Zhou M, Liao H, Sreepada LP, Ladner JR, Balschi JA, Lin AP. Tai Chi Improves Brain Metabolism and

Muscle Energetics in Older Adults. Journal of Neuroimaging. 2018;28(4).

  • 14.    Sacerdote P, Clementi E, Manfredi B, Panerai AE. Beta-Endorphin in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear

Cells: Effect of Aging and Pharmacological Treatments. Advances in Psychoneuroimmunology. Springer, Boston, MA; 1994;339–348.

  • 15.    Chaudhry SR, Kum B. Biochemistry, Endorphin. StatPearls. 2019.

  • 16.    Pan Z, Su X, Fang Q, Hou L, Lee Y, Chen CC, Lamberth J, Kim ML. The effects of Tai Chi intervention

on healthy elderly by means of neuroimaging and EEG: A systematic review. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 2018;10(APR).

  • 17.    You T, Ogawa E, Thapa S, Cai Y, Zhang H, Nagae S, Yeh G, Wayne P, Leveille S. Effects of Tai Chi on

Mobility in Older Adults with Multisite Pain. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2017;49(5S):2.

  • 18.    Duan G xiang, Wang K, Su Y hua, Tang S yang, Jia H li, Chen X mei, Xie H hui. Effects of Tai Chi on

telomerase activity and gerotranscendence in middle aged and elderly adults in Chinese society. International Journal of Nursing Sciences. 2016;3(3).

  • 19.    Li L, Wang J, Guo S, Xing Y, Ke X, Chen Y, He Y, Wang S, Wang J, Cui X, Wang Z, Tang L. Tai Chi

exercise improves age‐ associated decline in cerebrovascular function: a cross‐ sectional study. BMC Geriatrics. 2021;21(1).

  • 20.    Kurdi F, Abidin Z, Priyanti RP, Kholis AH. Management Of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 For Elderly: Taichi

Exercise To Reduce Blood Sugar Levels. Nursing and Health Sciences Journal (NHSJ). 2021;1(2).

  • 21.    Rosado-Pérez J, Castelán-Martínez OD, Mújica-Calderón AJ, Sánchez-Rodríguez MA, Mendoza-Núñez

VM. Effect of tai chi on markers of oxidative stress: Systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021.

  • 22.    Tong Y, Chai L, Lei S, Liu M, Yang L. Effects of Tai Chi on Self-Efficacy: A Systematic Review.

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2018.

  • 23.    Kim THM, Pascual-Leone J, Johnson J, Tamim H. The mental-attention Tai Chi effect with older adults.

BMC Psychology. 2016;4(1).

229