Tai Chi and eCB in Women (TC-eCB)

Tai Chi and eCB in Postmenopausal Women

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is widely found in central and peripheral systems, and the immune system. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise has shown to increase circulatory endocannabinoids. In this study, we will study Tai Chi, a mind-body moderate-intensity exercise, intervention for its effects on ECS in women. A pre-post design trial will be conducted on 18 qualified subjects. We will measure plasma eCB levels at baseline, before and after 4th session of Tai Chi. All data will be analyzed statistically at p<0.05.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Mind-body Exercise
• Intervention / Treatment: Behavioral: Tai Chi

Detailed Description

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is widely found in central and peripheral systems, and the immune system. Emerging studies have shown endocannabinoid plays a role in appetite, pain sensation, control of chronic pain, macronutrient metabolism, mood/mood disorder, and regulation of immune cell functions. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise has shown to increase circulatory endocannabinoids. Moderate-intensity exercise improves cognition, memory, and wellbeing in adults. Exercisers experience decreased tension, depression, and anger. Therefore, these findings in humans suggest a likely relationship for exercise effecting well-being via ECS. In this study, we will study Tai Chi, a mind-body moderate-intensity exercise, intervention for its effects on ECS in women. A pre-post design trial will be conducted on 15 qualified subjects. All subjects will be assigned to Tai Chi group for one week including 3 sessions, 60 minutes per session, on 3 non-consecutive days. We will measure plasma eCB levels at baseline, before and after 4th session of Tai Chi. All data will be analyzed statistically at p<0.05.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 18
• Phase: Phase 1

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • Texas
    • Lubbock, Texas, United States, 79430
      • Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 40 years to 70 years (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Postmenopausal women (menopause is defined as the absence of menstrual period for 12 months, not related to pregnancy/lactation, hormonal contraception). Age 40-70 years old with BMI between 25-35 kg/m2.
2. English literacy.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. prior experience with mind-body practice (e.g., TC, Qi Gong, yoga, meditation).
2. Severe medical limitations (i.e., dementia, symptomatic heart or vascular disease, or recent stroke) precluding full participation.
3. Medical/neurologic or other systemic diseases affecting the musculoskeletal systems (i.e. polio/Parkinson's/ multiple sclerosis, etc. in addition to cerebral vascular accident or stroke) and diabetes with peripheral neuropathy affecting their sensory/balance.
4. taking pain/anti-inflammatory and sleep medications within the 3 months before study starts.
5. taking hormone-replacement therapy within the 3 months before study starts.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Other
• Allocation: N/A
• Interventional Model: Single Group Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

1

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Tai Chi; Tai Chi exercise	Behavioral: Tai Chi; mind-body exercise

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
plasma eCB level	AEA and 2-AG	1 week

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Chwan-li Shen, PhD, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): August 1, 2019
• Primary Completion (Actual): July 31, 2024
• Study Completion (Actual): October 31, 2024

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: January 28, 2019
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 28, 2019
• First Posted (Actual): January 30, 2019

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): April 2, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 27, 2025
• Last Verified: March 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Other Study ID Numbers: Tai Chi and eCB in women

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No