Health clubs looking to tap into the preventative healthcare market could do worse than look into introducing Tai Chi classes.

According to a report in the 25 April issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, the ancient Chinese method of exercise has been proven to enhance quality of life and self-efficacy of chronic heart failure patients.

A study by the Harvard Medical School – in partnership with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center – evaluated outpatients with systolic heart failure who took part in a one-hour Tai Chi group class twice weekly for 12 weeks.

When compared to a group taking part in an alternative form of exercise, the study found that – although there were no significant differences in change in physical fitness levels between the two control groups – patients in the Tai Chi group had greater improvements in quality of life and were more likely to keep up their exercise routine.