Table 1 Characteristics of the intervention studies that included martial arts
Study | Quality | Country/ Setting | Body composition | BMI | Sample n (total/F); Mean age, years (SD or range); ethnicity | Intervention | Control | Main results | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tsang et al. [30] 2009 | 21 medium | Australia/Hospital | BMI/DEXA | ≥85% | 20/12; 13.1 (2.1); NR | Kung Fu 3 x week - 1 h | Tai Chi 3 x week - 1 h | Difference between groups: waist circumference, with a lower circumference in the CG. | 24 |
Beebe et al. [31] 2013 | 11 low | USA/University | BMI | ≥30–49.9 kg/m2 | 26/26; 61.5 (6.0); NR | Tai Chi 3 x week 45 min + NE 1 x week 45 min | NE 1 x week 45 min | Difference within groups: both groups showed a significant decrease in body-weight, and waist circumference. The CG had a significant decrease in the BMI and hip circumference. | 16 |
Chen et al. [32] 2010 | 18 medium | China/Hospital | BMI | ≥30–35 kg/m2 | 117/54; 58.2 (6.0); Asian | Tai Chi 3 x week - 1 h | Conventional exercises 3 x week - 1 h | Difference between groups: BMI, with a decrease in the IG. Difference within groups: the IG showed a significant decrease in the BMI. | 12 |
Chyu et al. [33] 2013 | 20 medium | USA/Community | BMI/bioimpedance | ≥25 kg/m2 | 47/47; 40.6 (6.2); NR | MAE 3 x week - 1 h | Daily activities | Difference between groups: FFM and MM, with a lower amount in the IG. | 12 |
Dechamps et al. [34] 2009 | 21 medium | France/Hospital | BMI/BOD POD | ≥30 kg/m2 | 21/21; 44.4 (11.9); NR | Tai Chi 1 x week - 2 h + diet + NI + PI + MI | Conventional exercises 1 x week - 2 h + diet + NI + PI + MI | Difference between groups: The IG showed a decrease in fat (kg) and percent body fat. | 10 |
Katkowski et al. [35] 2013 | 15 low | USA/Laboratory | BMI/DEXA | ≥30–49.9 kg/m2 | 27/27; 61.5 (5.9); NR | Tai Chi 3 x week 45 min + NI 1 x week 45 min + diet | NI 1 x week 45 min + diet | Difference within groups: weight, BMI, fat (kg), percent body fat, and waist circumference, with a decrease in both groups. | 16 |