傳統太極拳運動之生物受益機制

太極拳的健康研究受到國際性之重視，但系統性回顧文獻中多指出其生物受益機制的研究成果嚴重缺乏，故而不具說服力。因此，本文目的在探討太極拳運動之生物受益機制。本研究提出的機制建構方法，將整合生物階層張拉整體系統原理及細胞機械轉能的論點，探討太極拳如何藉由拉力與扭力的合力，傳統上稱為纏絲力，將身肢放長來闡明其生物受益機制。本文所得結語如下：人體是由不同尺寸層級所組成的張拉整體系統，諸如肌肉骨架、器官、組織、細胞及分子所形成的階層系統，故而在大尺寸層級的作用力得以傳遞到次層級，及次層級中的次層級。機械轉能的生物特質說明身肢拉長促使細胞外間質產生拉伸變形，透過整聯蛋白傳入細胞骨架及細胞核，使得細胞之形狀及功能改變。雖然本文旨在建構太極拳運動的生物機制理論以闡明其健康機制，但其理論應亦適用於運動健康之教育與研究。建議未來應整合理論與臨床實驗，如此尚可具體證實太極拳的健康效益

關鍵字

階層系統；機械轉能；細胞外間質

並列摘要

Considerable research in recent decades has been devoted to attempts to establish the efficacy of Tai Chi (TC) in addressing a range of health issues. However, a systematic review of the research reveals a serious lack of inquiry into the biological mechanisms underlying these asserted benefits, rendering the results unconvincing. This paper attempts to address that gap in the research of traditional TC exercise, and provide an innovative theoretical framework drawing on the principles of hierarchical biotensegrity and mechanotransduction. These principles are brought to bear on an examination the biological mechanisms underlying TC, detailing the synergistic benefits achieved through the forces of torsion and tension (traditionally known as chán sī lì ＂silkreeling force＂). The biological effects of TC involve a process of mechanotransduction resulting from changes in the tone of the musculoskeletal structure and subsequent extracellular matrix tensile deformation. Cells respond to this mechanical stimulus through changes in their electro-chemical activity, as signals are transmitted through integrin across cell membrane into cytoskeleton and nucleus to produce changes in cellular shape and function. The innovative theoretical framework derived from this study may also provide a platform for the teaching of and research into TC exercise and its relation to health. In the future, it is recommended that more systematic clinical research verifying the efficacy of TC movement should be carried out.