NIH STUDY ON TAT ^®

Short summary: In 2005, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded a pilot study with scientists from the Kaiser Center for Health Research and the University of Arizona comparing TAT for weight loss maintenance with two other approaches (Qi Gong and behavioral advice). Each group was given 10 hours of instruction in the method they used. The TAT group gained little weight whereas the other two groups gained at least six times as much. The authors were impressed with TAT and recommended further study. Below is a summary of the preliminary report by the research team. A full write-up including interviews with participants is planned for publication in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2007.

Mist, S., Elder, M., Aickin, M., & Ritenbaugh. 2005. A randomized trial of Tapas Acupressure Technique ® for weight loss maintenance.

Published in : Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies.10.38-39 [a quarterly review journal presenting evidence-based approaches to health care]. Abstracts of 12th Annual Symposium on Complementary Health Care. 19-21st September. 2005. Exeter , UK .

Location of research : Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, 2800 N. Interstate Ave. , Portland , U.S.A. & University of Arizona , Tucson , Arizona , OR 97227, U.S.A.

Description : This scientifically rigorous, randomized and controlled study provides support for TAT as a helpful approach for people with weight problems. The aim of the study was to compare TAT with two other interventions for helping people maintain weight loss after they had successfully lost excess weight (at least 3.5 kg) on a behavioral program. TAT was compared with Qigong and Self-directed support (a simple cognitive-behavioral approach with advice and encouragement). All three approaches involved 10 hours of instruction over a 12-week period. The outcome measure was weight gain. 92 adults were involved in the study.

After three months, the group using TAT had not gained any weight, but the Self-Directed Support group gained an average of 0.35 kg. At 6 months the Self-Directed Support group had gained 1.5 kg., but the TAT group had gained only 0.25 kg. Qigong was found too difficult for the participants to practice, and this group gained the most weight of all. There were no adverse effects of TAT.

The authors conclude: "TAT was a feasible intervention, warranting further study as a potential weight maintenance intervention."