The influence of 1-year Tai Chi practice on health behavior in adults

Abstract

Introduction: Tai Chi is a type of movement derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine, gaining popularity in Poland in recent years. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of 1-year practice of Tai Chi on health behavior in adults. Material and Methods: The study was conducted from September 2014 to October 2015 among 62 students of the Tai Chi Chuan School in Krakow ranging from 30 to 50 years old. The study involved 37 women as well as 25 men. The main test method used in our study was the Health Behavior Inventory (IZZ). Results: Results of this study indicate significant improvement of the average score of Health Behavior Index (p=0.000): from 75,1pts before Tai Chi program to 83,1pts after one year of practicing. The average value of this parameter among women increased from 75,9pts to 83,1pts (p=0.000) and among men from 73,9pts to 83,0pts (p=0.000). The beneficial effect of 1-year Tai Chi practice was observed in all examined health behavior categories (proper nutrition habits, preventive behavior, positive mental attitude as well as proper nutrition) in the entire group as well as in men and women separately. The improvement observed was statistically significant (p<0.05). Before starting the Tai Chi program the average score of Health Behavior Index was significantly lower when compared to the normative group (p=0.000) but after one year practice an improvement was observed and the level of statistically not significant difference was achieved (p=0.483). Conclusion: The beneficial effect of 1-year Tai Chi training on overall improvement on health habits supports the need of further promotion of this physical activity among adults

Keywords

• tai chi
• health behavior
• adults