Effects of Taiji exercise on the psychology and the functions of the autonomic nervous systems of the middle-aged and elderly / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the effects of Taiji exercise on the psychology and the functions of the autonomic nervous systems of middle aged and elderly people. Methods Two hundred and seven middle aged and elderly Taiji exercisers and 166 age matched non Taiji exercisers were sampled. The Zung Self rating Anxiety Scale(SAS), Zung Self rating Depression Scale (SDS) and autonomic nervous system equilibrium index (ANSEI)were adopted to assess the subjects. Results Compared with those of the control group, the scores of SAS and SDS in Taiji group were significantly higher, and the equilibrium of autonomic nervous systems in Taiji group was also superior. There was no significant difference between the male and the female with regard to SAS, SDS and the equilibrium of autonomic nervous systems within Taiji group. The longer the exercise, the better the equilibrium of autonomic nervous systems. Conclusion Taiji exercise has positive effects on the psychology and the autonomic nervous system of the middle aged and the elderly.