MEDICAL STUDIES ON TAI CHI

The Mental Health topic launched by the World Health Organization declared that depression is one of the leading causes of disability, affecting ~264 million people worldwide (WHO, 2019).

Around one in five children and adolescents in the world suffer from mental health problems, and the onset of nearly half of psychological disorders occurs before the age of 14 (WHO, 2019).

This study looked at the effect of Tai Chi and Qigong exercise on adolescents’ depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem have been investigated

Mental health problems in adolescents have been found to contribute to various types of maladaptive behavior, including poor academic performance, violent behavior, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, self-harm, and even suicide (Das et al., 2016; Dray et al., 2017). Adolescence is a crucial period in which immediate actions should be employed to prevent the impacts of such problem behaviors from persisting into adulthood. Given the public health burden imposed by mental health disorders in adolescents, it is imperious to identify and implement effective interventions.

The Development of Self Esteem in Children

International Journal of Psychology & Behavior Analysis  2016:

Findings include that young children are more likely to be affected by esteem factors than older ones.

Self-esteem of children is rather difficult to define, but a skeleton definition of it relates to the level of satisfaction or dissatisfaction that a kid has about himself/herself.  Self-esteem also plays a significant role in students’ participation in schools and formal activities as those with high self esteem appear to be more active and enthusiastic than those with low self esteem.

A child’s brain is home to various activities and development processes that are likely to lay down the fundamentals of who he is going to be once he grows up. One of these processes is cognitive phenomena of self-esteem during which a child develops his/her self perception and values that he believes to be his worth in society 

 

The Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong Exercise on Psychological Status in Adolescents Nov 2021

The Mental Health topic launched by the World Health Organization declared that depression is one of the leading causes of disability, affecting ~264 million people worldwide (WHO, 2019). Around one in five children and adolescents in the world suffer from mental health problems, and the onset of nearly half of psychological disorders occurs before the age of 14 (WHO, 2019)  This study confirmed the significant effect of Tai Chi and Qigong on reducing depression among adolescents, reducing  the cortisol level, and improving psychological well-being

Tai Chi is Shown to Increase Brain Size

Study done by U of S Florida and Fudang U in Shanghai showed that Chinese Seniors who did Tai Chi 3 times a week experienced an increase in brain size and improvements on test of memory and thinking in an  8 month randomized trial.  Group that did not do tai chi showed normal brain shrinkage for that age group http://breakingmuscle.com/other-martial-arts/tai-chi-shown-to-increase-brain-size
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22451320

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

Study shows Tai Chi:

• • • seems to improve balance and stability    
    • helps manage chronic pain
    • improves range of motion
    • improves mood, reduces anxiety

https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/taichi

Randomized Controlled Trials from 1993-2007 include 77 articles explaining that Tai Chi:

• • improved bone density
  • had a positive effect on physical function
  • reduced falls and related risks
  • improved quality of life
  • improved immune function
  • improved psychological function                                                   

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3085832/

Study at U Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness

Found that Tai Chi increases the gray matter in the hippocampus (the area associated with learning and memory).  This area helps regulate emotional stability.  An increase in gray matter occurred over the 8 week study.

The Huffington Post wrote a good article about this.

A study at Mass General Hospital found people who meditated 27 minutes/day over an 8 week period  had thicker cortical walls compared to those who did not mediate. Thickness of cortical walls is linked with slower rate of cognitive delicate, better memory, improved sense of self and empathy, quicker decision making, sharper focus and reduction in stress. Meditation, motor learning and single focused attention are associated with changes in the cortical regions of the brain. 

Tai Chi and Qigong appear to be an effective therapeutic modality to improve psychological well-being in adolescents. 2021

The results suggested a potential beneficial effect of Tai chi and Qigong exercise on reducing anxiety, depression, and reducing cortisol levels in adolescents

Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong in Children and Adolescents (2017) showed two outcome domains: (1) psychological wellbeing and behavior, and (2) physical health and function.

A study at the Mayo Clinic shows tai chi helps reduce stress and improve other health conditions.  

 A study at the U of Wisconsin – the effect of stressful incidents during childhood on brain development and size    While we don’t understand why stressful childhood produces these changes in the brain, it does exist.  But it doesn’t have to be irreversible.  Activities such as Tai Chi can reduce stress and overcome many of those negative effects.

Harvard Medical School  explains the health benefits of Tai chi

regular practice leads to more vigor and flexibility, better balance and mobility, and a sense of well-being.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder “Benefits from Tai Chi”
Thirteen adolescents with ADHD participated in Tai Chi classes twice a week for 5 weeks.  After the 10 tai chi sessions the adolescents displayed les anxiety, day dreaming behaviors, inappropriate emotions and hyperactivity and improved conduct.
Study by Tiffany Fields, Touch Research Institute
University of Miami School of Medicine  

http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/spring 2003.pdf

Think Beyond Drug Therapy for Treating ADHD
A 14 month study showed that drugs become less effective over time, behavioral options, while not as effective immediately, have a more lasting effect, and do not slow growth.
American Medical News, April19, 2004

Fit Kids, Smart Kids – New Research confirms that Exercise Boosts Brainpower
Studies with children and adults show improvement in performance on mental tests after 4 months of exercise.

Somatic literacy, bring somatic education into physical education.
Linden’s (1994) study states that individuals who learn how to stay in a state of relaxation and mental/physical clarity during disagreements will improve communication, increase sensitivity and empathy towards others, thus reducing the use of violence to settle conflicts.  Linden, P. (1994). JOPERD-The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance.     Volume 65, Issue 7.

Examination of the effects of traditional and modern martial arts training on aggressiveness Nosanchuk & MacNeil (1989) have shown that the psychological benefits of martial arts are correlated with the length of participation. Nosanchuk, T.A., & MacNeil, C. (1989. Aggressive Behavior, 15, 153-159

An effective approach to violence prevention: traditional martial arts in middle school.  Zivin et.al. (2002) concluded that the introduction of martial arts courses to high risk boys in a middle school working class neighborhood where many residents receive welfare indicated an increase in self-respect and respect for others. According to their study, practicing martial arts three times a week in the classroom, helped to retrain the boy’s nervous system away from impulsive reactions. The boys reported using breathing techniques for stress control in daily life. Teacher rated behaviors showed a decrease in inappropriate social behavior, impulsivity, and resistance to rules. Ziven, G., Hassan, N., DePaula, G.F., Monti, D.A., Harlan, C., Hossain, K.D., Patterson, K. (2002 Adolescence.Vol 36, Issue 143.

The effect of a physical activity intervention   package on the self-esteem of pre-adolescent and adolescent females  A study on the effect of a physical activity intervention package on the self-esteem of pre and post adolescent females showed the greatest increase in over all self-esteem, post intervention, was in the pre-adolescent girls. Boyd, K.R., & Hyrcaiko, D.W. (1997)..   Journal of Adolescence.   Volume 32, Issue 1.

The main focus of adapted physical education should be on the development of self-esteem .  Matthews-Saunders et al. (2003).   Fostering an, “I can do it!” attitude, especially in the preschool and early elementary years, motivates students to take on more challenging endeavors. They reported that few individuals, with or without disabilities, are willing to try new concepts. The idea of failing in front of their peers is distasteful. Positive esteem can be developed and maintained through improvement in various fine and gross motor skills. Matthews-Saunders et al. (2003) state that positive self-esteem is important in everyone’s life and education.

The effects of a task-oriented physical education program on the self-perceptions of third, fourth and fifth grade students  Newsham, S.L. (1989).. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, San Diego, CA: United States International University.  A general trend among exercise studies indicate that self-concept increased positively, and behavior problems lessened, after exercise interventions were implemented.

Should the main objective of adapted physical education be the development of motor skills or the development of self-esteem?   Stein, J.U., Matthew-Sanders, J., & Williamson, P. (2003). The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. JOPERD. Volume 74, Issue 9.

Martial arts training: a novel “cure” for juvenile delinquency.     Trulson, M.F. (1986). Trulson’s (1986) study of the impact of the Korean martial art (tae kwon do) on delinquent adolescents.  After studying this art, the adolescents exhibited lessened aggression and increased self-esteem. It is important to note that these results occurred in adolescents who studied the old, traditional style of tae kwon do, and not the more modern style that puts and emphasis on fighting. Human Relations, Volume 39, Issue 12.

Psychotherapeutic aspects of martial arts. Weiser et al outlines the psychotherapeutic aspects of martial arts and the enhancement of self-esteem.     Weiser, M., Kutz, I.K., Kutz, S.J., & Weiser, D. (1995 American Journal of Psychotherapy. Volume 49, Issue 1.

The health and fitness benefits of tai chi.    Yan, H.J. (1995). Taijiquan, also know as tai chi, can help students improve relaxation skills and concentration which, in turn, result in improved physiological and psychological well being.  The practice of tai chi reduces levels of tension, depression, & anger.  Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. JOPERD. Volume 66, Issue 9.