Evaluating the effects of Tai Chi on physical fitness and mental health of the elderly

Doctoral dissertation. — Heidelberg: Karls-Universität Heidelberg, 2013. — 189 p. Диссертация на английском языке. Contents: Abstract. Introduction. Background and significance of the study Aims of intervention Hypotheses Leading constructs Health Aging Blood pressure Mental health Quality of life and health related quality of life Physical activity Physical exercise Physical fitness Muscular strength Aerobic Endurance Flexibility Agility/dynamic balance Literature review Aging and physical changes associated with aging Effects of physical activities for the orderly’s health Exercise and physical activity for psychological health and well-being Physical activity for cognitive functioning, and aging Physical activity and quality of life in old age Physical exercise and risk of falls Tai Chi History of Tai chi The Origin of the First Combined Forms Adaptation to Vietnam Effects of Tai Chi exercise Cardiovascular and Cardio-respiratory functions Flexibility Musculoskeletal improvement Psychological functions and wellness Coronary artery diseases Hypertension Balance and prevention of falls Neurological, chronic diseases and pain Bone function, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis Aging population in Vietnam Aging population in Germany Design and Methodology Research design Participants Design Test protocol Instrumentation Tai Chi program Tai Chi group (TC) Control group (CT) Validation and reliability of measurement Empirical processes Data collection and safety Statistical analysis Results Characteristics of the sampling groups Current situation of exercise training of older people in Vinh City Comparison of results between the Tai Chi and the Control group at the baseline Comparison of blood pressure, BMI, and WHR Comparison of results of physical component measurement between TC Subjectively perceived health between TC and CT Comparison of sleep quality between TC and CT Comparison of cognitive performance between TC and CT Comparison of results between Tai Chi and Control groups at Midpoint Comparison of blood pressure, BMI, and WHR Comparison of results of physical component measurement between TC & CT Subjectively perceived health between TC and CT Comparison of sleep quality between TC and CT Comparison of motor speed and visual attention between TC and CT Comparison of results between the Tai Chi and the Control groups the endpoint Comparison of blood pressure, BMI and WHR Comparison of results of physical component measurement between TC & CT Subjectively perceived health between TC and CT Comparison of sleep quality between TC and CT Comparison of motor speed and visual attention between TC and CT Comparison of results at three periods of test between the TC and TC groups Comparison of BMI, WHR and blood pressure of within- subjected effect Comparison of physical measurement of within-subjected effect Comparison of subjectively perceived health of within-subjected effect Comparison of sleep quality of within-subjected effect Comparison of Cognitive performance of within-subjected effect Identification of multi factorial interaction among dependent and independent variables Within the group comparison of the Tai Chi exercise at end-point and follow-up Differences of means among the Tai Chi, the Control and the Drop out Differences in physical fitness and subjectively rated health between German and Vietnamese older adults Discussion Effects on blood pressures Effects on physical fitness Effects on balance and falls Effects on self-rated health Effects on sleep and cognitive performance Cross-cultural preliminary study Limitations and problems faced in the study Conclusion Implication Further study Conclusion References Appendixes Photos taken at tests Presentation and publication List of abbreviations.