Matthew F Komelski1, Rosemary Blieszner1, Yasuo Miyazaki2. 1. 1 Department of Human Development, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , Blacksburg, VA. 2. 2 School of Education, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , Blacksburg, VA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential influence of curriculum, frequency of practice, and dietary quality on the health of experienced Taiji and qigong practitioners. DESIGN: Theoretical and cross-sectional study. METHODS: Responses from a volunteer sample of Taiji practitioners from across the United States were collected using an online survey. The instrument was designed to collect data on health-related quality of life, diet, and Taiji practice regimens. All experienced (≥4 years) practitioners (n = 94; mean age, 55.82 years [range, 24-83 years]) were included in the analysis. Relationships among self-reported health, diet, experience, practice frequency, and curricular complexity were analyzed. RESULTS: Practitioners' health status did not show the typical negative association with age and was positively associated with complex curricula, practice, and high-quality diets. Significant interaction effects were seen between (1) curricular complexity and additional practice (p < 0.05) and (2) curricular complexity and diet (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intervention designers, Taiji teachers, and practitioners should consider the potential influence of curricula, out-of-class practice, and healthy diets for optimizing health-related gains and minimizing age-related losses in interventions and community-based programs.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential influence of curriculum, frequency of practice, and dietary quality on the health of experienced Taiji and qigong practitioners. DESIGN: Theoretical and cross-sectional study. METHODS: Responses from a volunteer sample of Taiji practitioners from across the United States were collected using an online survey. The instrument was designed to collect data on health-related quality of life, diet, and Taiji practice regimens. All experienced (≥4 years) practitioners (n = 94; mean age, 55.82 years [range, 24-83 years]) were included in the analysis. Relationships among self-reported health, diet, experience, practice frequency, and curricular complexity were analyzed. RESULTS: Practitioners' health status did not show the typical negative association with age and was positively associated with complex curricula, practice, and high-quality diets. Significant interaction effects were seen between (1) curricular complexity and additional practice (p < 0.05) and (2) curricular complexity and diet (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intervention designers, Taiji teachers, and practitioners should consider the potential influence of curricula, out-of-class practice, and healthy diets for optimizing health-related gains and minimizing age-related losses in interventions and community-based programs.
Authors: Yang Yang; Jay V Verkuilen; Karl S Rosengren; Scott A Grubisich; Michael R Reed; Elizabeth T Hsiao-Wecksler Journal: Med Sci Monit Date: 2007-08