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Recchia F, Yu AP, Ng TC, Fong DY, Chan DK, Cheng CP, Hui SS, Wang C, Siu PM. Study protocol for a comparative randomized controlled trial of Tai Chi and conventional exercise training on alleviating depression in older insomniacs. J Exerc Sci Fit 2024; 22:194-201. [PMID: 38559906 PMCID: PMC10979278 DOI: 10.1016/j.jesf.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Insomnia and depression are prevalent mental disorders that are often comorbid among older adults. Lifestyle intervention strategies incorporating Tai Chi or conventional exercise have been shown to alleviate symptoms of insomnia and depression. However, the comparative efficacy of these exercise modalities in individuals with both disorders has yet to be determined. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of Tai Chi and conventional exercise for reducing depressive symptoms in older adults with chronic insomnia and depressive symptoms, when compared to a health education control. Methods This study is a prospective, assessor-blinded, three-arm, parallel group, randomized controlled trial. Older adults aged ≥60 years with a diagnosis of chronic insomnia and depressive symptoms will be randomly assigned to a Tai Chi, conventional exercise or health education control condition on a 1:1:1 basis. Interventions will last for 3 months, with a 6-month follow-up period. The primary outcome is depressive symptoms, assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Secondary outcomes include subjective sleep quality, 7-day actigraphy, 7-day sleep diary, anxiety symptoms, quality of life, medication usage and physical function. All measurements will be conducted at baseline, 3 months and 9 months by outcome assessors who are blinded to group allocation. Discussion This study will compare the efficacy of Tai Chi and conventional exercise in improving depression outcomes in older adults with chronic insomnia and depressive symptoms. Our results will shed light on the clinical potential of these interventions for combating insomnia and depression in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Recchia
- Division of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong China
| | - Angus P. Yu
- Division of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong China
| | - Teryn C. Ng
- Division of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong China
| | - Daniel Y. Fong
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong China
| | - Derwin K.C. Chan
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education and Human Development, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong China
| | - Calvin P. Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong China
| | - Stanley S.C. Hui
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong China
| | - Chenchen Wang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Parco M. Siu
- Division of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong China
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Eckstrom E, Vincenzo JL, Casey CM, Gray S, Cosley K, Caulley J, Parulekar M, Rasheed A, Sanon M, Demiris G, Zimbroff R, De Lima B, Phelan E. American Geriatrics Society response to the World Falls Guidelines. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:1669-1686. [PMID: 38131656 PMCID: PMC11187658 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Falls are a major cause of preventable death, injury, and reduced independence in adults aged 65 years and older. The American Geriatrics Society and British Geriatrics Society (AGS/BGS) published a guideline in 2001, revised in 2011, addressing common risk factors for falls and providing recommendations to reduce fall risk in community-dwelling older adults. In 2022, the World Falls Guidelines (WFG) Task Force created updated, globally oriented fall prevention risk stratification, assessment, management, and interventions for older adults. Our objective was to briefly summarize the new WFG, compare them to the AGS/BGS guideline, and offer suggestions for implementation in the United States. We reviewed 11 of the 12 WFG topics related to community-dwelling older adults and agree with several additions to the prior AGS/BGS guideline, including assessment and intervention for hearing impairment and concern for falling, assessment and individualized exercises for older adults with cognitive impairment, and performing a standardized assessment such as STOPPFall before prescribing a medication that could potentially increase fall risk. Notable areas of difference include: (1) AGS continues to recommend screening all patients aged 65+ annually for falls, rather than just those with a history of falls or through opportunistic case finding; (2) AGS recommends continued use of the Timed Up and Go as a gait assessment, rather than relying on gait speed; and (3) AGS recommends clinical judgment on whether or not to check an ECG for those at risk for falling. Our review and translation of the WFG for a US audience offers guidance for healthcare and other providers and teams to reduce fall risk in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Eckstrom
- Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Vincenzo
- Lewis E. Epley Jr. Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Colleen M. Casey
- Senior Health Program, Providence Health & Services, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Shelly Gray
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kristina Cosley
- Rehab Therapies, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jamie Caulley
- Providence Northeast Rehabilitation, Providence Health & Services, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Manisha Parulekar
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey, USA
| | - Anita Rasheed
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Martine Sanon
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - George Demiris
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robbie Zimbroff
- Division of Geriatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Bryanna De Lima
- Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Elizabeth Phelan
- School of Medicine, Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- School of Public Health, Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Lyu L, Li Y, Fan X, Seo J, Eunna O. The effect of Tai Chi exercise intervention on sleep quality in community residing older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Geriatr Med 2024; 15:381-396. [PMID: 38227110 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-023-00923-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE While clinical research has shown that Tai Chi exercise may improve the sleep quality of older adults, there is a lack of robust evidence-based verification. Therefore, this study conducted a systematic review of published research on the effect of Tai Chi exercise on the sleep quality of community-dwelling older adults, aiming to provide solid evidence-based medicine to enhance their sleep quality. METHODS A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang, VIP, and SinoMed databases from their inception to December 9, 2022. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool 2.0 was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. RESULTS This systematic review included 12 original articles, involving a total of 1,058 community-dwelling older adults, with 553 in the Tai Chi group and 505 in the control group. The meta-analysis results revealed a significant improvement in the sleep quality of community-dwelling older adults who practiced Tai Chi compared to the control group [WMD = - 1.96 (95% CI: - 3.02 to - 0.90, z = 3.62, P < 0.001)]. Subgroup analysis showed that Tai Chi had significantly beneficial effects regardless of age, country/region, intervention time, and Tai Chi type. CONCLUSIONS Tai Chi exercise can serve as an effective non-medication approach for addressing sleep problems in this demographic. Among the various types of Tai Chi exercises, the 24-form Tai Chi exercise emerges as a preferred option. Moreover, Tai Chi exercise proves to be an excellent choice for older people in their later years, promoting their overall well-being and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyu Lyu
- College of Nursing, Chungnam National University, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yuelin Li
- College of Nursing, Chungnam National University, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Xing Fan
- College of Nursing, Chungnam National University, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisu Seo
- College of Nursing, Chungnam National University, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Oh Eunna
- College of Nursing, Chungnam National University, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Wang F, Syed Ali SKB. Health benefits of short Taichi Qigong exercise (STQE) to University Students' core strength, lower limb explosive force, cardiopulmonary endurance, and anxiety: A Quasi experiment research. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37566. [PMID: 38552100 PMCID: PMC10977524 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND College students' physical fitness has declined over the past decades. Taichi Qigong exercise offers numerous health benefits and could serve as a suitable option for them. Traditional programs, however, are time-consuming and necessitate long-term commitments. Therefore, a more cost-effective intervention is needed. METHODS The study enrolled a total of 31 students who actively participated in a 5-week STQE program, consisting of three 60-minute sessions per week. Physical and mental health assessments included the Plank test, vital capacity measurement, 1000/800 m run test, standing jump, and the Zung Self-Rating Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS Following the STQE intervention, participants showed improvement in core strength (28.1 seconds in the Plank test, P = .025) and lower limb explosive force (6.52 cm in the standing jump test, P = .011), accompanied by a decrease in anxiety levels (a reduction of 3.41 in the Zung Self-Rating Scale, P = .039). However, no significant improvements were observed in cardiopulmonary endurance, as evidenced by a non-significant increase of 237.84 mL in vital capacity (P = .134) and a non-significant reduction of 1.6 seconds in the 1000/800 m run test (P = .764). CONCLUSION The study suggests that the STQE program effectively improves core strength, lower limb explosive force, and reduces anxiety levels among university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Department of Education Foundations and Humanities, Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Syed Kamaruzaman Bin Syed Ali
- Department of Education Foundations and Humanities, Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Kuang X, Dong Y, Song L, Dong L, Chao G, Zhang X, Yang J. The effects of different types of Tai Chi exercise on anxiety and depression in older adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1295342. [PMID: 38259770 PMCID: PMC10800705 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1295342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The body of evidence supporting the beneficial effects of Tai Chi in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms in older adults is steadily increasing. Nonetheless, there remains a scarcity of studies directly comparing the clinical effectiveness of various Tai Chi exercises in addressing anxiety and depressive symptoms in older adults. Thus, this study aimed to systematically review and analyze the therapeutic efficacy of four types of Tai Chi interventions in enhancing anxiety and depressive symptoms in older adults. Methods During the period up to July 26, 2023, searches were conducted in the Web of Science, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, and the Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP). The language scope encompassed both English and Chinese. Two independent reviewers conducted the literature review and data extraction. Review Manager 5.4 was employed for traditional meta-analysis and risk assessment, while version 15 of STATA software was used for generating evidence and funnel plots for network meta-analysis. This study was registered in PROSPERO number CRD 42023442270. Result In this analysis, a total of 20 studies were included, involving 1798 participants. The findings of the pairwise meta-analysis revealed that Tai Chi intervention was more effective than the control group in reducing anxiety (SMD: -1.19, 95% CI: -2.04, -0.34, p < 0.05) and depression (SMD: -0.65, 95% CI: -0.95, -0.65, p < 0.05) symptoms among older adults. The network meta-analysis specifically focused on anxiety symptoms and found that Yang-style Tai Chi (69.9%) had the most favorable outcome, followed by the 24-form Simplified Tai Chi (66.8%). In terms of depression symptoms, the Tai Chi Exercise Program (92.6%) had the highest performance, followed by Yang-style Tai Chi (77.9%). Conclusion The findings of this study imply that Tai Chi can have beneficial outcomes in the reduction of anxiety and depressive symptoms among older individuals. Specifically, when examining various forms of Tai Chi interventions, it was observed that Yang-style Tai Chi exhibited a greater efficacy in alleviating anxiety symptoms, whereas Tai Chi exercise programs demonstrated a higher effectiveness in improving depressive symptoms. Nonetheless, it is strongly advised that older adults select an exercise program that aligns with their interests and preferences, as this can enhance social integration and overall well-being. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023442270, identifier [CRD42023442270].
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Kuang
- College of Physical Education and Health, Guilin University, Guilin, China
| | - Yangjian Dong
- College of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
- College of Physical Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Long Song
- College of Physical Education and Health, Guilin University, Guilin, China
| | - Lili Dong
- College of Physical Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Guodong Chao
- College of Physical Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- College of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Jiefu Yang
- College of Physical Education and Health, Guilin University, Guilin, China
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Ma N, Chau JPC, Deng Y, Choi KC. Effects of a structured Tai Chi program on improving physical activity levels, exercise self-efficacy and health outcomes among pregnant women: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e065640. [PMID: 36806130 PMCID: PMC9944291 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art developed over 300 years ago. Although studies report that Tai Chi benefits practitioners' cardiovascular health, respiratory system and psychological outcomes, only limited studies have evaluated the effects of Tai Chi on pregnant women. More evidence is needed to examine the effects of a Tai Chi exercise programme among pregnant women. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a randomised controlled trial to investigate the effects of a 12-week theory-based Tai Chi programme on improving physical activity levels, exercise self-efficacy and health outcomes among pregnant women. A total of 136 low-risk pregnant women (68 per group) were recruited and randomly assigned to receive usual care or usual care with the Tai Chi programme consisting of two group-based educational sessions and three Tai Chi sessions over 3 months. A Tai Chi video was provided to the participants to facilitate self-practice at home. Outcomes including physical activity levels, exercise self-efficacy, weight gain, prenatal depressive symptoms and prenatal anxiety symptoms were evaluated at baseline (T0), 6th week after intervention commencement (T1) and 1 week after intervention completion (ie, post-intervention) (T2). Intention-to-treat analysis and generalised estimating equations model will be used to analyse repeated outcome measures. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has been approved by the Joint Chinese University of Hong Kong-New Territories East Cluster Clinical Research Ethics Committee (Ref. 2022.043-T). Written consent was obtained from each participant. The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR2200059920.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Ma
- Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Janita Pak Chun Chau
- Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yongfang Deng
- Obstetrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai Chow Choi
- Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Sadacharan CM. Research study on the effects of multi-component exercise on older adults with chronic conditions. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2023; 63:144-154. [PMID: 35333032 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.22.13697-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multicomponent exercises involving eccentric contraction (ECC) exercise, chair yoga (CY) and tai chi (TC) are practiced extensively to treat older adults with chronic conditions. The study investigated the effect of CY and TC performance after various intensity of ECC exercise induced muscle pain, delayed onset of muscle sores (DOMS), and strength in sedentary older adults. METHODS Nine sedentary older adults with chronic condition(s) aged between 60 and 90 performed CY and TC after ECC exercise protocol for 9 weeks. The medical preprotocol, ECC exercise, CY, and TC performance, subjective (health activities of daily living [ADL] difficulty scale; Visual Analog Scale [VAS], and DOMS), objective (pressure pain threshold [PPT]), and medical postprotocol assessments were carried out and compared the physical status before and after the protocol. RESULTS Our results show that functional limitations, DOMS, VAS, and PPT levels were improved in the CY and TC performed weeks 3, 4, 7, and 8 compared to ECC exercise weeks 2 and 6. The manual muscle testing (MMT), active range of motion (AROM), and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) were improved and showed significant differences on the weak muscle groups. The mean Tinetti balance and gait score, and general endurance showed significant difference. CONCLUSIONS Our findings have important implications for clinical exercise prescription as low perceived CY and TC, and ECC exercise might suit well for older adults with chronic conditions. Performing multicomponent exercises can help to reduce the risk of injury from falls and prevent age-related mobility, balance, and physical function decline in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chakravarthy M Sadacharan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA -
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Qi F, Soh KG, Mohd Nasirudddin NJ, Mai Y. Effects of taichi on physical and psychological health of college students: A systematic review. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1008604. [PMID: 36246109 PMCID: PMC9562146 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1008604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Increasing studies have documented taichi’s usefulness in physical and psychological health in various participants, especially patients or the elderly. However, there is a need for a systematic review to evaluate its effects and health benefits among college students. Objective:The present study aims to evaluate the current literature surrounding the effects of taichi on physical and psychological health among college students and identify the experimental areas for future research to establish guidelines for learning and teaching taichi in university. Methods: The literature search involved several databases (PubMed, EBSCOhost, Web of Science, Scopus, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure). Subsequent research utilised the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and PRISMA checklist. In addition, the “QualSyst” tool assessed the quality of full-text articles. Results: A total of 22 articles were analysed, out of which eight were strong, and 14 were of moderate quality. It is challenging to conduct a meta-analysis since the research contents were distributed differently. The general finding demonstrated that Taichi interventions have beneficial effects on college students. For example, the physical and psychological health benefits compared to other control groups include balance, leg strength, flexibility, cardiopulmonary functions, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and improving attention. However, there are some uncertain parameters in a state of poor or no evidence, such as upper strength, mood, and psychoticism. Conclusion: Overall, this study shows that Taichi exercise is beneficial for college students compared to the control group. Evidence of health benefits for females is more than males. In addition, the current evidence showed that the effectiveness of taichi does not match some other sports such as Pilates, Yoga, Mindfulness courses, and even bodybuilding exercise. This research analyzed the mind-body mechanism of included studies. It revealed that it is difficult for college students, as a beginner of Taichi, to regulate an even breathing and quiet mind while maintaining low posture movements. Therefore, this study assumes that relaxation theories and approaches of Taichi that are easier to understand and closer to Chinese traditional Taichi theory are more appropriate in the research trials compared with coordination theory. Systematic review registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42021278032.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengmeng Qi
- Department of Sports Studies, Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
- Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Kim Geok Soh
- Department of Sports Studies, Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Kim Geok Soh,
| | | | - Yiqiang Mai
- Department of Sports Studies, Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
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Zhang X, Li W, Wang J. Effects of Exercise Intervention on Students' Test Anxiety: A Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116709. [PMID: 35682293 PMCID: PMC9180005 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This paper aims to evaluate the effects of exercise intervention on students’ test anxiety with a meta-analysis to serve as a reference to further relevant research. CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and EBSCOhost databases were electronically searched from inception to August 2021 in order to identify randomized and non-randomized controlled trials on exercise for treating students’ test anxiety. Two researchers independently screened the study, extracted data, and evaluated the quality of the studies. Meta-analysis was carried out using Review Manager 5.4 software. Among the 4115 articles retrieved, 16 were qualitative analyses, 15 of which were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that exercise intervention effectively alleviated students’ test anxiety when compared with the blank control group. Subgroup analysis showed that a single exercise intervention lasting 10~15 min did not relieve students’ test anxiety. The different scales used in the study are the source of inter-study heterogeneity. In conclusion, twenty minutes of aerobic exercise at any intensity performed two to three times a week for at least four weeks can reduce test anxiety levels. However, this is the minimum level and students should not be limited to the minimum amount of exercise when reducing test anxiety. In addition, exercise combined with psychotherapy can reduce students’ test anxiety better than exercise intervention alone. Future studies should explore the minimum intervention period and whether the shorter intervention period can quickly and effectively reduce students’ test anxiety.
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