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Martial arts practice in community-based rehabilitation: A review
Abstract
Aim
Martial arts are forms of self-defence or attack that have been modified for modern sport and exercise, and are reported to provide health benefits for people who practise them. This article discusses the evidence base for the use of martial arts, such as tai chi, karate and taekwondo, in the rehabilitation process and how they may play a role in community-based rehabilitation.
Findings
Tai chi is a low-impact form of exercise that can help to: reduce the risk of falls among community-dwelling stroke survivors; lower blood pressure in patients with heart failure; and improve the wellbeing of breast cancer survivors. Karate is a more rigorous form of martial arts than tai chi and research has highlighted its benefits for children, including: improved memory and self-esteem for those with epilepsy; reduced stereotypy among children with autism; and improved developmental skills among schoolchildren with and without special needs. Taekwondo is another rigorous martial art form that has potential health benefits; limited research has been conducted into this, with a study reporting improvements in class behaviour and academic performance among children who practise it.
Conclusions
While each martial art form has its own positive health benefits, future research must be undertaken to compare the effectiveness of different martial art forms in different communities.
... A nivel nacional se han llevado a cabo una importante cantidad de revisiones que han analizado las AAMM y DDCC, aunque la gran mayoría de ellas no se han centrado de forma concreta en los colectivos que aquí se tratan (Gutiérrez y Pérez, 2009;Pérez y Gutiérrez, 2008;Pérez, Brown, Álvarez y Gutiérrez, 2014). Otras revisiones han abordado cuestiones similares, pero fuera de nuestras fronteras (Bu et al., 2010;Burke, Al-Adawi, Lee, y Audette;Channon y Jennings, 2014;Fuller, 1998;Brecklin, 2008;Cox, 1993;Henning, 1999;Pieter, 1994;Woodward, 2009). ...
... A nivel nacional se han llevado a cabo una importante cantidad de revisiones que han analizado las AAMM y DDCC, aunque la gran mayoría de ellas no se han centrado de forma concreta en los colectivos que aquí se tratan (Gutiérrez y Pérez, 2009;Pérez y Gutiérrez, 2008;Pérez, Brown, Álvarez y Gutiérrez, 2014). Otras revisiones han abordado cuestiones similares, pero fuera de nuestras fronteras (Bu et al., 2010;Burke, Al-Adawi, Lee, y Audette;Channon y Jennings, 2014;Fuller, 1998;Brecklin, 2008;Cox, 1993;Henning, 1999;Pieter, 1994;Woodward, 2009). ...
Resumen. No cabe duda de que la innovación educativa es uno de los elementos de mayor calado en la actualidad. La introducción de nuevos contenidos en educación física se ve cada vez más necesaria para ampliar el abanico de posibilidades que se pueden ofrecer al alumnado. Las artes marciales y los deportes de combate son prácticas que, si bien a la luz de las investigaciones que se han llevado a cabo con niños y adolescentes han reflejado resultados positivos derivados de su práctica, su presencia en el ámbito escolar es aún muy limitada. En los últimos tiempos ha emergido una línea de investigación que centra su atención en la inclusión del kickboxing como contenido educativo a través de actividades sin contacto. Así las cosas, los objetivos principales de este trabajo son tres: (1) exponer algunos de los estudios más relevantes que se han llevado a cabo en el ámbito de las artes marciales y deportes de combate en niños y adolescentes, (2) exponer el estado de estas prácticas en el contexto escolar y (3) analizar las posibilidades didácticas que ofrece uno de los contenidos innovadores que han surgido en los últimos años: el kickboxing educativo. Palabras clave: educación física, artes marciales, deportes de combate, kickboxing educativo.
... However, contemporary discourse increasingly recognizes their expansive role in contributing to physical and psychological wellbeing, and social inclusion of the practitioners (Valdes-Badilla et al., 2021;Zou et al., 2018). This paradigmatic shift underscores the capacity of combat sports to function as inclusive and accessible modalities for fostering multidimensional health benefits across diverse populations, including individuals with disabilities and other marginalized groups (Gutierrez-Santiago et al., 2023;Palumbo et al., 2023;Rajan, 2015;Morales et al., 2022;Pierantozzi et al., 2022). ...
To advance the field, the following lines should be further investigated: • Injury risk and safety: a need for injury prevention strategies, especially for concussions and head trauma in striking sports. • Psychological wellbeing: risks of stress, anxiety, burnout, andnegative self-perception in competitive environments. • Inclusion and accessibility: a need for more research on long-term social and psychological benefits for marginalized groupsand individuals with disabilities. • Methodological limitations: lack of standardized protocols,variability in study designs, and limited reproducibilityof findings. • Ethical and regulatory issues: concerns over coaching practices, extreme weight-cutting, and athlete wellbeing inhigh-pressure environments. • Technological innovations: more research required on theeffectiveness of VR and digital training tools in combat sports. • Public health and policy: exploration of combat sports’ role inhealth initiatives, rehabilitation, and educational programs.
... Sports sciences influence sports practice, especially in optimizing the sports training process [17,18]. Research results in the field of fighting arts have implications for both competitive combat sports and the role of martial arts in other areas of physical culture (physical education, recreational exercise, physical rehabilitation) [19][20][21][22][23][24]. Therefore, they are considered applied sciences. ...
Combat sports and martial arts have gained popularity in mainstream culture and are recognized in various realms of physical culture [...]
... (C3). Previous studies have also reported advances in physical stamina and strength, posture, cognitive processes, and decline in the frequency of falls (Rajan and Tsang, 2015), as well as improvement in coordination and balance in children with developmental disabilities related to coordination (Fong, et al., 2012). "Better self-image" as a sense of pride is most evident when achieving a goal or winning an award for effort, whereby medals are a testament to the progress and effort invested in the performance at a competition: "And when they're walking out in the city, I see them with medals. ...
Sport and physical activity can play significant role in the lives of persons with disabilities. Participating in sports can improve their health and physical capacities, promote constructive use of their time, as well as provide a better way to integrate and be included in the community. The aim of this qualitative study was to gain insight into perspectives of six coaches regarding their work as para taekwondo trainers. The results present the challenges in the coaches’ work, ways of dealing with difficulties related to para taekwondo training, and positive training outcomes. The challenges faced by coaches indicate acceptance of the abilities of the athletes, ascribed incompetence to athletes with disabilities, lack of trust in the abilities of athletes among people in their social environment, and aggressive behaviour exhibited by persons with intellectual disabilities. Other challenges include limited financial resources, the importance of becoming aware of one’s own prejudice about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities, and building relationships with athletes with disabilities. The coaches deal with difficulties related to para taekwondo training by educating themselves and others, applying an individualised approach to training, cooperating with people from the social environment of athletes with disabilities, and considering the work done with athletes with disabilities as a reward. They recognise positive training outcomes for athletes with disabilities through improvements in bodily functioning, better self-image, and further inclusion in the community.
... There are studies that support health-related aspects of martial arts practice, which can be used in some medical conditions; for example, with the higher risk of a fall due to the lack of proper static and dynamic balance [10]. Regular practice of a variety of tasks could bring back and increase the sense of one's body control. ...
Background: The aim of this paper is to expand the knowledge on the subject matter of the relations between behavior that is geared towards health and the feeling of effectiveness in the context of martial arts tourism in the form of Taekwon-do training summer camps. Method: The research encompassed 58 people (32 men and 26 women) who train Taekwon-do (ITF) (aged: 26.36 ± 8.97; scope: 18–45 years of age). The measurement of the feeling of effectiveness and healthy behavior was conducted by means of standardized tools, including the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Results: The analyzed fighters who participated in the research in the majority of the sports meetings declared a higher level of the feeling of effectiveness (p < 0.001). Through cluster analysis emerged two groups, with a significant difference between self-efficacy (mean value of 20.05 points in contrast to 33.93 points in the second group). The group with higher psychological indices values attended a higher amount of summer camps during their practice history (at least two camps attended in the second cluster). Conclusion: Sports tourism connected with martial arts, as exemplified by training groups (professionally organized training camps) of Taekwon-do (ITF), is connected with the increased feeling of personal effectiveness, while also serving the enhancement of psycho-physical health, well-being, and the development of social skills.
... Apesar de apresentarem uma denominação comum em contextos de investigação científica, as AM podem apresentar uma conceptualização diferencial: estilos marciais internos/soft ou externos/hard, consoante estimulem preferencialmente os valores relacionados com incremento ao nível social da harmonia e da saúde ou despertem ações motoras mais explosivas ou de contacto tais como socos, projeções, imobilizações ou pontapés. São formas de autodefesa ou de ataque que têm vindo, gradualmente, a ser adaptadas às necessidades antropológicas modernas com pendor mais inclusivo, saudável, mobilizador de uma maior consciência social, afetiva e recreativa e com diversos benefícios ao nível da saúde dos praticantes (Rajan, 2015). Outra classificação das AM pode ser baseada na sua função e filosofia, em particular nas suas versões tradicional ou nãotradicional, face aos métodos de ensino adotados nos processos de aprendizagem induzidos aos praticantes (Bu et al., 2010). ...
Resumo. Esta revisão sistemática teve por objetivo sintetizar e analisar os estudos que relacionam a prática de Artes Marciais & Desportos de Combate (AM&DC) com a violência, nomeadamente com o fenómeno de Bullying em idade escolar. De fevereiro a agosto de 2018 foram recolhidas e analisadas 48 publicações de sete bases de dados científicas internacionais, mas apenas 18 cumpriram os critérios para serem incluídas neste estudo. Esta revisão evidencia que a prática de AM&DC promove alterações genericamente favoráveis no léxico biopsicossocial das crianças e adolescentes que as praticam. São um ótimo meio de desenvolvimento biopsicoemocional, ético e estético de crianças e adolescentes, sendo reportados nos seus praticantes níveis superiores de comportamentos pró-sociais entre pares. Esta condição é tanto mais benéfica quanto maior for a graduação do praticante (tempo de prática), a modalidade de participação nas AM&DC (praticante ou competidor), as qualificações profissionais dos treinadores, as características dos locais de prática, a tipologia de artes marciais ou mesmo o estilo (tradicional ou moderno). Palavras-Chave: artes marciais; bullying; relações entre pares; crianças; adolescentes. Abstract. This systematic review aims to synthesize and analyse studies that relate the practice of Martial Arts and Combat Sports (AM&DC) with violence, in particular the phenomenon of school bullying. From February to August, 48 publications were collected from seven international scientific databases on the subject under analysis, but only 18 met all the criteria to be included in this study. This review shows that the practice of AM&DC promotes generically favorable changes in the biopsychosocial lexicon of children and adolescents who practice them. They are great ways of biopsychosocial, ethical and aesthetic development of children and adolescents, and their practitioners report higher levels of prosocial behavior among peers. This condition is all the more beneficial the higher the practitioner's degree (length of practice), mode of participation in the AM&DC (practitioner or competitor), the professional qualification of coaches, characteristics of places of practice, the typology of martial arts or even the style (traditional or modern). Resumen. Esta revisión sistemática tuvo como objetivo sintetizar y analizar los estudios que relacionan la práctica de artes marciales y deportes de combate (AM&DC) con la violencia, en particular el fenómeno del acoso escolar. De febrero a agosto se recopilaron 48 publicaciones de siete bases de datos científicas internacionales sobre el tema en análisis, pero solo 18 cumplieron con todos los criterios para ser incluidos en este estudio. Esta revisión muestra que la práctica de AM&DC promueve cambios genéricamente favorables en el léxico biopsicosocial de niños y adolescentes que los practican. Son un excelente medio de desarrollo biopsicosocial, ético y estético de niños y adolescentes, con niveles más altos de comportamiento prosocial entre los pares en sus practicantes. Esta condición es tanto más beneficiosa cuanto mayor sea el grado del profesional (duración de la práctica), el modo de participación en AM&DC (profesional o competidor), las calificaciones profesionales de los entrenadores, las características de los lugares de práctica, la tipología de artes marciales o incluso el estilo (tradicional o moderno).
The article discusses some features of the sports training of youth para-taekwondo athletes (with musculoskeletal disorders). Relevance. Para-taekwondo athletes with musculoskeletal disorders train within the framework of the WTF standard (PODA) or the taekwondo standard for healthy athletes, so sports training requires special attention and an individual approach. Problem, goal, tasks. The purpose of the study is to determine some features of the sports training of youth para-taekwondo athletes (with musculoskeletal disorders). Research objectives. 1. The need for medical consultation for athletes and parents. 2. The need to develop an adaptive sports program, a flexible approach to organizing the training process, taking into account the limitations and capabilities of the athlete. 3. The focus of the training process for para-taekwondo athletes is on strengthening the muscles of the musculoskeletal system. 4. Monitoring the athlete’s condition. 5. A combination of group and individual approaches. 6. Timely and constant psychological support for athletes in conjunction with their parents. Materials and methods of research: analysis, synthesis, generalization, systematization of scientific sources on the research problem. Results and its discussion. It is noted that the scientific and methodological literature on the issues of taekwondo sports training for persons with musculoskeletal disorders is not enough, which allows us to talk about the relevance of this problem. The directions of study for the study of this problem In Russian and foreign practice are systematized. The main factors influencing the effectiveness of sports training for para-taekwondo athletes (with musculoskeletal disorders) have been identified. Conclusions. It is concluded that the main features of sports training for para-taekwondo athletes (with musculoskeletal disorders) include: the need for medical consultation of athletes and parents, the development of an adaptive sports program, a flexible approach to organizing the training process, taking into account the limitations and capabilities of the athlete, the direction of the training process to strengthen the muscles of the musculoskeletal system, monitor the athlete’s condition, a combination of group and individual approaches, timely and constant psychological support for athletes.
Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and affective responses were assessed during Tai Chi Chuan. A total of 16 women (M age = 61.2 yr., SD = 8.8) participated in this study. Individuals practiced Tai Chi Chuan three times / week during seven weeks, and were assessed session-by-session (21 Wu Tai Chi Chuan sessions) in three moments (15, 30, and 45 min.) using Borg's scale (CR 0–10) and the Feeling Scale (+5/–5). With regard to RPE, there was a difference between 15 and 30 min. and between 15 and 45 min. The same pattern of differences was observed for the affective response. The RPE during the seven weeks ranged from “fairly light” to “moderate” and the affective response from “good” to “very good.” Thus, Tai Chi Chuan was perceived as a low-moderate intensity and pleasurable (positive affect) exercise by middle-aged and elderly women.
The present study investigated peripheral vision (PV) and perceptual asymmetries in young and older martial arts athletes (judo and karate athletes) and compared their performance with that of young and older nonathletes. Stimuli were dots presented at three different eccentricities along the horizontal, oblique, and vertical diameters and three interstimulus intervals. Experiment 1 showed that although the two athlete groups were faster in almost all conditions, karate athletes performed significantly better than nonathlete participants when stimuli were presented in the peripheral visual field. Experiment 2 showed that older participants who had practiced a martial art at a competitive level when they were young were significantly faster than sedentary older adults of the same age. The practiced sport (judo or karate) did not affect performance differentially, suggesting that it is the practice of martial arts that is the crucial factor, rather than the type of martial art. Importantly, older athletes lose their PV advantage, as compared with young athletes. Finally, we found that physical activity (young and older athletes) and age (young and older adults) did not alter the visual asymmetries that vary as a function of spatial location; all participants were faster for stimuli presented along the horizontal than for those presented along the vertical meridian and for those presented at the lower rather than at the upper locations within the vertical meridian. These results indicate that the practice of these martial arts is an effective way of counteracting the processing speed decline of visual stimuli appearing at any visual location and speed.
[Purpose] This study was conducted to determine the influence of Taekwondo as security martial arts training on anaerobic threshold, cardiorespiratory fitness, and blood lactate recovery. [Subjects and Methods] Fourteen healthy university students were recruited and divided into an exercise group and a control group (n = 7 in each group). The subjects who participated in the experiment were subjected to an exercise loading test in which anaerobic threshold, value of ventilation, oxygen uptake, maximal oxygen uptake, heart rate, and maximal values of ventilation / heart rate were measured during the exercise, immediately after maximum exercise loading, and at 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 min of recovery. [Results] At the anaerobic threshold time point, the exercise group showed a significantly longer time to reach anaerobic threshold. The exercise group showed significantly higher values for the time to reach VO2max, maximal values of ventilation, maximal oxygen uptake and maximal values of ventilation / heart rate. Significant changes were observed in the value of ventilation volumes at the 1- and 5-min recovery time points within the exercise group; oxygen uptake and maximal oxygen uptake were significantly different at the 5- and 10-min time points; heart rate was significantly different at the 1- and 3-min time points; and maximal values of ventilation / heart rate was significantly different at the 5-min time point. The exercise group showed significant decreases in blood lactate levels at the 15- and 30-min recovery time points. [Conclusion] The study results revealed that Taekwondo as a security martial arts training increases the maximal oxygen uptake and anaerobic threshold and accelerates an individual's recovery to the normal state of cardiorespiratory fitness and blood lactate level. These results are expected to contribute to the execution of more effective security services in emergencies in which violence can occur.
To determine potential benefits of intensive leisure sports for age-related changes in postural control, we tested 3 activity groups comprising 70 young (M = 21.67 years, SD = 2.80) and 73 older (M = 62.60 years, SD = 5.19) men. Activity groups were martial artists, who held at least 1st Dan (black belt), sportive individuals exercising sports without explicit balance components, and nonsportive controls. Martial artists had an advantage over sportive individuals in dynamic posture tasks (upright stance on a sway-referenced platform), and these 2 active groups showed better postural control than nonsportive participants. Age-related differences in postural control were larger in nonsportive men compared with the 2 active groups, who were similar in this respect. In contrast, negative age differences in other sensorimotor and cognitive functions did not differ between activity groups. We concluded that individuals engaging in intensive recreational sports have long-term advantages in postural control. However, even in older martial artists with years of practice in their sports, we observed considerable differences favoring the young. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved).
Cognitive and motor processes are essential for optimal athletic performance. Individuals trained in different skills and sports may have specialized cognitive abilities and motor strategies related to the characteristics of the activity and the effects of training and expertise. Most studies have investigated differences in motor-related cortical potential (MRCP) during self-paced tasks in athletes but not in stimulus-related tasks. The aim of the present study was to identify the differences in performance and MRCP between skilled and novice martial arts athletes during two different types of tasks: a sustained attention task and a transient attention task. Behavioral and electrophysiological data from twenty-two martial arts athletes were obtained while they performed a continuous performance task (CPT) to measure sustained attention and a cued continuous performance task (c-CPT) to measure transient attention. MRCP components were analyzed and compared between groups. Electrophysiological data in the CPT task indicated larger prefrontal positive activity and greater posterior negativity distribution prior to a motor response in the skilled athletes, while novices showed a significantly larger response-related P3 after a motor response in centro-parietal areas. A different effect occurred in the c-CPT task in which the novice athletes showed strong prefrontal positive activity before a motor response and a large response-related P3, while in skilled athletes, the prefrontal activity was absent. We propose that during the CPT, skilled athletes were able to allocate two different but related processes simultaneously according to CPT demand, which requires controlled attention and controlled motor responses. On the other hand, in the c-CPT, skilled athletes showed better cue facilitation, which permitted a major economy of resources and "automatic" or less controlled responses to relevant stimuli. In conclusion, the present data suggest that motor expertise enhances neural flexibility and allows better adaptation of cognitive control to the requested task.
Arterial stiffness increases with age and is related to an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Poor trunk flexibility has been shown to be associated with arterial stiffness in middle-aged subjects. The purpose of our research study was to measure arterial stiffness and flexibility in healthy middle-aged martial artists compared to age and gender matched healthy sedentary controls.
Ten martial artists (54.0 ± 2.0 years), who practice Soo Bahk Do (SBD), a Korean martial art, and ten sedentary subjects (54.7 ± 1.8 years) for a total of twenty subjects took part in this cross-sectional study. Arterial stiffness was assessed in all subjects using pulse wave velocity (PWV), a recognized index of arterial stiffness. Flexibility of the trunk and hamstring were also measured. The independent variables were the martial artists and matched sedentary controls. The dependent variables were PWV and flexibility.
There were significant differences, between the SBD practitioners and sedentary controls, in PWV (P = 0.004), in trunk flexibility (P= 0.002), and in hamstring length (P= 0.003).
The middle-aged martial artists were more flexible in their trunk and hamstrings and had less arterial stiffness compared to the healthy sedentary controls. The flexibility component of martial art training or flexibility exercises in general may be considered as a possible intervention to reduce the effects of aging on arterial stiffness.
Tai Ji Quan, developed as a martial art, has traditionally served multiple purposes, including self-defense, competition/performance, and health promotion. With respect to health, the benefits historically and anecdotally associated with Tai Ji Quan are now being supported by scientific and clinical research, with mounting evidence indicating its potential value in preventing and managing various diseases and improving well-being and quality of life in middle-aged and older adults. The research findings produced to date have both public health significance and clinical relevance. However, because of its roots in the martial arts, transforming traditional Tai Ji Quan movements and training approaches into contemporary therapeutic programs and functional applications is needed to maximize its ultimate utility. This paper addresses this issue by introducing Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance, a functional therapy that involves the use of Tai Ji Quan principles and Yang-style-based movements to form an innovative, contemporary therapeutic approach that integrates motor, sensory, and cognitive components to improve postural control, gait, and mobility for older adults and those who have neurodegenerative movement impairments. It provides a synergy of traditional and contemporary Tai Ji Quan practice with the ultimate goal of improving balance and gait, enhancing performance of daily functional tasks, and reducing incidence of falls among older adults.
Age-related cognitive decline is associated with increased risk of disability, dementia, and death. Recent studies suggest improvement in cognitive speed, attention, and executive functioning with physical activity. However, whether such improvements are activity specific is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to study the effect of 1 year age-adapted Taekwondo training on several cognitive functions, including reaction/motor time, information processing speed, and working and executive memory, in 24 healthy volunteers over 40. Reaction and motor time decreased with 41.2 and 18.4 s (p = 0.004, p = 0.015), respectively. Digit symbol coding task improved with a mean of 3.7 digits (p = 0.017). Digit span, letter fluency, and trail making test task-completion-time all improved, but not statistically significant. The questionnaire reported "better" reaction time in 10 and "unchanged" in 9 of the 19 study compliers. In conclusion, our data suggest that age-adapted Taekwondo training improves various aspects of cognitive function in people over 40, which may, therefore, offer a cheap, safe, and enjoyable way to mitigate age-related cognitive decline.
Context:
Arthralgia is common and debilitating for a significant proportion of breast cancer survivors (BCSs) and leads to poor adherence to aromatase inhibitors (AIs). Despite increased recognition of the negative impact of arthralgia on function and the poor adherence that results, very few interventions have been developed to target this side effect.
Objective:
This study aimed to determine the feasibility of tai chi to improve well-being for women experiencing AI-associated arthralgias (AIAAs).
Design:
The study was a pilot to (1) demonstrate the feasibility of recruitment and retention for a tai chi trial, (2) determine the safety of tai chi, and (3) identify the outcomes (function, pain, and quality of life[QOL]) that tai chi may impact.
Setting:
The study took place at the Gilda's Club South Jersey in Linwood, NJ, USA.
Participants:
Postmenopausal women with a history of stage I-III breast cancer reporting AIAA were enrolled.
Intervention:
Group tai chi was practiced for 1 h 2 ×/wk for 8 wks.
Outcome measures:
Functional outcomes included (1) sit-and-reach (SR), (2) functional reach (FR), (3) the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and (4) timed up-and-go (TUG). The following patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were evaluated pre- and postintervention: (1) the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), (2) the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), (3) the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue), (4) the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), (5) the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity (FACT-GOG-Ntx), and (6) the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy- Spiritual Well-being Scale (FACIT-Sp). Participants also recorded their tai chi experiences in a journal.
Results:
For the 12 participants, adherence to the classes was 75%, with no adverse events reported. Participants experienced significant improvement from baseline to follow-up for the HADS anxiety (P = .003) and depression (P = .020) scales, the emotional well-being scale of the FACT-B (P = .027), the FACIT-Fatigue (P = .030), and the sit-and-teach test (P = .016). The BBS (P = .090), TUG (P = .241), BPI severity subscale (P = .058), and physical well-being subscale of the FACT-B (P = .052) showed no significant improvement. Participants reported increased relaxation, reduced stress, and enhanced sleep quality and duration. They valued the group's and the instructor's support.
Conclusion:
The research team demonstrated the feasibility of a tai chi intervention for improving wellbeing for breast cancer patients with AIAA and identified measures that may be sensitive to the impact of a tai chi intervention in this population.
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art which incorporates elements of strengthening, balance, postural alignment and concentration. The benefits of Tai Chi in the healthy population have been widely examined. In comparison, only three studies have evaluated the effects of Tai Chi in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Existing evidence suggests that the exercise intensity of Tai Chi reaches a moderate level in people with COPD. Furthermore, a short-term program of Tai Chi improves exercise capacity, health-related quality of life, balance and quadriceps strength in people with mild to moderate COPD. More studies are warranted to examine the effects of different styles of Tai Chi and the long-term benefits of Tai Chi as an exercise regimen for people with COPD.
Tai Chi (TC) has proven to be effective at improving musculoskeletal fitness by increasing upper and lower body strength, low back flexibility and overall physical health. The objectives of this study were to examine changes in musculoskeletal health-related fitness and self-reported physical health after a 16 week TC program in a low income multiple ethnicity mid to older adult population.
Two hundred and nine ethnically diverse mid to older community dwelling Canadian adults residing in low income neighbourhoods were enrolled in a 16 week Yang style TC program. Body Mass Index and select musculoskeletal fitness measures including upper and lower body strength, low back flexibility and self-reported physical health measured by SF 36 were collected pre and post the TC program. Determinants of health such as age, sex, marital status, education, income, ethnicity of origin, multi-morbidity conditions, weekly physical activity, previous TC experience as well as program adherence were examined as possible musculoskeletal health-related fitness change predictors.
Using paired sample t-tests significant improvements were found in both upper and lower body strength, low back flexibility, and the SF 36 physical health scores (p < 0.05). Based on multiple linear regression analyses, no common health determinants explained a significant portion of the variation in percent changes of the musculoskeletal fitness and SF 36 measures.
These results reveal that TC has the potential of having a beneficial influence on musculoskeletal health-related fitness and self-reported physical health in a mid to older low socioeconomic, ethnically diverse sample.
Eight-Section Brocades and Yijin Jing consist of some routine movements that are too difficult for frail elders. A novel health qigong protocol was developed and its effectiveness for frail elders was examined using a randomized clinical trial (RCT). An expert panel performed functional anatomy analysis and safety field test prior to the RCT. The experimental group (n = 61, 83 ± 6 yr) was given a 12-week qigong exercise program, while the comparison group (n = 55, 84 ± 6 yr) participated in a newspaper reading program with the same duration and frequency. Pre-, mid-, post-, and follow-up assessments were conducted. At 12 weeks, the qigong group had significant improvements in thinking operations (F = 4.05, P = .02) and significant reduction of resting heart rate (F = 3.14, P = .045) as compared to the newspaper reading group. A trend of improvements in grip strength and a decreasing trend of depression levels were observed among the qigong group. Significant perceived improvements in physical health (F = 13.01, P = .001), activities of daily living (F = 5.32, P = .03), and overall health status (F = 15.26, P = .0001) were found. There are improvements in some aspects of psychosocial, cognitive, physical, and physiological domains. Clinical applications and possibilities for further research are discussed.
This randomized, placebo-exercise controlled trial found that 6-months of Kung Fu training improved enjoyment of physical activity more than the placebo-exercise intervention, while both groups improved perceptions of behavioral conduct and changed strategies for physical activity. Importantly, family support for physical activity declined in subjects who had more visits to health care professionals, which is worrisome, as this represents another risk factor for sedentary behavior in this vulnerable cohort that must be overcome for successful, sustained behavioral change. Programs supporting positive attitudes of both adolescents and their families toward physical activity will be necessary to optimize exercise adoption and adherence as a means to combat the obesity epidemic in childhood and adolescence.
Objective: Karate and judo are originally Japanese martial arts which may have different influences on adolescents’ behavior. This study was conducted to examine the total anger rate and its subscale-reactive anger, instrumental anger, and anger control-rates in young karateka and judoka.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 11 to 19-year old boys. Adolescents included in the study were judoka (n=70), karateka (n=66), swimmers (n=59), and non athletes (n=96). One stage cluster sampling method was used to select judoka, karateka, and swimmers from sport clubs in Tehran. Students of governmental schools at the same area were chosen as the non-athletes group. The “Adolescent Anger Rating Scale” questionnaire was utilized to assess the anger rate.
Findings: The mean age of participants was 12.90(±2.06) years. The total anger rates were 45.40 (±5.61) in judoka, 41.53(±5.63) in karateka, 41.19(±5.33) in swimmers, and 45.44 (±8.58) in non athletes. In total anger scale karateka and swimmers had a significantly lower score compared to judoka and non athletes. In instrumental anger subscale the difference was significant just between karateka and non athletes. In reactive anger subscale judoka showed higher scores than swimmers. In anger control subscale the difference was significant between judoka and swimmers and also judoka and karateka. The difference of anger control between karateka and non athletes was significant.
Conclusion: The findings of this study propose a difference in the anger rate between judoka and karateka. In contrary to the results of previous studies, judo training may have no influence on anger control, while karate training could be beneficial.
The purpose of this exploratory mixed method research study was to investigate the effects of Exceptional-Karate (E-Karate), an inclusive community sports program, on children's social emotional development, motor development, and attention skills. Eleven children with special needs, eight children without special needs (N=19), their parents and 10 E-Karate coaches and teachers participated in this study, completing the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC-2) and the Unipedal Stance Test. Parent, child and teacher focus groups were completed, from which qualitative data were gathered and then analyzed. The BASC-2 results indicate that 95% of the children showed statistically significant progress in their development on one or more rating scales, including parent, teacher or child self-report rating scales. Ninety percent of the children with special needs showed some progress on one or more of the ratings scales as analyzed by the BASC-2 software®. T-Tests revealed a statistically significant decrease for participants' behavioral symptom index scores for the parent and teacher scales (p<.02), and a decrease in social skill problems (p<.06). Qualitative data indicated that students do benefit from the E-Karate program. The qualitative data pointed to the teaching style of the E-Karate program as a main factor in facilitating development in its students. These findings are promising and supportive of using inclusive recreational sports programs for the development of children with and without special needs. © Common Ground, Martina Kaumbulu Ebesugawa, Ed.D, Lori Wensley, Jennifer Murphy-Sims. All Rights Reserved.
OBJECTIVE : To evaluate the effects of two exercise approaches, Tai Chi (TC) and computerized balance training (BT), on specified primary outcomes (biomedical, functional, and psychosocial indicators of frailty) and secondary outcomes (occurrence of falls).
DESIGN : The Atlanta FICSIT (Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques), a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial with three arms (TC, BT, and education [ED]). Intervention length was 15 weeks, with primary outcomes measured before and after intervention and at 4‐month follow‐up. Falls were monitored continuously throughout the study.
SETTING : Persons aged 70 and older living in the community.
PARTICIPANTS : A total of 200 participants, 162 women and 38 men; mean age was 76.2.
MEASUREMENTS : Biomedical (strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, body composition), functional (IADL), and psychosocial well‐being (CES‐D scale, fear of falling questionnaire, self‐perception of present and future health, mastery index, perceived quality of sleep, and intrusiveness) variables.
RESULTS : Grip strength declined in all groups, and lower extremity range of motion showed limited but statistically significant changes. Lowered blood pressure before and after a 12‐minute walk was seen following TC participation. Fear of falling responses and intrusiveness responses were reduced after the TC intervention compared with the ED group ( P = .046 and P = .058, respectively). After adjusting for fall risk factors, TC was found to reduce the risk of multiple falls by 47.5%.
CONCLUSIONS : A moderate TC intervention can impact favorably on defined biomedical and psychosocial indices of frailty. This intervention can also have favorable effects upon the occurrence of falls. Tai Chi warrants further study as an exercise treatment to improve the health of older people.
Context:
The positive effects of physical activity on the well-being of older adults have been well documented. Tai chi is a suitable form of physical activity, with known physical and psychological benefits for older adults.
Objective:
The objective of the current study was to compare the effects of participation in a 16-wk tai chi program on the functional fitness of older adults with and without previous tai chi experience.
Design:
The research team designed a prospective cohort study. Participants who had practiced tai chi previously for ≥1 y at baseline were classified as experienced; all others were considered inexperienced.
Setting:
The study took place at 2 community centers in 2 locations in the Greater Toronto area of Ontario, Canada.
Participants:
Participants were residents of the 2 communities.
Intervention:
Participants were instructed to attend two 1-h sessions of Yang-style tai chi per wk.
Outcome measures:
Data on functional fitness- strength, endurance, speed, and flexibility-were collected at baseline and after completion of the tai chi program.
Results:
Of the 143 participants who completed the study, 20.5% were classified as experienced. Experienced participants had significantly higher ratings on functional fitness tests at baseline compared with the inexperienced group. At the end of the study, inexperienced participants had experienced significant improvements in all measures of functional fitness, although experienced participants had shown significant improvements only in measures of endurance and speed.
Conclusion:
Tai chi appears to be an optimal mode of physical activity for older adults regardless of previous experience with tai chi.
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Mind-body interventions are widely used by cancer patients to reduce symptoms and cope better with disease- and treatment-related symptoms. In the last decade, many clinical controlled trials of qigong/tai chi as a cancer treatment have emerged. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the effects of qigong/tai chi on the health-related outcomes of cancer patients.
Five databases (Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and the CAJ Full-text Database) were searched until June 30, 2013. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of qigong/tai chi as a treatment intervention for cancer patients were considered for inclusion. The primary outcome for this review was changes in quality of life (QOL) and other physical and psychological effects in cancer patients. The secondary outcome for this review was adverse events of the qigong/tai chi intervention.
A total of 13 RCTs with 592 subjects were included in this review. Nine RCTs involving 499 subjects provided enough data to generate pooled estimates of effect size for health-related outcomes. For cancer-specific QOL, the pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) was 7.99 [95% confidence interval (CI): 4.07, 11.91; Z score=4.00, p<0.0001]. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) for changes in depression and anxiety score were -0.69 (95% CI: -1.51, 0.14; Z score=1.64, p=0.10), and -0.93 (95% CI: -1.80, -0.06; Z score=2.09, p=0.04), respectively. The WMDs for changes in body mass index and body composition from baseline to 12 weeks follow-up were -1.66 (95% CI: -3.51, 0.19; Z score=1.76, p=0.08), and -0.67 (95% CI: -2.43, 1.09; Z score=0.75, p=0.45) respectively. The SMD for changes in the cortisol level was -0.37 (95% CI: -0.74, -0.00; Z score=1.97, p=0.05).
This study found that qigong/tai chi had positive effects on the cancer-specific QOL, fatigue, immune function and cortisol level of cancer patients. However, these findings need to be interpreted cautiously due to the limited number of studies identified and high risk of bias in included trials. Further rigorous trials are needed to explore possible therapeutic effects of qigong/tai chi on cancer patients.
To examine the effect of a 12-week Tai Chi (TC) intervention on physical function and quality of life.
Single-blind, randomized clinical trial.
General community.
Community-dwelling stroke survivors (n=145), aged ≥ 50 years and ≥ 3 months post-stroke.
Yang style 24-posture short-form TC (n=53), strength and range of movement exercises (SS, n=44), or Usual Care (UC, n=48) for 12 weeks. TC and SS attended a 1-hour class 3 times/week, while UC had weekly phone calls. Main Outcome Measures: Physical Function: Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Fall Rates and 2-Minute StepTest. Quality of Life: Medical Outcomes Study SF-36, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
A total of 145 stroke survivors (47% women, mean age=70 years, time post-stroke=3 years, ischemic stroke=66%, hemiparesis=73%) enrolled. During the intervention, TC participants had ⅔ fewer falls (n=5 falls), than the SS (n=14 falls) and UC (n=15 falls) groups (χ2=5.60, p=0.06). There was a significant group by time interaction for the 2-Minute StepTest (F2,142=4.69, p<0.01). Post-hoc tests indicated TC (t53=2.45, p=0.02) and SS (t44=4.63, p<0.01) groups had significantly better aerobic endurance over time, though not in the UC group (t48=1.58, p=0.12). Intervention adherence rates were 85%.
TC and SS led to improved aerobic endurance, and both are suitable community-based programs that may aid in stroke recovery and community reintegration. Our data suggest that a 12-week TC intervention was more effective in reducing fall rates than SS or UC. Future studies examining the effectiveness of TC as a fall prevention strategy for community-dwelling stroke survivors is recommended.
Background:
There is increasing evidence that coronary heart disease is linked with a number of psychosocial risk factors and biophysiological risk factors such as metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to compare Tai Chi programme heart-failure participants between the pre-intervention phase and six month after intervention time in health-related quality of life (HRQoL), including physical health, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional and mental health. In addition, the difference between pre-intervention and post-intervention time in psychological distress and resilience, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were compared.
Methods:
A prospective intervention study was conducted in 2012 to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based meditation Tai Chi intervention programme to improve heart-failure patients' health. Measures included the Short-Form 12 Health Survey (SF-12), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ30), resilience scale, BMI, blood pressure and waist circumference. Univariate analysis of variance was used to compare the difference between pre- and post-intervention in Tai Chi participants.
Results:
Outcomes differed in significance and magnitude across four HRQoL measures, psychological distress and resilience between the pre- and post-intervention time in heart-failure patients who participated in the Tai Chi exercise. The participants in the post-intervention time also reduced BMI, SBP, and waist circumference.
Conclusions:
Regular and more than six months Tai Chi exercises had a beneficial effect to HRQoL, reducing psychological distress, promoting resilience, and reducing the BMI and blood pressure level in heart-failure patients.
Objectives
To summarize and critically evaluate research on the effects of Tai Chi on cognitive function in older adults. DesignSystematic review with meta-analysis. SettingCommunity and residential care. ParticipantsIndividuals aged 60 and older (with the exception of one study) with and without cognitive impairment. MeasurementsCognitive ability using a variety of neuropsychological testing. ResultsTwenty eligible studies with a total of 2,553 participants were identified that met inclusion criteria for the systematic review; 11 of the 20 eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), one was a prospective nonrandomized controlled study, four were prospective noncontrolled observational studies, and four were cross-sectional studies. Overall quality of RCTs was modest, with three of 11 trials categorized as high risk of bias. Meta-analyses of outcomes related to executive function in RCTs of cognitively healthy adults indicated a large effect size when Tai Chi participants were compared with nonintervention controls (Hedges' g = 0.90; P = .04) and a moderate effect size when compared with exercise controls (Hedges' g = 0.51; P = .003). Meta-analyses of outcomes related to global cognitive function in RCTs of cognitively impaired adults, ranging from mild cognitive impairment to dementia, showed smaller but statistically significant effects when Tai Chi was compared with nonintervention controls (Hedges' g = 0.35; P = .004) and other active interventions (Hedges' g = 0.30; P = .002). Findings from nonrandomized studies add further evidence that Tai Chi may positively affect these and other domains of cognitive function. Conclusion
Tai Chi shows potential to enhance cognitive function in older adults, particularly in the realm of executive functioning and in individuals without significant impairment. Larger and methodologically sound trials with longer follow-up periods are needed before more-definitive conclusions can be drawn.
There is growing consensus that exercise improves cognitive functioning, but research is needed to identify exercise interventions that optimize effects on cognition. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate Taekwondo implemented in public middle school physical education (PE). Two classes were randomly assigned to either: five sessions per week of PE or three sessions of PE and two sessions of Taekwondo. In PE sessions, evidence-based curriculum to address the Presidential Core Fitness Guidelines and California Physical Fitness Tests was implemented. Taekwondo sessions included traditional techniques and forms taught in an environment emphasizing respect and self-control. Sixty students were evaluated at baseline and during the last week of the intervention (nine months later). Differences in mean residualized change scores for parent-rated inhibitory behavioral control yielded a significant, large effect size (d = .95, p = .00), reflecting greater improvement among Taekwondo students. Results from an executive function computer-administered task revealed greater accuracy on the congruent trial (d = 2.00, p = .02) for Taekwondo students. Differences in mean residualized change scores for BMI z scores yielded a moderate, non-significant effect size (d = −.51, p = .16). The majority of Taekwondo students reported positive perceptions of Taekwondo and perceived self-improvement in self-control and physical fitness. Results suggest that Taekwondo is an exercise program that improves cognitive functioning and is both feasible and acceptable to implement in a public school setting.
To investigate the perceived psychosocial effects of participating in taught sessions of Tai Chi on people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Tai Chi is thought to be psychologically as well as physically beneficial for people with arthritis.
This study adopted a qualitative approach to follow-up participants who had previously demonstrated physical and psychological benefits from a specifically modified Tai Chi programme in an attempt to explore perceived psychosocial improvements.
Nineteen semi-structured, audio-taped, interviews were carried out with participants who had taken part in, twice weekly, group-based Tai Chi sessions for 12 weeks. Data from transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.
Analysis suggests that participating in shared Tai Chi sessions provides increased awareness of the links between mind and body; reduces anxiety and depression; and improves self-esteem, self-efficacy and motivation. It was particularly striking to find that the highly structured nature of Tai Chi was felt to improve memory and seemed to offer aesthetic experiences through developing graceful, 'fluid' moves rather than the 'jarring' movements often imposed by having RA. Such group sessions were found to provide social support and help improve participants' sense of perspective.
Although small scale, this study suggests that Tai Chi has the potential to offer psychosocial benefits for people with RA.
Offering Tai Chi alongside traditional treatments for RA could promote psychological health and well-being, help inform clinical decision-making and prove cost-effective.
This paper aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the effectiveness of Tai Chi for osteoarthritis of the knee.
MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Scopus, PsycInfo and CAMBASE were screened through April 2013. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing Tai Chi to control conditions were included. Two authors independently assessed risk of bias using the risk of bias tool recommended by the Cochrane Back Review Group. Outcome measures included pain, physical functional, joint stiffness, quality of life, and safety. For each outcome, standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.
5 RCTs with a total of 252 patients were included. Four studies had a low risk of bias. Analysis showed moderate overall evidence for short-term effectiveness for pain, physical function, and stiffness. Strong evidence was found for short-term improvement of the physical component of quality of life. No long-term effects were observed. Tai Chi therapy was not associated with serious adverse events.
This systematic review found moderate evidence for short-term improvement of pain, physical function and stiffness in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee practicing Tai Chi. Assuming that Tai Chi is at least short-term effective and safe it might be preliminarily recommended as an adjuvant treatment for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. More high quality RCTs are urgently needed to confirm these results.
A sample of 51 women enrolled in Taekwondo classes and 49 women enrolled in 4 sections of general health courses were administered the Tennessee Self-concept Scale to assess the effect of participation in Taekwondo on self-concept. Using analysis of covariance, with pretest scores as the covariate, significant differences were found on total self-concept and on subscale scores in physical, personal, social, identity, and satisfaction. Nonsignificant differences were found on moral-ethical, family, behavior, and self-criticism scales.
Introduction To counteract the recently observed increase in forearm fractures in children worldwide, an educational programme to improve fall skills was developed. In this 8-week programme children learned basic martial arts falling techniques in their physical education classes. In this study, the effectiveness of this educational programme to improve fall skills was evaluated.
Methods A cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted in 33 primary schools. The intervention group received the educational programme to improve falling skills during their physical education (PE) classes whereas the control group received their regular PE curriculum. At baseline (October 2009) and follow-up (May 2010), a questionnaire was completed by the children about their physical activity behaviours. Furthermore, fall-related injuries were registered continuously during an entire school-year.
Results A total of 36 incident injuries was reported in the intervention group, equalling an injury incidence density (IID) of 0.14 fall-related injuries per 1000 h of physical activity (95% CI 0.09 to 0.18). In contrast, 96 injuries were reported by the control group corresponding to an IID of 0.26 (95% CI 0.21 to 0.32). However, because intracluster correlation was high (ICC=0.46), differences in injury incidence were not statistically significant. When activity level was taken into account, a trend was shown suggesting that the ‘falling is a sport’ programme was effective in decreasing falling-related injury risk, but only in the least active children.
Discussion and conclusion Although results did not reach significance because of strong clustering effects, a trend was found suggesting that a school-based educational programme to improve falling skills may be more beneficial for the prevention of falling-related injuries in children with low levels of habitual physical activity.
This randomized controlled trial examined the psychological, physical, and neurophysiological effects of a qigong exercise program on depressed elders with chronic medical illness. The experimental group (n = 21, 80 ± 7 years) was given a 12-week qigong exercise program, while the comparison group (n = 17, 81 ± 8 years) participated in a newspaper reading program with the same duration and frequency. Measurement of depression symptoms, psychosocial functioning, muscle strengths, salivary cortisol, and serum serotonin was conducted. At 12 weeks, the qigong group had significant reduction in depressive symptoms (F = 11.68; p < 0.025). Improvement in self-efficacy (F = 4.30; p < 0.050), self-concept of physical well-being (F = 6.82; p < 0.025), and right-hand grip strength (F = 5.25; p = 0.034) was also found when compared with the comparison group. A change in salivary cortisol level was found marginally insignificant between groups (F = 3.16; p = 0.087). However, a decreasing trend of cortisol level was observed. The results provided preliminary evidence for the hypotheses that the antidepressive effect of qigong exercise could be explained by improvement in psychosocial functioning and possibly down-regulation of hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
The impact of school-based Tae Kwon Do training on self-regulatory abilities was examined. A self-regulation framework including three domains (cognitive, affective, and physical) was presented. Children (N = 207) from kindergarten through Grade 5 were randomly assigned by homeroom class to either the intervention (martial arts) group or a comparison (traditional physical education) group. Outcomes were assessed using multidimensional, multimodal assessments. After a 3-month intervention, results indicated that the martial arts group demonstrated greater improvements than the comparison group in areas of cognitive self-regulation, affective self-regulation, prosocial behavior, classroom conduct, and performance on a mental math test. A significant Group × Gender interaction was found for cognitive self-regulation and classroom conduct, with boys showing greater improvements than girls. Possible explanations of this interaction as well as implications for components of martial arts training for the development of self-regulation in school-age children are discussed.
The effective management of energy is an important dimension in the martial arts as well as the mental health professions. The Oriental concept of Ki is described, noting its Indian, Chinese, and Japanese development. Ki and the transfer of energy is studied through the martial encounter, using concepts borrowed from Japanese swordsmanship. Ki is also discussed from a developmental context as youngsters progress in Tae Kwon Do training. In examining the disciplines of Aikido, Tae Kwon Do, and Karate, it becomes clear that more is involved than kicking, punching, and throwing bodies on the floor. These martial arts have some important statements to make in the area of mental health, particularly in terms of energy--within our bodies, psyches, interpersonal relationships, and the universe.
To evaluate the effects of two exercise approaches, Tai Chi (TC) and computerized balance training (BT), on specified primary outcomes (biomedical, functional, and psychosocial indicators of frailty) and secondary outcomes (occurrence of falls).
The Atlanta FICSIT (Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques), a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial with three arms (TC, BT, and education [ED]. Intervention length was 15 weeks, with primary outcomes measured before and after intervention and at 4-month follow-up. Falls were monitored continuously throughout the study.
Persons aged 70 and older living in the community.
A total of 200 participants, 162 women and 38 men; mean age was 76.2.
Biomedical (strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, body composition), functional (IADL), and psychosocial well-being (CES-D scale, fear of falling questionnaire, self-perception of present and future health, mastery index, perceived quality of sleep, and intrusiveness) variables.
Grip strength declined in all groups, and lower extremity range of motion showed limited but statistically significant changes. Lowered blood pressure before and after a 12-minute walk was seen following TC participation. Fear of falling responses and intrusiveness responses were reduced after the TC intervention compared with the ED group (P = .046 and P = .058, respectively). After adjusting for fall risk factors, TC was found to reduce the risk of multiple falls by 47.5%.
A moderate TC intervention can impact favorably on defined biomedical and psychosocial indices of frailty. This intervention can also have favorable effects upon the occurrence of falls. Tai Chi warrants further study as an exercise treatment to improve the health of older people.
To identify risk factors for injury and to establish safety guidelines for children in Uechi-Ryu karate.
A 1-year retrospective survey of injuries.
A private karate school (Uechi-Ryu style) in Plymouth, MA.
A total of 68 athletes (age 6-16 years; mean age 10 years) who participated in karate during the 1995-1996 season.
None.
The presence or absence of injury, with grading of injuries as major, moderate or minor. The types of injuries and body region involved were also analyzed.
Twenty eight percent of athletes sustained at least one injury. All injuries were minor, with no time off from training required. The injuries consisted primarily of bruises (11 of 19). Other injuries included mild sprains or strains (5 of 19) and having their 'wind knocked out' (3 of 19). Most injuries were localized to the extremities. Logistic regression analysis identified risk factors for injury. Risk of injury increased with number of years of training (odds ratio 2.95; 95% confidence interval 1.81-4.82; P<0.0001), number of hours per week (odds ratio 2.12; CI 1.15-4.21; P = 0.016) and rank, specifically brown belt versus lower belts (odds ratio 6.56; CI 2.02-21.26; P = 0.006).
Karate is a relatively safe sport for children and adolescents when properly taught. Risk of injury increases with experience; therefore, greater supervision is required of higher ranks. Injury increases with weekly training; however, 3 h a week or less appears to be associated with a low risk of significant injury in this age group.
The potential cognitive and psychosocial effects of childhood epilepsy have significant implications for a child's self-image and academic achievement. This study focuses on a 10-week karate program for children and adolescents with epilepsy aimed at increasing social confidence, self-concept, and quality of life, as well as reducing parental anxiety. Eleven children (8-16 years old) and their parents participated in this questionnaire study, and complete data were available for nine of these families. Measures consisted of the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale, the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy (QOLCE) questionnaire, and the Parental Stress Index. By parental report, significant improvement in memory function and largely positive trends in quality of life on multiple subscales were observed. By child report, intellectual self-esteem and social confidence also improved. Parental stress decreased, although not significantly, suggesting a potential benefit and indicating a role for future interventions targeting family anxiety.