scholarly journals The Positive Role of Tai Chi in Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7479
Author(s):  
Suodi Xu ◽  
Julien S. Baker ◽  
Feng Ren
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Positive Role

The ongoing coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed a significant threat to both people’s physical and mental health. Physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, and negative emotions among the general population have been significantly increased because of COVID-19 home confinement. These are major risk factors associated with higher incidences of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, effective exercise management should be proposed as a prevention strategy to improve both physical and mental health while diminishing the effects of COVID-19. Tai Chi as a low-to-moderate aerobic exercise combines physical and mental training and plays a positive impact on human health. Here we aim to outline the effects of Tai Chi on the immune system, inflammatory responses, pulmonary function, and emotional control. The benefits of Tai Chi practice for individuals coping with COVID-19 are stated here which include immune system promotion, inflammation response reduction, rehabilitation in respiratory diseases, and emotional improvement. This statement has been supported by available clinical, physiological, and biological research. As a result, we hope to introduce Tai Chi as an effective exercise intervention for people coping with COVID-19 and as a beneficial exercise for maintaining an active lifestyle during a pandemic.

The Physical and Mental Regulating Effect of Tai Chi Chuan Traditional Health Sports Based on Two-Sift Methods

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 4891-4899
Author(s):  
Mengzhe Wang ◽  
Jianzhong Li
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Tai Chi Chuan ◽  
Chinese College Students ◽  
Mental Adjustment ◽  
Traditional Health ◽  
Before And After

Objectives: The research on the physical and mental regulation of college students based on two-screen Tai Chi style traditional health sports can help to improve the teaching process of Tai Chi Chuan and help students to obtain better adjustment of their physical and mental state. Methods: In this study, based on the understanding of related theories, and then the author compares the physical and mental status of a college student before and after Tai Chi Chuan training, and finally uses two algorithms to analyze the physical and mental adjustment role of Tai Chi Chuan to college students. Results: The results show that Tai Chi can play a positive and positive role in regulating the physical and mental health of college students to some extent. Conclusion: The research aims to provide reference for the physical and psychological development of Chinese college students.

Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Physical and Mental Health of College Students

2004 ◽  
Vol 32 (03) ◽  
pp. 453-459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong "Tai" Wang ◽  
Leslie Taylor ◽  
Marcia Pearl ◽  
Li-Shan Chang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Bodily Pain ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Practice Session ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Tai Chi Exercise

The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the effects of Tai Chi Quan, a body-mind harmony exercise, on college students' perceptions of their physical and mental health. A three-month intervention of Tai Chi exercise was administered to college students, and multidimensional physical (PHD) and mental (MHD) health scores were assessed using the SF-36v2 health survey questionnaire before and after the intervention. Thirty college students participated in a 1-hour-long Tai Chi exercise intervention twice a week for 3 months. Each practice session included 10 minutes of breathing and stretching exercises followed by 50 minutes of Tai Chi Quan 24-form practice. PHD including physical function (PF), role physical (RP), bodily pain (BP), general health (GH), and MHD including social function (SF), role mental/emotion function (RE), vitality (VT), perceptions of mental health (MH) were assessed. The normalized scores of each variable and the combined PHD or MHD scores before and after the Tai Chi intervention were examined by paired t-test ( p <0.05). Physical measures of BP and GH, and mental measures of RE, VT and MH were significantly improved after Tai Chi exercise intervention. When the overall PHD or MHD scores were evaluated, the MHD had increased significantly. In conclusion, Tai Chi exercise had positive effects on the self-assessed physical and mental health of college students. Scores on the mental health dimension appeared to be particularly sensitive to change. Colleges/universities might consider offering Tai Chi as a component of their ongoing physical activity programs available to students.

scholarly journals The Influence of Human–Animal Interactions on Mental and Physical Health during the First COVID-19 Lockdown Phase in the U.K.: A Qualitative Exploration

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Shoesmith ◽  
Lion Shahab ◽  
Dimitra Kale ◽  
Daniel S. Mills ◽  
Catherine Reeve ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Human Animal Interaction ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
The Impact

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents an opportunity to explore the role of animals as sources of emotional and physical support during a period when most of the population is experiencing social and environmental challenges. We investigated how companion animal owners perceived the influence of human–animal interaction on their physical and mental health during the first COVID-19 lockdown phase in the U.K., and what concerns they had regarding their animals at this time. We also explored the impact of participants’ interaction with non-companion animals during this phase. A cross-sectional online survey of U.K. residents aged over 18 was conducted between April and June 2020. The final item of the survey invited open-ended free-text responses, allowing participants to describe any experiences and/or perceptions of their human–animal relationships during the COVID-19 lockdown phase. A qualitative thematic analysis of responses was undertaken. Four main themes related to the following aspects of human–animal interactions during the COVID-19 lockdown phase were identified: the positive impact of animal ownership during the COVID-19 lockdown (e.g., amelioration of wellbeing and mental health), concerns relating to animal ownership during the COVID-19 lockdown (e.g., concerns over animals carrying the COVID-19 virus), grief and loss of an animal during the COVID-19 lockdown and the impact of engaging with non-companion animals during the COVID-19 lockdown. The findings complement and extend previous insights into the impact of human–animal interaction with both companion and non-companion animals. They also highlight the challenges of caring for an animal during the lockdown phase and indicate the need to consider the development of further targeted support strategies, such as “day care” for the companion animals of key workers in this context.

When death strikes early as often will: How counsellors and schools can support grieving pupils and students

2021 ◽  
pp. 136548022199684
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Wango ◽  
Leila Mkameli Gwiyo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Life Event ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Death Of Parent

Death is inevitable and universal, and the corona virus disease has only further intensified a world of uncertainties as a result of frequent accidents, HIV/AIDS, cancer and natural disasters. Bereavement after any death is a potentially disruptive life event with consequences in physical and mental health, relationships and social functioning. Death is a rather odd, thought-provoking and challenging experience, particularly in the lives of children and adolescents. Death of parent/s, sibling, relative/s, teacher, classmate or friend is a relatively new and challenging phenomenon. Persons working with pupils and students, including teachers, counsellors, school chaplain and social workers, need to be prepared to offer help to those who experience bereavement. Death is unpredictable and may occur naturally, suddenly, or traumatically. In several instances, help is sometimes required in advance of bereavement in that the death may be anticipated such as instances of prolonged illness or following a fatal accident. In all cases, the role of the teacher and counsellor in the school is pivotal in supporting pupils and students who have been bereaved. This paper highlights the need to impart post-traumatic growth in bereft pupils and students in schools in order to cope with bereavement.

The plague in Moscow in 1771 and a new coronavirus infection: what they have in common

2021 ◽  
pp. 62-77
Author(s):  
Leonid Anatolievich Denisov ◽  
Mikhail Sergeevich Pakhomov
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Effective Treatment ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Historical Event ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
The City

The article is devoted to a historical event that occurred 250 years ago in Moscow. The authors draw analogies between the plague epidemic and the current situation associated with a new coronavirus infection, and note what unites these events. It shows the dedicated work of doctors in the conditions of complete ambiguity of the causes and spread of these infections, in the absence of effective treatment methods, what was the behavior of the population, how prevention measures were developed, and what is the role of the authorities of Moscow and St. Petersburg in the fight. How the state of medical science and the level of health care, referred to by economists as the non — material sphere, can affect the physical and mental health of the population and the economic situation of the city, country and the whole World.

scholarly journals Experiences of men with psychosis participating in a community-based football programme

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 100-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Moloney ◽  
Daniela Rohde
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Health Service Provision ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Physical activity is associated with both physical and mental health benefits for people with psychosis. However, mental health services have been criticised for failing to adequately promote physical activities. Occupational Therapy, with its focus on meaningful everyday occupations, is well placed to incorporate physical activity interventions. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of men with psychosis participating in an Irish community-based football programme. Design/methodology/approach Six men with psychosis participated in qualitative interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interview data were analysed thematically. Findings Participants identified many benefits of engaging in the programme. Football became a valued part of weekly routines and fostered re-engagement with previously valued roles. Participants identified improvements in social confidence and motor and process skills, as well as a positive impact on their mental and physical health. Originality/value This study highlights the value and meaning of participation in football for men with psychosis, as well as demonstrating the longer-term feasibility of football as a therapeutic medium in Occupational Therapy mental health service provision. Findings could help to promote the routine use of sports interventions to mental health services.

scholarly journals Association Between Physical Exercise and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Outbreak in China: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingjun Nie ◽  
Yuanyan Ma ◽  
Yankong Wu ◽  
Jiahui Li ◽  
Ting Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Psychological Status ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Health Burden

The COVID-19 has undergone several mutations, and caused deleterious effects on physical and mental health of people worldwide. Whilst physical exercise is known for its positive effect on enhancing immunity and reducing the negative consequences of unhealthy emotional states caused by the pandemic; there is a severe lack of psychological exercise intervention measures and mitigation strategies to advance the knowledge and role of physical exercise to improve mental health in most countries. This study surveyed the association between physical exercise and mental health burden during the COVID-19 outbreak in China to better understand the influence of different physical exercise types on reducing mental health burden during the pandemic. ANOVA, binary logistic regression, the chi-square test, and Spearman's correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis. 14,715 participants were included. The results showed that Chinese residents had several poor mental health conditions during the COVID-19 outbreak. And there was a significant positive correlation between the extent of adverse effects on mental health and provincial proportions of confirmed COVID-19 cases (r = 0.365, p &lt; 0.05). Some main factors caused an unhealthy psychological status, including epidemic severity (62.77%, 95% CI 58.62-65.64%), prolonged home quarantine (60.84%, 95% CI 58.15-63.25%), spread of large amounts of negative information about COVID-19 in the media (50.78%, 95% CI 47.46-53.15%), limitations in daily life and social interaction (45.93%, 95%CI 42.46-47.55%), concerns about students' learning (43.13%, 95% CI 40.26-45.48%), and worries about being infected (41.13%, 95% CI 39.16-45.23%). There was a significant association between physical exercise and mental health. The largest associations were seen for home-based group entertainment exercise (i.e., family games, rope skipping, and badminton), Chinese traditional sports (i.e., Chinese martial arts, Taijiquan and Qigong), and popular sports (i.e., yoga, video dancing, sensory-motor games, and whole-body vibration), as well as durations of 30-60 min per session, frequencies of three to five times per week and a total of 120-270 min of moderate-intensity exercise weekly during the COVID-19 outbreak (p &lt; 0.05).

scholarly journals Role of Immunity in Pathogenesis of Psychosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wafa Abdelghaffar ◽  
Oussama Sidhom ◽  
Lilia Laadhar ◽  
Rym Rafrafi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Antineuronal Antibodies ◽  
System Components ◽  
The Brain

The involvement of immunity in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and related psychoses was suspected a century ago but was shadowed by the dopaminergic hypothesis after the discovery of antipsychotics. We currently know that this latter theory has many limits and cannot account for the wide variety of psychotic conditions. The immune-inflammatory theory is now one of the most promising axes of research in terms of pathogenesis of several mental health conditions. Immunity and inflammation play a role at least in a subgroup of patients with psychosis. The immune system is complex with a variety of components and mediators that can all have effects on the brain and thus mediate psychiatric symptoms. In this chapter we will explore the scientific evidence of the role of immune system in pathophysiology of psychosis. The sections of this chapter will discuss the role of innate system components (cytokines, microglia, inflammation.), the role of adaptive system (lymphocytes and antibodies) with a section focusing on auto-immunity and particularly antineuronal antibodies. Finally we will discuss how this research can impact patients management and elaborate recommendations for future research.

scholarly journals A Randomized Controlled Trial of Tai Chi for Tension Headaches

2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan B. Abbott ◽  
Ka-Kit Hui ◽  
Ron D. Hays ◽  
Ming-Dong Li ◽  
Timothy Pan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Tension Type Headaches ◽  
Headache Impact

This study examined whether a traditional low-impact mind–body exercise, Tai Chi, affects health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) and headache impact in an adult population suffering from tension-type headaches. Forty-seven participants were randomly assigned to either a 15 week intervention program of Tai Chi instruction or a wait-list control group. HRQOL (SF-36v2) and headache status (HIT-6™) were obtained at baseline and at 5, 10 and 15 weeks post-baseline during the intervention period. Statistically significant (P< 0.05) improvements in favor of the intervention were present for the HIT score and the SF-36 pain, energy/fatigue, social functioning, emotional well-being and mental health summary scores. A 15 week intervention of Tai Chi practice was effective in reducing headache impact and also effective in improving perceptions of some aspects of physical and mental health.

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