Enhancing the psychological well-being of elderly individuals through Tai Chi exercise: A latent growth curve analysis

Fuzhong Li, Terry E. Duncan, Susan C. Duncan, Edward McAuley, Nigel R. Chaumeton, Peter Harmer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Using a randomized controlled trial, this study examined whether a Tai Chi exercise program enhanced elderly individuals' psychological well-being. Participants either continued their daily routine activities or participated in a Tai Chi exercise class performing slow rhythmic movements. Psychological well-being measures were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months (termination of the class). Latent growth curve modeling methodology was used to analyze the repeated measures data. Results indicated that individuals who participated in the 6-month Tai Chi exercise program showed higher levels of health perceptions, life satisfaction, positive affect, and well-being and lower levels of depression, negative affect, and psychological distress. The implications of these findings are discussed relative to potential underlying mechanisms associated with the exercise-psychological health relation in older adults.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)53-83
Number of pages31
JournalStructural Equation Modeling
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Decision Sciences
  • General Economics, Econometrics and Finance
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Modeling and Simulation

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