The Long-Term Effect of Tai Chi Exercise on Exercise Self Efficacy and Self-Perceived Health Status in the Elderly

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the long-term effect of Tai Chi exercise on exercise self-efficacy and self-perceived health status in the elderly. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Sixty older adults were participated in this study. Their ages ranged from 70 to 75, with a mean age of 72.4 years. The participants were randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions: (1) Tai Chi exercises group (n=30), (2) control group (n=30). Data was analyzed using two-way Analysis Of Variances (ANOVAs) with repeated measures of groups (Tai Chi exercise group and control group) and time (pre-test and post-test). Dependent variables were exercise self-efficacy and self-perceived health status. Findings: The result of this study indicated Tai Chi exercise group had a significantly higher score than control group in exercise self-efficacy and perceived health status. Applications/Improvement: It was found that Tai Chi exercise helped to improve the exercise self-efficacy and the perceived health status in the elderly.