A Content Analysis of African Americans' Experience of Engaging in Qigong Exercise Intervention in a Community Setting.

Introduction: Although an increasing number of African Americans 50 years of age and older practice qigong, a mind-body exercise, to manage their health conditions, little is known about their perceptions and experiences of engaging in and learning qigong exercise. This study aimed to explore the subjective perceptions of the health benefits, engagement, adherence, and learning of qigong exercise in African Americans 45-85 years of age as a foundation for promoting this approach for African Americans' physical and psychological health. Methods: Fifteen African Americans were enrolled in a 1-h qigong exercise program twice a week for 8 weeks (a total of 16 sessions) in the activity center of a local church. Participants were interviewed after the intervention to explore their perceptions of learning and practicing qigong exercise. Interviews were conducted in person, audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis. Results: Five themes emerged: (1) Perceived benefits of practicing qigong, (2) helpful strategies for qigong learning, (3) facilitators for home qigong practice, (4) motivators for qigong exercise adherence, and (5) recommending qigong to others. qigong exercise was perceived to be effective for balance, flexibility, muscle strength, sleep quality, emotion regulation, and stress management. Nearly 75% of participants reported home qigong practice at least twice a week. Conclusions: Middle-age and older African Americans' responses provide insights on health benefits associated with practicing qigong exercise, adherence, home practice, and learning, which may serve as the first step to promoting the use of qigong exercise in this population and may be adopted to similar exercise interventions with minority older adults in the future.

A qualitative investigation of health benefits through a modified Taekwondo activity among nursing home residents.

BACKGROUND: A few studies suggest that Taekwondo is an effective intervention in increasing physical functions among older adults. This study is intended to focus on a multitude of health benefits of participation in a modified Taekwondo activity for nursing home residents in the U.S. METHODS: This qualitative study used semi-structured, in-depth interviews with seven participants consisting of 2 males and 5 females older adults from a community nursing home. The interview protocol included content mapping and content mining interview questions. The study followed the five steps of constant comparative analysis. RESULTS: Four main themes were identified as health benefits resulting from a modified Taekwondo participation: (a) promoting mental health, (b) increasing physical functions, (c) stimulating cognitive abilities, and (d) facilitating positive social interaction. DISCUSSION: This study indicates modified Taekwondo can be instrumental in promoting their physical functioning, cognitive functioning, social interactions, and mental health. Practical implications and further discussion are addressed in this paper.

A Pilot Study of Virtual Reality (VR) Tai Chi Program on Mental Health among Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, has been credited for improving the physical and mental health of community-dwelling older adults. Virtual reality (VR) has developed as a therapeutic technique for improving health and well-being in older adults. Previous research on exercise-based VR interventions in older adults has focused primarily on the physical and cognitive health effects. The extent to which a program integrating the ancient practice of Tai Chi with virtual reality might benefit older individuals' physical and mental health is an unknown entity. In this pilot study, we examined potential advantages of the virtual Tai Chi program in terms of health outcomes, as well as to gather qualitative data on the barriers to VR program participation. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 5 participants who had participated at least 5 years in traditional Tai Chi. RESULTS: Three key salient themes emerged as beneficial results of VR experiences: (1) mindfulness/ meditation, (2) enjoyment, and (3) physical exercise. Participants also reported 3 main challenges: (1) some difficulties with controllers and functions, (2) cybersickness/pain, and (3) absence of group synergy. CONCLUSIONS: These challenges suggest further avenues of investigation for researchers in refining this approach.

Intergenerational Taekwondo Program: A Narrative Review and Practical Intervention Proposal.

Taekwondo is a modernized martial art that includes various combinations of hand and kicking techniques and core values of Taekwondo philosophy such as courtesy, mutual respect, and self-control. Physical inactivity is highly prevalent among older adults and is a major contributor to health-related problems. Intergenerational physical activity programs are used as an effective tool to make a positive connection between generations and provide additional health benefits for both generations. This review study aimed to examine the theories of intergenerational physical activity programs and propose the Intergenerational Taekwondo Program (ITP). Various theories such as the transtheoretical model, contact theory, social capital theory, situated learning theory, human development theory, personality theory, and whole-person wellness model have been adopted in intergenerational physical activity programs. Our review suggests that to develop the Intergenerational Taekwondo Program, instructors should (1) establishing common goals, (2) understand differences in physical and mental abilities, and (3) offer incentives to encourage participants in physical activity programs. The proposed ITP program has the potential to not just provide unique inherent values and improving physical functions, but also to form generational connections.

Investigating the Relationship Between Accessibility of Green Space and Adult Obesity Rates: A Secondary Data Analysis in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: In spite of the importance of green space for reducing obesity-related problems, there has been little exploration of whether access to green space (e.g., parks and recreational facilities) influences the obesity rate of adults in the United States. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationships among accessibility of green space, obesity rates, and socioeconomic and demographic variables among adults living in the State of Indiana, United States. METHODS: We conducted a secondary data analysis to investigate the relationships among accessibility to green space, obesity rates, and socio-demographic variables with employing Geographic Information System in order to measure the accessibility of green space. RESULTS: This study found that accessibility of green space served as a strong predictor of reduced obesity rates among adults (ß=-2.478; p<0.10). In addition, adults with higher education levels, as well as better access to green space, were found to have even lower obesity rates (ß=-0.188; p<0.05). Other control variables such as unemployment rates, food security, and physical inactivity are additional factors that influence obesity rates among adults. CONCLUSIONS: Accessibility of green space may play an important role in facilitating physical activity participation and reducing obesity rates.