Influence of personal patterns of behavior on the effects of Tai Chi: A pilot study

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the influence of individual patterns of personality and behavior on the change in mood status after a brief period of Tai Chi exercise. Methods: The mood status in 22 healthy females was evaluated before and after a period of Tai Chi exercise using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) score. Patterns of personal behavior were also assessed by written questionnaire. Results: In the type A behavior pattern group, the score for total mood disturbance decreased significantly after a brief period (20 min) of Tai Chi exercise. No change was observed in the type B behavior pattern group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that a brief period of Tai Chi exercise is mentally beneficial, particularly to individuals with type A characteristics. © 2010 The Japanese Society for Hygiene.