Effects of Baduanjin Exercise on 160 Freshmen

Abstract

This study aimed to observe the physiological and psychological effects of Baduanjin on the college students. A total of 160 healthy freshmen were recruited and randomly divided into the control group and the test group. The subjects in the control group practiced “the 8th radio calisthenics, while those in the test group did Baduanjin, 5 times a week (30 min for each time), and 6 months practicing overall. Before and after the trial the physiological and psychological indexes were measured using Profile of Mood States (POMS) or Symptom check list-90(SCL-90) scale. The results showed that after exercise, lung capacity in test group was significantly improved (P<0.01), while heart rate was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Systolic pressure (SP) and diastolic pressure (DP) had no statistical difference before and after exercise. In the control group, cardiopulmonary functions had no statistical difference. The physiological indexes (weight, height, et al.) were no change in control and test group. Waist circumference in test group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), while waist circumference in control group had no change. (3) POMS scores (negative emotions, et al.) were significantly decreased (P<0.01) in test group and were significantly lower than that of control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Energy, and self-esteem scores were significantly increased in test group after exercise (P<0.01). The SCL-90 scores of test group were significantly lower on somatization, obsessive-compulsive, depression, anxiety and hostility (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The POMS and SCL-90 scores had no statistical difference before and after exercise in the control group. The study indicated that college students would get physiological and psychological benefit form practicing Baduanjin.