Abstract
We explored differences in mood, fatigue, sleep and mental health measures among middle-aged and older adults who participated in community-based classes, either mind-body exercise, such as yoga and Tai Chi, compared to aerobic exercise. Forty-two participants (mean age 64.6 (SD = 13.6) years) were recruited, 20 who routinely participated in a yoga or Tai Chi class and 22 who routinely participated in an aerobic exercise class. Mood, general health functioning, sleep, and pain levels were assessed for all participants. The yoga/Tai Chi group performed better in all outcome measures compared to the aerobic exercise group. Participants in yoga/Tai Chi classes had significantly greater levels of Vitality and lower levels of Tension, Depression, Anger, Confusion, and Fatigue (p=.0001-.04), as determined from the Profile of Mood States. Further, they showed significantly higher Mental Health Composite Summary scores on the SF-12 scale (p=.0001), and less sleep problems (p=.008), compared to the aerobic exercise group. This study suggests that participation in mind-body exercise is associated with improved mood, mental functioning, and better sleep compared to aerobic exercise, independent of class length, frequency, and length of time participated in the activity. This finding should be confirmed in a prospective randomized study.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
