Research Paper
Chatzipanagioti V.1*, Chatzinikolaou A.1, Gioftsidou A.1, Karakatsanis L.P.2, Malliou P.1
1School of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace
2Complexity Research Team (CRT), Department of Environmental Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace vichatzi@phyed.duth.gr
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a mixed intervention program with live and online Tai Chi practice on the sleep quality of the participants. The sample of the research consisted of 19 practitioners (7 men & 12 women), with an average age of 53.9 ± 6.3 years. They participated in an organized Tai Chi Chuan program which lasted 18 weeks, of which 9 weeks in live sessions and the remaining 9 in online distance learning environment due to Covid 19. The exercise frequency was 3 times/week lasting 90 minutes in live sessions. During the online exercise the duration was adjusted to 60 minutes. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire (Greek version GR PSQI) was used as a measuring instrument, which was given and completed by the participants at baseline (initial measurement) and at completion (final measurement) of the program. The results of the present study showed that after the application of t test for dependent samples with significance index (p<0.05), an improvement in sl eep quality was observed between the initial and final measurement. In conclusion, participating in a Tai Chi exercise program seems to be an effective method of improving insomnia and sleep quality in healthy adults.
Keywords:
Tai Chi, Sleep quality, PS QI, Live and online distance learning exercise
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