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The Positive Role of Tai Chi in Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

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  • Suodi Xu

    (Department of Physical Education, Ningbo University of Finance and Economics, Ningbo 315175, China)

  • Julien S. Baker

    (Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China)

  • Feng Ren

    (Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China)

Abstract

The ongoing coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed a significant threat to both people’s physical and mental health. Physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, and negative emotions among the general population have been significantly increased because of COVID-19 home confinement. These are major risk factors associated with higher incidences of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, effective exercise management should be proposed as a prevention strategy to improve both physical and mental health while diminishing the effects of COVID-19. Tai Chi as a low-to-moderate aerobic exercise combines physical and mental training and plays a positive impact on human health. Here we aim to outline the effects of Tai Chi on the immune system, inflammatory responses, pulmonary function, and emotional control. The benefits of Tai Chi practice for individuals coping with COVID-19 are stated here which include immune system promotion, inflammation response reduction, rehabilitation in respiratory diseases, and emotional improvement. This statement has been supported by available clinical, physiological, and biological research. As a result, we hope to introduce Tai Chi as an effective exercise intervention for people coping with COVID-19 and as a beneficial exercise for maintaining an active lifestyle during a pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Suodi Xu & Julien S. Baker & Feng Ren, 2021. "The Positive Role of Tai Chi in Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-8, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:14:p:7479-:d:593565
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ellen Bentlage & Achraf Ammar & Daniella How & Mona Ahmed & Khaled Trabelsi & Hamdi Chtourou & Michael Brach, 2020. "Practical Recommendations for Maintaining Active Lifestyle during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Literature Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-22, August.
    2. Liye Zou & Albert Yeung & Xinfeng Quan & Stanley Sai-Chuen Hui & Xiaoyue Hu & Jessie S. M. Chan & Chaoyi Wang & Sean David Boyden & Li Sun & Huiru Wang, 2018. "Mindfulness-Based Baduanjin Exercise for Depression and Anxiety in People with Physical or Mental Illnesses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-17, February.
    3. Shu Zhang & Liye Zou & Li-Zhen Chen & Ying Yao & Paul D. Loprinzi & Parco M. Siu & Gao-Xia Wei, 2019. "The Effect of Tai Chi Chuan on Negative Emotions in Non-Clinical Populations: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-16, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Man Jiang & Hongli Yu & Juan He & Guoping Qian & Marcin Bialas, 2023. "Effectiveness of Cooperative Learning Instructional Models in Training In-Service Physical Education Teachers in Southwest China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-16, June.

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