Psychological and Physiological Effects of 24-Style Taijiquan

This study was conducted to determine whether 24-style Taijiquan (24TJQ) exhibits measurable psychological and physiologicaleffects. Twenty-two middle-aged female subjects performed 24TJQ and cycle ergometry exercises at the same intensity determined by the same heart rate during 2 exercises. Electroencephalography and Profile of Mood State (POMS) were monitored before and after 2 exercises. The responses to 24TJQ exercise were different from those to cycle ergometry exercise when the heart rate returned to the resting level: (1) α increased and Θ decreased significantly in the frontal region, while Θ decreased significantly in the central and occipital regions; (2) in the POMS test, an improved positive mood was found following 2 exercises, while negative mood was suppressed following 24TJQ exercise; (3) significant correlations were found between the increased α in the frontal region, the decreased Θ in the central or occipital region and the vigor of the POMS test. These results suggest that 24TJQ exercise induced a resting awakening state and exhibited a relaxing effect on both mind and body.