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Influence of the Taoist Tai Chi practice on health of seniors
ŠMEJDOVÁ, Veronika
In this thesis, titled ?The Effect of Taoist Tai Chi on the Health of Senior Citizens?, I focused on the factors influencing the physical and mental welfare of seniors who practiced Chinese health exercises - Taoist tai chi. My observations lasted seven months; they took place once a week for 45 minutes. All the clients volunteered in the exercise activities. The research group consisted of the clients of the Home for Senior Citizens and the Home with Special Regimen in Kobylisy. The theoretical part provides the explanations of old age, dementia and its manifestations, the importance of exercise for seniors, and I also introduce the Taoist Tai Chi Society. The last section is devoted to Taoist movements and their effects on the human organism. The practical part describes the individual tai chi movements, the principles of practicing Taoist tai chi and I answer research questions. The objective of the thesis was to learn whether tai chi exercise affects in some way the physical condition of the facility?s clients and whether it is beneficial for these clients. To obtain the results, I chose a qualitative research. The methods and techniques of data collection are based on participating observation, interviews and data analysis. The research group consisted of the clients of the Home for Senior Citizens and the Home with Special Regimen in Kobylisy. I focused on the ways Taoist tai chi influenced the physical and mental welfare of the clients. Semi-controlled interviews were conducted with clients without dementia. The target group consisted of six clients without dementia syndrome, and 6 seniors with the disease. The total number of 30 clients participated in the exercises. The results were processed in the form of a case study. The research shows that the seniors experienced improvements in joint and muscle mobility and the exercises usually affected their mood in a positive way. Better coordination could not be fully demonstrated for all movements. Based on the information obtained and the research results reached, the thesis will be beneficial for the Taoist Tai Chi Society and the homes for senior citizens in Kobylisy. It may also serve to organizations concerned with the use of seniors? free time, social care facilities, as well as feedback to instructors and the institutions mentioned.
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