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Tai Chi, Self-Efficacy, and Physical Function in the Elderly

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Abstract

Using Tai Chi as an exercise mode, this study examined the association between self-efficacy and physical function. Ninety-four healthy, physically inactive older adults (M age = 72.8 years, SD = 5.1) were randomly assigned to either a 6-month, twice a week, Tai Chi condition or a wait-list control condition. Outcome variables included self-reports of movement efficacy and physical function assessed at baseline, middle, and termination of the study. Multisample latent curve analyses revealed a significant rate of change attributable to the Tai Chi intervention in both self-efficacy and physical function, with participants experiencing significant improvements over the course of the intervention. Analyses also showed a positive association between self-efficacy and physical function, indicating that improvements in older adults' self-efficacy of movement as a function of Tai Chi were related to increased levels of perceived physical capability. This study uncovered the need for further exploration of the relationship between exercise self-efficacy and physical function for enhancing health-related quality of life in older adults.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Oregon Research Institute, Eugene, Oregon

    Fuzhong Li, K. John Fisher, Terry E. Duncan & Susan C. Duncan

  2. Willamette University, Salem, Oregon

    Peter Harmer

  3. University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, Illinois

    Edward McAuley

Authors
  1. Fuzhong Li
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  2. Peter Harmer
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  3. Edward McAuley
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  4. K. John Fisher
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  5. Terry E. Duncan
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  6. Susan C. Duncan
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Li, F., Harmer, P., McAuley, E. et al. Tai Chi, Self-Efficacy, and Physical Function in the Elderly. Prev Sci 2, 229–239 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1013614200329

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