Using a randomized controlled trial, this study examined whether a 6-month Tai Chi exercise program enhanced elderly individuals' multidimensional, hierarchical physical self-esteem. Participants either continued their daily routine activities or participated in a Tai Chi exercise class performing slow rhythmic movements. Both global and domain-specific physical esteem measures were assessed at baseline, at 3 months, and at the 6-month termination of the intervention. Growth curve models were used to analyze the repeated-measures data. Results indicated that individuals who participated in the 6-month Tai Chi exercise program showed increased levels of global self-esteem, domain-specific physical self-worth, and subdomain-specific esteem of attractive body, physical strength, and physical condition. Thus, Tai Chi, a simple, low-cost form of physical activity, has the potential to alter favorably specific facets of physical self-worth/ esteem in older adults, which may in turn enhance important aspects of their quality of life.
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