title: Effect of Qigong on quality of life: a cross-sectional population-based comparison study in Taiwan.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Qigong, similar to Tai Chi Chuan, is beneficial to health. In Taiwan, Waitankung, a type of Qigong, is as popular as Tai Chi Chuan. This population-based comparison study compares the health-related quality of life between people practicing Waitankung and their comparable community residents.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 165 individuals practicing Waitankung were matched by age and sex with 660 general individuals for comparison. Information about health-related quality of life, measured by the SF-36, and other basic and health conditions was obtained from the questionnaires. This study used the linear mixed-effect regression model to examine the association between health-related quality of life and the practice of Waitankung.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with either sedentary individuals or individuals practicing other types of exercise, the Waitankung group scored higher for eight and five out of ten SF-36 components, respectively. The Waitankung group scored better in general health, vitality, and physical component summary compared to individuals participating in other types of exercise, even when considering the energy expended by exercise.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that Waitankung exercising is significantly associated with health-related quality of life. Waitankung may serve as an exercise choice for middle-aged and older people to improve overall quality of life.
authors: School of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. tylan@nhri.org.tw
authors: Tsung-Jung
authors: TJ
authors: Ho
authors: David C
authors: DC
authors: Christiani
authors: Tso-Chiang
authors: TC
authors: Ma
authors: Tsong-Rong
authors: TR
authors: Jang
authors: Chih-Hui
authors: CH
authors: Lieng
authors: Yi-Chun
authors: YC
authors: Yeh
authors: Shinn-Zong
authors: SZ
authors: Lin
authors: Jaung-Geng
authors: JG
authors: Lin
authors: Jim-Shoung
authors: JS
authors: Lai
authors: Tzuo-Yun
authors: TY
authors: Lan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001945:Breathing Exercises; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013624:Taiwan