Mind-Body exercises are also known as mind-body interventions. Research shows a correlation that these interventions are beneficial to health, self-efficacy, and quality of life. People that have chronic heart failure had positive results from these types of exercises.
A study conducted by Gloria Y. Yen, et al., suggests that mind-body intervention is beneficial for people with chronic heart failure. The results were evaluated with a self-efficacy measurement device. Self-efficacy is improved with Tai-chi exercise. Tai-chi is suitable for people who are fragile, deconditioned, or may not want to perform other exercises. Yen and her team found four important facilitators for self-efficacy, these include:
1. Experience/enactive attainment
With Tai Chi success, people’s self confidence is boosted.
2. Modeling
Watching others succeed will contribute to self-efficacy.
3. Social Persuasion
The effects of the social group and their support can be a positive impact.
4. Physiological signals
There are physiological cues that can have a positive feedback on self-efficacy.
Tai Chi and other mind-body interventions teach
Mindfulness
Body/self-awareness
Acceptance
These factors will mitigate the negative feedback of physiological signals. Tai Chi is also shown to decrease fears of falling. Therefore, it increased self-efficacy and overall control of self composure (Yen, et al., 2016).
A systematic review supports the notion that mind-body interventions demonstrate small-to-moderate positive effects on heart failure patients. With Tai Chi, yoga, relaxation training, meditation, and Pilates; the quality of life improved. Stress management had significant improvements in perceived stress and depression in heart failure patients (Metin, et al., 2018).
Although the research demonstrated focuses on heart failure patients, it is not exclusive to them. When performing mind-body interventions, it is beneficial to everyone and are strongly recommended!