OBJECTIVETo observe the physiological and psychological effects of Chinese traditional healthcare exercises (CTHE) on the adolescents.

METHODSA total of 136 healthy students of junior school were recruited and randomly divided into the test group (68 cases) and the control group (68 cases). The subjects in the test group practiced CTHE, while those in the control group did "the 8th radio calisthenics", an official recommended calisthenics for promoting healthcare in China, 3 times a week, and 7 weeks practicing overall. The general body function examination and the meridian energy detection system were used to determine the effects of the two groups.

RESULTS(1) After exercise, the chest circumference and heart rate were increased significantly (P<0.01), and both the systolic pressure (SP) and diastolic pressure (DP) were decreased significantly (P<0.01), while the weight had no significant change (P>0.05) in the test group. In the control group, the chest circumference, the SP and DP had no significant improvement (P>0.05), while the heart rate was significantly increased and the weight was significantly decreased (P<0.01). (2) The test group achieved significant positive changes in the performance status, state of mind and fatigue index (P<0.01 or P<0.05), while the control group only achieved a significant positive change in performance status (P<0.01), and a negative significant decrease in the autonomic nerve function (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONJunior school students would get physiological and psychological benefit from practicing CTHE, and which is suitable for them to practice.