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Comparison of the 24-Style Tai Chi intervention based on various promotion approaches on college students’ mental health: A randomized controlled trial

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Listed:
  • Kai Xu
  • Zetong Sun
  • Defeng Dong
  • Zhiyuan Tan
  • Jundi Chen
  • Carlo Castagna
  • Peter Krustrup
  • Jun Xu
  • Shuang Wei

Abstract

Background: The escalating pace of academic pressures and social life have intensified mental health challenges among college students, including widespread anxiety and depression. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as exercise therapy, have gained prominence, with 24-Style Tai Chi emerging as a promising mind-body exercise due to its simplicity and potential mental health benefits. However, its effectiveness across various promotion approaches in higher education settings remains underexplored. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different 24-Style Tai Chi promotion methods (on-site, online, mixed, and independent practice) on college students’ mental health, assess intervention efficacy, and identify an optimal promotion strategy. Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 250 college students from Shandong Sport University was conducted over 8 weeks. Participants were allocated to On-Site Promotion Group (Offline-PG), Online Promotion Group (Offline-PG), Mixed Promotion Group (MPG), Independent Practice Group (IPG), or Control Group (CG). Mental health was assessed using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks, and follow-up. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA (RM-ANOVA), and regression analysis to evaluate intervention effects and participation impacts. Results: Offline-PG (90% attendance) and MPG (84% attendance) showed significant reductions in anxiety (SAS: Offline-PG 34.8 ± 6.3, MPG 36.2 ± 7.0, P

Suggested Citation

  • Kai Xu & Zetong Sun & Defeng Dong & Zhiyuan Tan & Jundi Chen & Carlo Castagna & Peter Krustrup & Jun Xu & Shuang Wei, 2026. "Comparison of the 24-Style Tai Chi intervention based on various promotion approaches on college students’ mental health: A randomized controlled trial," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 21(2), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0343808
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343808
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joanne Deborah Worsley & Andy Pennington & Rhiannon Corcoran, 2022. "Supporting mental health and wellbeing of university and college students: A systematic review of review-level evidence of interventions," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(7), pages 1-20, July.
    2. Shu Zhang & Liye Zou & Li-Zhen Chen & Ying Yao & Paul D. Loprinzi & Parco M. Siu & Gao-Xia Wei, 2019. "The Effect of Tai Chi Chuan on Negative Emotions in Non-Clinical Populations: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-16, August.
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