Actively Recruiting
Effect of Sun Tai Chi on the Cardiopulmonary System and Mental Health in University Students: A Mixed Randomized Clinical Trial
Led by Universidad Católica del Maule · Updated on 2026-04-29
56
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
University students often face challenges with their physical and mental health, including low physical activity, poor eating habits, and symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. This research aims to study the effects of a Sun style Tai Chi program on the heart's autonomic system and mental health among university students. The study is designed as a mixed randomized clinical trial to explore how Tai Chi might support healthier lifestyles and better self-care in this population. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a Tai Chi group or a control group. The Tai Chi group will attend 60-minute sessions twice a week for six weeks, practicing gentle Sun Tai Chi movements guided by an experienced instructor. The control group will receive information about healthy lifestyle habits but will not participate in Tai Chi. The study will evaluate heart rate variability and mental health using a structured questionnaire before and after the six-week period. During the study, participants will undergo initial and final assessments measuring stress, anxiety, and depression levels, as well as heart rate variability indicators linked to cardiovascular and stress health. A qualitative evaluation about perceptions of benefits and barriers will be conducted after the Tai Chi sessions end. Overall health status, physical activity levels, and mental health symptoms will be closely monitored to understand the effects of Tai Chi practice over the six weeks.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effect of Sun Tai Chi on the Cardiopulmonary System and Mental Health in University Students
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Undergraduate university students
- Aged 18 to 29 years
- Both sexes
- Have mild to severe mental health symptoms based on DASS-21 scores for stress, anxiety, or depression
- Self-report a healthy physical condition suitable for Tai Chi practice
You will not qualify if you...
- Regularly participate in moderate to high intensity physical activity
- Have chronic illnesses limiting or contraindicating Tai Chi exercises
- Have cardiovascular, pulmonary, or neurological diseases
- Have no mental health symptoms or severe impairment beyond set DASS-21 score ranges
- Have specific psychiatric diagnoses such as ADHD
- Take medications for mental health treatment
- Take medications or substances affecting cardiac autonomic modulation (e.g., beta-blockers)
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 weeks
Participants attend Sun Tai Chi sessions twice per week for 6 weeks, with each session lasting 60 minutes. The sessions include warm-up exercises, Tai Chi movements, meditation, and relaxation. Participants in the control group receive guidance on a healthy physical and mental lifestyle without Tai Chi sessions.
Twice weekly sessions for 6 weeks
Duration - 1 week
Participants complete a qualitative assessment one week after the last Tai Chi session to share their perceptions of the program's benefits, barriers, and facilitators.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Universidad Católica del Maule
Talca, Maule Region, Chile, 3460000
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
P
Pamela Campos Rojas, PT
A
Antonio R Zamunér, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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