•  
  •  
 

Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

12-1-2024

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Insufficient physical activity in college students correlates with various physical and mental health complications. Tai Chi, as a mindful-body practice, exhibits potential physiological and psychosocial advantages potentially mitigating these concerns. This systematic review intended to amalgamate existing evidence to thoroughly explore the impacts of Tai Chi and ascertain its optimal implementation parameters for enhancing the physical and psychological well-being of college students.

Method: We systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the following databases: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Wan Fang Data, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), and Chinese Biomedical Medicine Database (CBM). The search period for all databases extended from their inception to July 2022, with an additional supplementary update performed in January 2023. Two researchers independently conducted the study screening, data extraction, and appraised the risk of bias following the guidelines of Cochrane Handbook 5.2 and conducted data analysis using Review Manager 5.4 software. Optimal parameters of Tai Chi were identified by conducting subgroup analysis.

Results: We included a total of 26 trials with 1806 participants. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that Tai Chi exerted a positive influence on the physical and mental well-being of college students. Specifically, it led to an increase in mindfulness levels (SMD= 5.62; 95% CI, 3.14 to 8.09), an enhancement in vital capacity (MD=41.96; 95% CI, 31.49 to 52.44), and a reduction in anxiety (SMD= -0.22; 95% CI, -0.37 to -0.08) and depression symptoms (SMD= -0.17; 95% CI, -0.30 to -0.04). Subgroup analysis unveiled the optimal parameters for mitigating depression symptoms (training duration >150 minutes per week, each session >50 minutes, training frequency ≥4 times per week, training duration >12 weeks) and anxiety symptoms (training duration >150 minutes per week, each session 30-50 minutes, training frequency ≥4 times per week, training duration >12 weeks).

Conclusion: In summary, Tai Chi has been shown to enhance mindfulness levels and vital capacity while reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in college students. However, its influence on various other physical and physiological parameters appeared to be limited. It is important to exercise caution in recommending these findings, considering the constraints of methodology and sample size.

Download

Share

COinS