Sun Tai Chi for heart, lung, and mental well-being in university students
Effect of Sun Tai Chi on the Cardiopulmonary System and Mental Health in University Students: A Mixed Randomized Clinical Trial
We will try a 6-week Sun Tai Chi program (60 minutes, twice weekly) to see if it improves heart-rate variability and reduces stress, anxiety, or depression in university students with mild-to-moderate symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 56 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 29 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universidad Católica del Maule Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Talca, Maule Region) |
| Trial ID | NCT07044154 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional program enrolls undergraduate students aged 18–29 with mild-to-moderate symptoms on the DASS-21 and medically cleared to perform low-to-moderate exercise. Participants will attend 60-minute Sun Tai Chi classes twice weekly for six weeks alongside health lifestyle education. Primary outcomes include changes in heart rate variability (HRV) as a marker of autonomic cardiac function and changes in DASS-21 scores for mental health, plus qualitative feedback on perceived benefits and barriers. The protocol excludes highly active students and those with chronic cardiovascular, pulmonary, or neurological conditions that contraindicate exercise.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Undergraduate students aged 18–29 who report mild-to-moderate symptoms on the DASS-21 and are physically able to participate in low-to-moderate intensity exercise, and who are not already highly physically active, are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Students with no mental health symptoms, those scoring in the severe range on DASS-21, people with contraindicating chronic illnesses, or those already engaging in high levels of physical activity are unlikely to benefit from this specific program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve autonomic cardiac regulation and reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression while offering a low-impact, accessible way for students to boost overall well-being.
How similar studies have performed: Prior Tai Chi studies, including some using Sun style, have reported improvements in HRV and mental health measures, but evidence is limited and heterogeneous, especially in university populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Undergraduate university students * Aged 18 to 29 years * Both sexes * Present mental health symptoms assessed by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales - 21 Items (DASS-21) questionnaire, according to cutoff points established by Lovibond et al., ranging from mild to severe in any of the subscales of stress (score 15 to 33), anxiety (score 8 to 19), or depression (score 10 to 27). * Report a healthy physical condition suitable for Tai Chi practice (self-reported). Exclusion Criteria: * Engage in a high level of physical activity according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) or have regularly practiced moderate to high intensity physical activity in the last 3 months. * Report chronic illnesses that limit or contraindicate the practice of exercises required in Tai Chi. * Present cardiovascular, pulmonary, or neurological diseases. * Exhibit either no mental health impairment or severe impairment according to cutoff scores established by Lovibond et al. in the DASS-21 questionnaire (stress subscale score lower than 15 or greater than 33, anxiety subscale score lower than 8 or greater than 19, depression subscale score lower than 10 or greater than 27). * Present specific psychiatric diagnoses, such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), self-reported. * Consume medications for mental health treatment. * Consume medications or substances that influence cardiac autonomic modulation (e.g., beta-blockers).
Where this trial is running
Talca, Maule Region
- Universidad Católica del Maule — Talca, Maule Region, Chile (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Pamela Campos Rojas, PT
- Email: pcampos@ucm.cl
- Phone: +56992117273
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.