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

Kai Xu, Zetong Sun, Defeng Dong, Zhiyuan Tan, Jundi Chen, Carlo Castagna, Peter Krustrup, Jun Xu and Shuang Wei

PLOS ONE, 2026, vol. 21, issue 2, 1-17

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

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0343808

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343808

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