An Experimental Study on the Improvement of Depressive Symptoms in Chinese University Students through Tai Chi Exercise

Background: In recent years, there has been a growing prevalence of depression among university students in China. As an integral component of traditional Chinese sports culture, Tai Chi holds potential value in alleviating depressive symptoms within this population. Objective: To explore the interventional effects of Tai Chi exercise on college students with depressive tendencies in a traditional Chinese medicine university. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was designed, involving 60 college students with depressive tendencies who were randomly assigned to either a Tai Chi group (n=30) or a control group (n=30). The Tai Chi group engaged in 30-minute Tai Chi sessions three times per week for 12 weeks, while the control group maintained their usual lifestyle. The Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) was used to assess depressive symptoms in both groups before and after the intervention. Results: After the 12-week intervention, the control group (without Tai Chi intervention) showed no significant difference in their self-rated depression scale (SDS) scores. In contrast, the Tai Chi intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in SDS scores compared to their baseline measurements. Conclusion: Regular engagement in Tai Chi exercise can mitigate depressive symptoms among college students to a certain extent.