NCT07044154 Effect of Sun Tai Chi on the Cardiopulmonary System and Mental Health in University Students
| NCT ID | NCT07044154 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Universidad Católica del Maule |
| Condition | Mental Health Conditions |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 56 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-07-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-07-31 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 56 participants in total. It began in 2025-07-01 with a primary completion date of 2026-07-31.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Currently, university students face physical and mental health issues, which are reflected in low levels of physical activity, a decline in healthy eating behaviors, and a high prevalence of mental health symptoms such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, it is necessary to develop safe, effective, and sustainable interventions that support comprehensive health and provide formative experiences that reinforce the importance of developing healthy lifestyle habits and self-care. In this regard, Tai Chi has been shown to offer physical and mental health benefits. Tai Chi is a low- to moderate-intensity exercise with low joint impact, which facilitates the transition from a sedentary to an active lifestyle. Considering the health problems experienced by university students, it is proposed that a Tai Chi intervention could help produce beneficial effects on both physical and mental health. In this context, the present study aims to implement Tai Chi classes with the objective of determining their effect on the cardiac autonomic system, mental health, and the perception of benefits, facilitators, and barriers among participating university students compared to a control group.
Eligibility 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).
Contact & Investigator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07044154 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 29 Years, studying Mental Health Conditions. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07044154 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07044154 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at pcampos@ucm.cl for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07044154 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Talca, Chile.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07044154 clinical trial?
NCT07044154 is sponsored by Universidad Católica del Maule. The trial plans to enroll 56 participants.