Mental Health ConditionsNCT07044154
Effect of Sun Tai Chi on the Cardiopulmonary System and Mental Health in University Students
A study testing Tai Chi (Sun Style) and Health lifestyle education in people with Mental Health Conditions and University Students, run by Universidad Católica del Maule at 1 site in Chile.
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 29 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Mental Health Conditions, University Students
- What is being tested?
- Tai Chi (Sun Style) and Health lifestyle education
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 56 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChile
- Study dates
- 1 Jul 2025to 31 Aug 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 29 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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).
Who cannot join
- 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).
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Antonio R Zamunér, PhD contact
Chile1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Universidad Católica del Maule
Talca, Maule Region, 3460000
Pamela Campos Rojas, PT, +56992117273, pcampos@ucm.cl
About this study
Official title: Effect of Sun Tai Chi on the Cardiopulmonary System and Mental Health in University Students: A Mixed Randomized Clinical Trial
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.
Read the detailed description
In Chile, there are currently over 1.2 million undergraduate university students who exhibit low levels of physical activity and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. These problems tend to worsen after the first year of higher education, along with the development of unhealthy eating habits and weight gain.
In this context, Tai Chi has shown multiple benefits for overall health. Specifically, the Sun style of Tai Chi is characterized by gentle and accessible movements, making it well-suited to the university setting, and has demonstrated positive effects on both physical and mental health.
Previous studies indicate that regular practice of Tai Chi may positively influence autonomic cardiac control, measured through heart rate variability (HRV), as well as mental health. However, the available evidence is still limited and heterogeneous.
This study aims to evaluate, in university students, the effects of a 6-week Sun Tai Chi program, with 60-minute sessions held twice per week, on the following:
- Heart Rate Variability (HRV), as a marker of cardiovascular health and stress,
- Mental health, assessed with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales - 21 Items (DASS-21 scale),
- Participants' qualitative perceptions regarding the program's benefits, barriers, and facilitators.
Given the limited research on Tai Chi in university student populations, this study seeks to contribute evidence on its potential comprehensive health benefits in this group.
- Conditions
- Mental Health Conditions, University Students
- Being tested
- Tai Chi (Sun Style), Health lifestyle education
- Keywords
- university students, Sun Tai Chi, cardiac autonomic modulation, cardiopulmonary capacity, mental health, qualitative perception
- Medical subject headings
- Psychological Well-Being
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Tai Chi (Sun Style)Other
The Sun Tai Chi intervention will be conducted by a Sun Tai Chi instructor with 7 years of teaching experience and will take place in an exercise room at the Catholic University of Maule. The intervention will last for 6 weeks, with a frequency of twice per week, and each class will last 60 minutes. Each session will begin with 10 minutes of warm-up exercises, followed by 20 minutes of basic Sun Tai Chi exercises, including lower limb movements, overall body mobility at a slow pace, precise movements of the hands and feet, and proper body alignment. This will be followed by 20 minutes of practice of the basic movement sequence of Sun Tai Chi (Taolú), and will conclude with 5 minutes of meditation and 5 minutes of relaxation exercises.
Health lifestyle educationBehavioural
The control group will receive guidance on a healthy physical and mental lifestyle.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental: Sun Tai Chi Group | Experimental | The group will participate in 60-minute Sun Tai Chi sessions, held twice per week over a 6-week period. Receives: Other: Tai Chi (Sun Style) |
| Control | Other | The group will receive informational material on healthy lifestyle topics and will not receive the Sun Tai Chi intervention. Receives: Behavioral: Health lifestyle education |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
DASS-21 stress
Stress will be measured using the stress subdomain of the DASS-21, which ranges from 0 to 21 points, with higher scores indicating higher levels of stress.
Measured: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
DASS-21 anxiety
Anxiety will be measured using the anxiety subdomain of the DASS-21, which ranges from 0 to 21 points, with higher scores indicating higher levels of anxiety.
Measured: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
DASS-21 depression
Depression will be measured using the depression subdomain of the DASS-21, which ranges from 0 to 21 points, with higher scores indicating higher levels of depression.
Measured: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
Low frequency (LF)
LF (ms2) is an index of parasympathetic and sympathetic cardiac autonomic modulation derived from the analysis of RR intervals (iRR).
Measured: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
High frequency (HF)
HF (ms2) is an index of parasympathetic cardiac autonomic modulation derived from the analysis of RR intervals (iRR).
Measured: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
Low frequency/Hight frequency ratio (LF/HF)
LF/HF is an index reflecting the balance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic cardiac autonomic modulation derived from the analysis of RR intervals (iRR).
Measured: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
Pattern with no variation (0V)
0V (%) is a pattern quantified through symbolic analyses of the RR intervals (iRR) reflecting the sympathetic cardiac modulation.
Measured: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
Pattern with two unlike variation (2ULV)
2ULV (%) is a pattern quantified through symbolic analyses of the RR intervals (iRR) reflecting the parasympathetic cardiac modulation.
Measured: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS)
Baroreflex sensitivity is an index that assesses the heart rate response to changes in blood pressure and serves as an indicator of cardiovascular health.
Measured: Time Frame: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
LFSAP
The low-frequency index of systolic arterial pressure (LFSAP) reflects the vascular sympathetic autonomic modulation.
Measured: Time Frame: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
Qualitative perception
The qualitative perception of the participants will consider the perceived benefits, barriers, and facilitators. Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups, using a qualitative approach.
Measured: It will be conducted one week after the last Tai Chi class.
Secondary outcomes (1)
VO2 Peak
Peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak mL/kg/min) measured during a symptom-limited graded cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a treadmill or cycle ergometer, representing the highest volume of oxygen consumed during the test.
Measured: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Jun 2025
- Study start1 Jul 2025
- Primary completion31 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Aug 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Mental Health ConditionsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- A randomized clinical trial will be conducted, using a mixed quantitative-qualitative phenomenological design, single-blind, prospective longitudinal, with non-probabilistic convenience sampling. First, the quantitative phase will be carried out, followed by the qualitative phase. Once the Tai Chi intervention is completed (beginning one week after the final session), the qualitative phase will begin.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Universidad Católica del Maule
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Pamela Ling Campos Rojas, Universidad Católica del Maule
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07044154
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 90/2025
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 12 Jun 2025
- Last updated
- 29 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Sun Tai Chi on the Cardiopulmonary System and Mental Health in University Students: A Mixed Randomized Clinical Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07044154
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 90/2025
- Conditions
- Mental Health Conditions, University Students
- Keywords
- university students, Sun Tai Chi, cardiac autonomic modulation, cardiopulmonary capacity, mental health, qualitative perception
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Universidad Católica del MauleUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 29 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
In Chile, there are currently over 1.2 million undergraduate university students who exhibit low levels of physical activity and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. These problems tend to worsen after the first year of higher education, along with the development of unhealthy eating habits and weight gain.
In this context, Tai Chi has shown multiple benefits for overall health. Specifically, the Sun style of Tai Chi is characterized by gentle and accessible movements, making it well-suited to the university setting, and has demonstrated positive effects on both physical and mental health.
Previous studies indicate that regular practice of Tai Chi may positively influence autonomic cardiac control, measured through heart rate variability (HRV), as well as mental health. However, the available evidence is still limited and heterogeneous.
This study aims to evaluate, in university students, the effects of a 6-week Sun Tai Chi program, with 60-minute sessions held twice per week, on the following:
- Heart Rate Variability (HRV), as a marker of cardiovascular health and stress,
- Mental health, assessed with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales - 21 Items (DASS-21 scale),
- Participants' qualitative perceptions regarding the program's benefits, barriers, and facilitators.
Given the limited research on Tai Chi in university student populations, this study seeks to contribute evidence on its potential comprehensive health benefits in this group.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- A randomized clinical trial will be conducted, using a mixed quantitative-qualitative phenomenological design, single-blind, prospective longitudinal, with non-probabilistic convenience sampling. First, the quantitative phase will be carried out, followed by the qualitative phase. Once the Tai Chi intervention is completed (beginning one week after the final session), the qualitative phase will begin.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental: Sun Tai Chi Group | Experimental | Other: Tai Chi (Sun Style)The group will participate in 60-minute Sun Tai Chi sessions, held twice per week over a 6-week period. |
| Control | Other | Behavioral: Health lifestyle educationThe group will receive informational material on healthy lifestyle topics and will not receive the Sun Tai Chi intervention. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 29 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- 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).
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- 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.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Tai Chi (Sun Style)The Sun Tai Chi intervention will be conducted by a Sun Tai Chi instructor with 7 years of teaching experience and will take place in an exercise room at the Catholic University of Maule. The intervention will last for 6 weeks, with a frequency of twice per week, and each class will last 60 minutes. Each session will begin with 10 minutes of warm-up exercises, followed by 20 minutes of basic Sun Tai Chi exercises, including lower limb movements, overall body mobility at a slow pace, precise movements of the hands and feet, and proper body alignment. This will be followed by 20 minutes of practice of the basic movement sequence of Sun Tai Chi (Taolú), and will conclude with 5 minutes of meditation and 5 minutes of relaxation exercises. | Other | Experimental: Sun Tai Chi Group |
| Health lifestyle educationThe control group will receive guidance on a healthy physical and mental lifestyle. | Behavioural | Control |
Primary outcome
DASS-21 stress
Time frame: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
Stress will be measured using the stress subdomain of the DASS-21, which ranges from 0 to 21 points, with higher scores indicating higher levels of stress.
DASS-21 anxiety
Time frame: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
Anxiety will be measured using the anxiety subdomain of the DASS-21, which ranges from 0 to 21 points, with higher scores indicating higher levels of anxiety.
DASS-21 depression
Time frame: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
Depression will be measured using the depression subdomain of the DASS-21, which ranges from 0 to 21 points, with higher scores indicating higher levels of depression.
Low frequency (LF)
Time frame: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
LF (ms2) is an index of parasympathetic and sympathetic cardiac autonomic modulation derived from the analysis of RR intervals (iRR).
High frequency (HF)
Time frame: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
HF (ms2) is an index of parasympathetic cardiac autonomic modulation derived from the analysis of RR intervals (iRR).
Low frequency/Hight frequency ratio (LF/HF)
Time frame: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
LF/HF is an index reflecting the balance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic cardiac autonomic modulation derived from the analysis of RR intervals (iRR).
Pattern with no variation (0V)
Time frame: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
0V (%) is a pattern quantified through symbolic analyses of the RR intervals (iRR) reflecting the sympathetic cardiac modulation.
Pattern with two unlike variation (2ULV)
Time frame: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
2ULV (%) is a pattern quantified through symbolic analyses of the RR intervals (iRR) reflecting the parasympathetic cardiac modulation.
Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS)
Time frame: Time Frame: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
Baroreflex sensitivity is an index that assesses the heart rate response to changes in blood pressure and serves as an indicator of cardiovascular health.
LFSAP
Time frame: Time Frame: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
The low-frequency index of systolic arterial pressure (LFSAP) reflects the vascular sympathetic autonomic modulation.
Qualitative perception
Time frame: It will be conducted one week after the last Tai Chi class.
The qualitative perception of the participants will consider the perceived benefits, barriers, and facilitators. Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups, using a qualitative approach.
1 secondary outcome
VO2 Peak
Time frame: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 29 Apr 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Antonio R Zamunér, PhD contact
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Tai Chi (Sun Style) and Health lifestyle education in people with Mental Health Conditions and University Students, run by Universidad Católica del Maule at 1 site in Chile.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Chile. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Pamela Campos Rojas, PT (+56992117273, pcampos@ucm.cl), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
DASS-21 stress (time frame: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention). The study lists 11 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 29 Apr 2026.