Author: Min Wang1,2, Shuxun Chi1, Xingze Wang1, Tongling Wang1
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Institute of Physical Education, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China.
<sup>2</sup> Postgraduate Program in Exercise and Sport Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Conference/Journal: PLoS One
Date published: 2024 Nov 1
Other:
Volume ID: 19 , Issue ID: 11 , Pages: e0312804 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312804. , Word Count: 238
Background:
College students, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, face substantial psychological stress. This study investigates the impact of Tai Chi (TC) practice on anxiety levels and theta oscillatory power activation characteristics among college students, aiming to provide empirical evidence for their psychological well-being.
Methods:
In this randomized controlled trial with 45 healthy college students, brainwave activity and changes in anxiety levels were measured. A 2 (TC group vs control group)×2 (pre-test vs post-test) factorial design was analyzed to explore TC's regulatory effects on brainwave activity and anxiety.
Results:
Following 12 weeks of TC practice, the TC group exhibited a significant decrease in state-trait anxiety differences (-6.14±14.33), state anxiety differences (-3.45±7.57), and trait anxiety differences (-2.68±7.43), contrasting with an increase in the control group. Moreover, contrasting with a decrease in the control group, TC group demonstrated significance increased theta oscillatory power in C3, C4, F4, P3, T7, and T8, and a significant negative correlations were observed between state anxiety and F4-θ (r = -0.31, p = 0.04), T7-θ (r = -0.43, p = 0.01), and T8-θ (r = -0.30, p = 0.05).
Conclusion:
The positive influence of TC on college students' psychological well-being and brain function is evident, leading to reduced anxiety levels and increased theta oscillatory activity. While encouraging further research to delve into the mechanisms of TC on anxiety and theta brainwave characteristics, the study recommends actively promoting TC practice among college students to enhance mental health and address post-pandemic psychological challenges.
PMID: 39485780 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312804