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.
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
DASS-21 stress
Timeframe: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
DASS-21 anxiety
Timeframe: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
DASS-21 depression
Timeframe: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
Low frequency (LF)
Timeframe: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
High frequency (HF)
Timeframe: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
Low frequency/Hight frequency ratio (LF/HF)
Timeframe: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
Pattern with no variation (0V)
Timeframe: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
Pattern with two unlike variation (2ULV)
Timeframe: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS)
Timeframe: Time Frame: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
LFSAP
Timeframe: Time Frame: Initial evaluation: Prior to the intervention (week 0) Final evaluation: After 6 weeks of intervention
Qualitative perception
Timeframe: It will be conducted one week after the last Tai Chi class.