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A comparative study between mindfulness‐enhanced exercise training with tai chi and resistance training for college students' mental health: Efficacy, trajectories, and mechanisms

Ping Qu, Honghao Deng, Qian Cao, Yang Liu, Ting Zhu, Zhenguo Fan, Yuyin Wang

Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being December 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.70102 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Randomized controlled trial Longitudinal Peer reviewed
Sample size 149
Population Undergraduate students
Duration 26 weekly sessions, 4-month follow-up
Measures Mindfulness, Anxiety, Well-being
Topics Anxiety Meditation
Keywords Multilevel model Repeated measures design Psychological intervention Mental health Analysis of variance Resistance training Clinical psychology Physical therapy Intervention counseling Resistance ecology
Citations 1
Key findings Both mindfulness-enhanced tai chi and mindfulness-enhanced resistance training improved mindfulness and well-being and reduced anxiety, with benefits sustained at follow-up. MTC led to faster initial mindfulness gains, while MR produced stronger later well-being gains. A bidirectional relationship existed between mindfulness and mental health outcomes.

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated that mindfulness-enhanced exercise training (MEET) exerts positive effects on mental health of college students. This research aims to compare the similarities and differences in efficacy, trajectories of effects, and the underly mechanism between two distinct types of MEET, which integrates mindfulness practices with tai chi (MTC) or resistance training (MR). A total of 149 undergraduate students were randomly assigned to either the MTC or MR group. Participants attended 26 weekly sessions. Mindfulness, anxiety, and well-being were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 4-month follow-up, with 25 weekly measurements tracking temporal changes. Mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate intervention effects, while Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) and Dynamic Structural Equation Modeling (DSEM) were used to analyze longitudinal trajectories and dynamic relationships. Mixed ANOVAs revealed that both interventions improved mindfulness and well-being and reduced anxiety, with benefits sustained at follow-up. HLM indicated linear improvement trajectories, reflecting cumulative gains. Interaction analyses revealed that MTC produced faster initial mindfulness improvements, whereas MR yielded stronger well-being gains in later phases. DSEM identified a bidirectional relationship: mindfulness reduced anxiety and enhanced well-being, while these changes reinforced mindfulness. These findings suggest that MEET enhances mental health in students regardless of exercise modality, supporting mindfulness as a flexible component of wellness programs.

Comparable studies

Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment 2003 Randomized controlled trial n = 41
Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients 2000 Randomized controlled trial n = 145
Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults 2008 Randomized controlled trial n = 139
Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students 2007 Randomized controlled trial n = 40
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients 2004 Randomized controlled trial n = 73

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