A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based Tai Chi Chuan for subthreshold depression adolescents
Jiayuan Zhang, Shida Qin, Yuqiu Zhou, Lina Meng, Hong Lin Su, Shan Zhao
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment September 1, 2018 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s173255 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 64 |
| Population | Chinese adolescents with subthreshold depression |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based Tai Chi Chuan (MTCC) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, 2 days per week, 90 minutes per session |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Citations | 70 |
| Key findings | An 8-week mindfulness-based Tai Chi Chuan intervention produced greater improvements than a usual physical curriculum in depression, stress, and mindfulness among adolescents with subthreshold depression. The authors present this as preliminary evidence that MTCC is effective for decreasing depression levels in this population. |
Abstract
Purpose: The incidence of subthreshold depression (StD) in adolescents is growing rapidly, which in turn is known to impair functioning and increase the risk of major depression. It is therefore important to provide effective intervention to prevent the transition from StD to major depression. As a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise, Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) may be an available selection. Researchers have shown the effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapy on depression; however, for the StD youth, there have been no studies to investigate whether mindfulness-based Tai Chi Chuan (MTCC) can be recommended as an effective exercise for improving their psychological state. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of MTCC on psychological outcomes of StD adolescents including the depression levels and mindfulness state in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Patients and
Methods: An RCT was carried out. A sample of 64 participants who meet the inclusion criteria agreed to be arranged randomly to either the MTCC group (n=32) or the control group (n=32). Participants of the MTCC group received an 8-week, 2 days per week, 90-minute MTCC intervention for each session. Usual physical curriculum was administered to the participants in the control group. The effectiveness of MTCC training was measured by blinded evaluators through validated scales, which included depressive symptoms, stress, and mindfulness level before and after the intervention.
Results: Significant improvements in psychological health were observed from MTCC groups. After 8-week intervention, superior outcomes were also observed for MTCC when compared with control group for decrease in depression ( F =59.482, P <0.001) and stress level ( F =59.482, P <0.001) and increase in mindfulness ( F =59.482, P <0.001).
Conclusion: The findings of this preliminary study indicated the effects of the MTCC intervention on depression level among StD youngsters. This study provides preliminary evidence that MTCC is suitable for Chinese adolescents and is effective in decreasing depression level. Keywords: Tai Chi, mindfulness, college students, subthreshold depression
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on depression, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 10
- The effects of mindfulness enhanced Tai Chi Chuan training on mental and physical health among beginners: a randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychology 2024
- An RCT-reticulated meta-analysis of six MBE therapies affecting college students' negative psychology. iScience July 21, 2023
- Effectiveness of physical activity, mindfulness and mind-body therapies in improving mental health of university students: a systematic review of RCTS. Journal of American College Health April 22, 2025
- Improving exercise motivation and physical fitness in college students through a long-term mindfulness-enhanced Tai Chi Chuan program: a randomized controlled trial PeerJ January 9, 2026
- The Combined Effect of Mindfulness and Physical Activity on Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Behavioral Sciences September 11, 2026
and 5 more in the library
Cites 4
- Perils and promise in defining and measuring mindfulness: Observations from experience. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- School-Based Mindfulness Instruction: An RCT Pediatrics December 19, 2015
- Perils and Promise in Defining and Measuring Mindfulness: Observations From Experience Clinical Psychology Science and Practice July 1, 2004
- Tai Chi and mindfulness-based stress reduction in a Boston Public Middle School. Journal of pediatric health care : official publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners 2005