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The effectiveness of Tai Chi Chuan exercise on improving depression, sleep quality and mental health of individuals with depression

Abstract

Background and Study Aim: Today, regular exercise is a definite approach in modern medicine and is the first step in lifestyle modification to prevent and manage mood disorders. Therefore, the aim of present study was knowledge about the effects of Tai Chi Chuan exercise on improving depression, sleep quality, and mental health.

Material and Methods: Consisting of a experimental group and an control group, the current quasi-experimental research included pre-test-and post-test assessments. The statistical population in this study included all men with depression who had contacted healthcare centres in Sardasht in 2019. Initially, 30 men with depression were selected according to the inclusion criteria using the convenience sampling method. The subjects were divided into two groups: experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The means and standard deviations of age were 27.40 ±4.20 and 30.13(4.19) years in the experimental and control groups respectively. The men in the experimental group practiced Tai Chi Chuan for 36 group sessions and the control group did not receive any intervention. The participants completed demographic data collection forms and the required questionnaires in the research stages. Univariate and multivariate analyses of covariance were used performed. Data were analysed using SPSS-26 software.

Results: Based on univariate and multivariate analyses of covariance, Tai Chi Chuan exercises result in reduced depression in addition to improved sleep quality and and mental health in the experimental group

Conclusions: Tai chi exercises can significantly affect depression, sleep quality, and the mental health of men with depression.