The Impact of Tai Chi Combined with Music-assisted Intervention on Depression and Anxiety Among College Students

This study investigates the effects of Tai Chi combined with Music-assisted Intervention (TCM) on reducing depression and anxiety in college students. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 180 participants randomized to three research conditions: TCM, Only Tai Chi (OT), and a control group (CG), and assessed SDS/SAS scores pre- and post 12-week intervention. TCM showed the largest reductions (Cohen's d > 0.8), followed by OT (0.3 < Cohen's d < 0.6). Kruskal-Wallis H tests indicated substantial differences between TCM/CG (Cliff’s delta: -0.93 to -1.07) and OT/CG (-0.41 to -0.48). Mixed ANOVA revealed distinct group-time interactions (Partial η²: 0.130–0.214), with TCM demonstrating greater effect magnitudes than OT. Findings highlight the potential of integrative interventions for mental health promotion.