Effects of qigong exercise on the physical and mental health of college students: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Physical and mental health problems are becoming more serious among college students due to lifestyle changes and increased academic stress. Qigong exercise has been regarded as a potentially effective intervention to improve the physical and mental health of college students. Methods Eleven databases were searched from their respective inception dates to April 2022. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Physical and psychological conditions, including limb muscle strength, flexibility, cardiorespiratory endurance, vital capacity, blood pressure and heart rate, as well as depression, anxiety and mood, were evaluated. The risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Results Sixteen randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. Significant improvements in cardiorespiratory endurance (MD = 3.83, 95% CI: 0.99 to 6.67, P = 0.008) and flexibility (MD = 3.01, 95% CI: 1.21 to 4.81, P = 0.001) were observed. We also observed that Qigong exercise significantly reduced depression and anxiety symptoms (SMD=-0.89, 95% CI: -1.17 to -0.61, P < 0.00001; SMD=-0.78, 95% CI: -1.31 to -0.25, P = 0.004). Nevertheless, no significant effects on muscle strength, vital capacity, blood pressure, heart rate or mood were found. Conclusion Qigong exercise was advantageous for college students in terms of improving flexibility and cardiorespiratory endurance and alleviating depression and anxiety to some extent. However, due to the limited number of eligible trials and the low methodological quality, more well-designed RCTs are needed in the future.

Effects of online mindfulness-based interventions on the mental health of university students: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…According to a broad definition, some traditional Chinese Integrative Body-Mind Training (IBMT) regimens, like Tai Chi, Baduanjin, and Qigong, were also included in the category of MBIs ( Creswell, 2017 ). Research has shown that these exercise regimens can benefit practitioners’ physical and mental health ( Zou et al, 2018 ; Li et al, 2019 ; Gong et al, 2022 ; Lin et al, 2022 ). Researchers should continue to explore what modifications are necessary for these IBMT programmes to be delivered online for university students.…”

Predicting Anxiety and Depression Among Erectile Dysfunction Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Prior research has consistently identified a significant negative association between the practice of psychological relaxation techniques, such as Qigong ( Lin et al, 2022 ), deep breathing ( Cheng et al, 2019 ), Yoga ( Jonsson et al, 2020 ), Meditation ( Saeed et al, 2019 ), and the occurrence of anxiety and depression. Our study also revealed a similar association between engaging in relaxation techniques and the rates of anxiety and depression among patients with ED.…”

Interventions for psychiatric disorders among university students: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

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