Work

Effect of soft Chinese martial arts on depressive symptoms among college students: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Year: 2026

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: Objectives Mental health problems are a growing concern among college students worldwide. While exercise is a proven mental health intervention, a quantitative synthesis on the effects of soft Chinese martial arts, as a unique mind-body practice, on depression in this specific population is lacking. This study aimed to fill this gap by systematically evaluating the effectiveness of soft Chinese martial arts interventions in alleviating depressive symptoms among college students. Methods Literature with publication dates up to July 31, 2025 was searched in seven databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and CNKI. Studies were systematically screened according to the PRISMA guidelines, and the quality of the included literature was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The size of the effect was expressed by means of SMD and 95% confidence interval, and subgroup analyses were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. Results A total of 11 RCTs (11 independent datasets) involving 750 participants were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis revealed a significant overall effect of soft Chinese martial arts on reducing depressive symptoms in college students (SMD = –0.71, 95% CI: –1.23 to –0.18, p = 0.008). Subgroup analyses suggested potential moderating effects of intervention duration, frequency, and session length. For example, the effect size for the 9-14 week subgroup was SMD = –1.35 (95% CI: –2.10 to –0.60) and for the 20-60 minute single session duration subgroup was SMD = –0.69 (95% CI: –1.36 to –0.03). Heterogeneity was high ( I2 = 82.6%, p < 0.001). Egger’s test was not statistically significant ( p = 0.397), but publication bias cannot be ruled out due to the small number of studies. Conclusion Soft Chinese martial arts, particularly Tai Chi and Baduanjin, may be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing depressive symptoms in college students, providing preliminary evidence for mental health programs. However, results should be interpreted with caution because of high heterogeneity, risk of bias, and possible publication bias. The certainty of evidence is very low according to the GRADE framework. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=1129413 , identifier CRD420251129413.

Source: Frontiers in Psychiatry

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1850402

Authors: Longlong Shi, Qianjing Wang, Wenyi Li, Wei Xie

Institutions: Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, North Minzu University, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Guangdong University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Martial Arts: Techniques, Psychology, and Education

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801