Cessation on Internet Addiction in College Students

Effect of Tai Chi Exercise and Its Cessation on Internet Addiction in College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to explore the intervention effect of Tai Chi exercise on internet addiction in college students and its maintenance effect after cessation, providing a scientific basis for the application of Tai Chi in internet addiction intervention among college students. Fifty-one non-sports-major college students with mild or moderate internet addiction were randomly divided into a Tai Chi group (n = 23) and a control group (n = 24). The Tai Chi group underwent 12 weeks of Tai Chi exercise, while the control group maintained their regular study schedule without additional physical exercise. The Chinese Internet Addiction Scale and serum dopamine and β-Endorphin levels were assessed at baseline, week 12, and week 16.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants aged 18-25;
• CIAS scores of 26-53 (low internet dependence), 54-80 (moderate dependence), or 81-104 (high dependence). Only mild and moderate cases were included;
• non-sports majors; the study followed the Declaration of Helsinki, and all participants understood the purpose and signed consent forms.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe IAD (CIAS score >80);
• Tai Chi practice within 6 months;
• regular exercise habits;
• history of depression/anxiety or undergoing psychological treatment;
• use of medications affecting mental state or neurotransmitter levels.