TCM Daoyin for Anxiety/Depression: Psychological Effects and Biological Mechanisms

This 12-week single-arm clinical trial investigates the effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Daoyin exercise on anxiety and depression symptoms in 20 participants, followed by a 12-week observational follow-up period. The primary outcome is the change in Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA-14) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) scores at 12 weeks. A secondary outcome will assess these scores at 24 weeks to evaluate sustained effects. Additional secondary outcomes include the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to further assess changes in mood and sleep quality at the same time points. Exploratory analyses will examine inflammatory markers, immune cell subsets, serum metabolomics, and gut microbiota at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks to identify potential biological correlates. During the follow-up period, participants will record their actual exercise engagement, allowing investigators to explore long-term associations. Findings may provide insights for future mechanistic studies on TCM's role in mental health.