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  3. Martial Arts Training and Stress Reduction among Athletes in Shaanxi P…
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Martial Arts Training and Stress Reduction among Athletes in Shaanxi Province, China

Annals of Medicine and Medical SciencesVol. 9, No. 02, (2025) February 21, 2025pp. 6834-6863DOI: 10.18535/sshj.v9i02.1674
921 67
Abstract


Martial arts training has emerged as a holistic intervention for stress reduction among athletes, addressing physical, psychological, and social dimensions. Recent studies highlight its efficacy in mitigating stress through mechanisms such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, and physiological adaptations. For instance, Taekwondo practice was shown to reduce perceived stress by fostering self-awareness (Kim & Lee, 2022), while Karate training enhanced social support and reduced isolation through communal engagement (Park & Choi, 2021). Physiologically, Judo training lowered cortisol levels, linking physical exertion to stress alleviation (Liu et al., 2023). Structured routines in martial arts, such as goal setting and repetitive practice, further strengthened coping strategies and resilience (Chen & Wang, 2020). Additional benefits include improved self-esteem, as seen in Taekwondo practitioners (Huang et al., 2024), and the integration of mindfulness practices, such as Zen meditation in Karate, which promoted mental clarity (Nakamura & Sato, 2022). Beyond individual outcomes, group training enhanced team cohesion and communication (Lee & Chen, 2021), while improved sleep quality indirectly supported stress reduction (Zhang et al., 2023). Collectively, martial arts training offers a multifaceted approach to stress management, combining physical activity, psychological discipline, and social connectivity to enhance athletes’ well-being and performance.  

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**Key features**:  
1. Synthesizes findings from multiple studies (2019–2024) into a cohesive narrative.  
2. Highlights interdisciplinary mechanisms (physiological,

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