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Behavioral Intervention

Daoist Zhanzhuang for Stress and Mental Health (Z-Flo Trial)

N/A

Recruiting

Research Sponsored by University of North Carolina, Charlotte

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Young adults aged between 18 and 25 years old when they enroll

Be between 18 and 65 years old

Must not have

Physical impairment that does not allow them to stand for 30 mins

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up baseline t1 (before the intervention), the end of three-week intensive practice (t2), the end of the 3-month intervention (t3), the 6-month follow-up (t4), and the 12-month follow-up (t5).

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is looking at how a form of Daoist meditation called Zhanzhuang can improve human well-being. The study will involve 120 participants who will be randomly assigned to either practice Z

Who is the study for?

This trial is for individuals interested in exploring the effects of Daoist Zhanzhuang, a form of standing meditation, on well-being. Participants should be willing to commit to a three-week intensive practice followed by nine weeks of self-guided exercises and follow-ups over a year.

What is being tested?

The study compares two groups: one practicing Daoist Zhanzhuang and another doing sham wall squats as an active control. It measures heart rate variability, inflammation markers, psychological well-being, mystical experiences, and daily flourishing through various stages over twelve months.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this trial involves meditative practices rather than medical interventions, side effects are not typical but may include muscle fatigue or discomfort from prolonged standing during the meditation sessions.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I am between 18 and 25 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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I cannot stand for 30 minutes due to a physical condition.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ baseline t1 (before the intervention), the end of three-week intensive practice (t2), the end of the 3-month intervention (t3), the 6-month follow-up (t4), and the 12-month follow-up (t5).

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~baseline t1 (before the intervention), the end of three-week intensive practice (t2), the end of the 3-month intervention (t3), the 6-month follow-up (t4), and the 12-month follow-up (t5).

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline t1 (before the intervention), the end of three-week intensive practice (t2), the end of the 3-month intervention (t3), the 6-month follow-up (t4), and the 12-month follow-up (t5). for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Decreased fatigue

Decreased inflammatory biomarker CRP

Decreased perceived stress

+5 more

Secondary study objectives

Decreased inflammatory biomarker cytokine IL-1ß

Decreased inflammatory biomarker cytokine IL-6

Decreased inflammatory biomarker cytokine TNF-a

+3 more

Other study objectives

Psychological Insight

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Daoist ZhanzhuangExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Individuals in this condition will learn and maintain the Zhanzhuang posture, endorsed by this study's religious practitioner and validated by two independent Daoist experts. The core posture involves: a) Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and toes pointed forward; b) Opening the hips slightly to the side as if holding a ball between the legs; c) Sitting slightly back and tucking in the abdomen and tailbone; d) Keeping the back straight while holding in the chest; e) Raising the arms to a height over the chest but under the shoulders as if embracing a tree trunk; f) Facing palms toward the body with fingers apart as if holding a ball; g) Relaxing the shoulders and lowering the elbows in a stationary stance; h) Pointing the head upward as if balancing an object on top of the head; i) Tucking in the chin; j) Breathing naturally, with a focus on the lower abdominal area.

Group II: Sham Wall SquatActive Control1 Intervention

Individuals in this condition will be directed to perform a sham wall squat, essentially a prescribed way to stand straight leaning against the wall. Key instructions include: a) Standing tall with the head and back resting against the wall; b) Positioning feet shoulder-width apart and a foot away from the wall; c) Slightly bending and engaging leg muscles; d) Relaxing hands on the side of the body; e) Concentrating on the balance of weight.

0 / 2Eligibility criteria met