Daoist Zhanzhuang for Stress and Mental Health
(Z-Flo Trial)
Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Age: 18 - 65
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Charlotte
Must not be taking: Steroids, Benzodiazepines, Beta blockers, others
Disqualifiers: Qigong experience, Illicit drug use, others
No Placebo Group
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
This project investigates the impact of Daoist Zhanzhuang (sometimes spelled as Chan Chuang) on human flourishing, and explores the physiological, psychological, and spiritual mechanisms. This study will be a two-arm randomized controlled trial, with mixed-methods and repeated-measures assessment of outcome variables. The two arms will include an active control condition (i.e., sham wall squat) and the Daoist Zhanzhuang condition. Outcome variables will include physiological measures of heart rate variability and inflammatory biomarkers, psychological scales of human flourishing variables, phenomenological interviews of mystical experiences, and daily ecological momentary assessment of human flourishing and mysticism. Randomly assigned into two conditions, 120 participants will complete a three-week intensive practice phase with 9 in-person sessions, followed by a nine-week self-guided practice phase with 4 in-person check-in sessions, and 3 follow-up practice and assessment sessions. Complete assessment (physiological measures, psychological scales, and phenomenological interviews) will be administered at five time points: T1 at about two weeks before the intervention, T2 at the end of the three-week intensive practice, T3 at the end of the 3-month intervention, T4 at the 6-month follow-up, and T5 at the 12-month follow-up. In addition, daily ecological momentary assessment of flourishing variables and practice-induced experiences will be administered daily after the practice for the entire 3-month intervention period.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
If you are taking medications that affect the immune system, sedate the nervous system, or alter heart rate, you may not be eligible to participate in this trial.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Daoist Zhanzhuang for stress and mental health?
Research on mind-body therapies like Qigong, which is similar to Daoist Zhanzhuang, shows positive effects on mental health, stress reduction, and overall well-being. These therapies combine physical poses with relaxation and breathing techniques, and have been found to improve mood and reduce stress-related symptoms.12345
Is Daoist Zhanzhuang generally safe for humans?
How does Daoist Zhanzhuang treatment differ from other treatments for stress and mental health?
Daoist Zhanzhuang, a form of Qigong, is unique because it combines physical postures with conscious breathing and relaxation techniques to improve mental health. Unlike many conventional treatments, it is a self-directed, self-healing practice that aims to harmonize the body, breath, and mind, potentially reducing stress and enhancing psychological well-being without medication.19101112
Eligibility Criteria
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.Inclusion Criteria
I am between 18 and 25 years old.
I can commit to a 12-month study, stand for 30 minutes, have moderate stress, and understand English.
Exclusion Criteria
Experience of qigong-related practice in the past 5 years
I take medication that affects my immune system, nervous system, or heart rate.
Self-reported illicit drug use in the past 3 months or substance dependence over the past month
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Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
2 weeks
Intensive Practice
Participants engage in a three-week intensive practice phase with Daoist Zhanzhuang or sham wall squat, including 9 in-person sessions.
3 weeks
9 visits (in-person)
Self-guided Practice
Participants continue with a nine-week self-guided practice phase with 4 in-person check-in sessions.
9 weeks
4 visits (in-person)
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention, with assessments at 6-month and 12-month follow-ups.
12 months
3 visits (in-person)
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Daoist Zhanzhuang (Behavioral Intervention)
- Sham Wall Squat (Behavioral Intervention)
Trial OverviewThe 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.
Participant Groups
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.
Find a Clinic Near You
Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte, NC
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of North Carolina, CharlotteLead Sponsor
References
Mind-Body Therapies From Traditional Chinese Medicine: Evidence Map. [2022]Background: The mind-body therapies of traditional Chinese medicine include several intervention types and combine physical poses with conscious relaxation and breathing techniques. The purpose of this Evidence Map is to describe these different interventions and report related health outcomes. Methods: This evidence map is based on the 3iE Evidence Gap Map methodology. We searched seven electronic databases (BVS, PUBMED, EMBASE, PEDro, ScienceDirect, Web of Sciences, and PschyInfo) from inception to November 2019 and included systematic reviews only. Systematic reviews were analyzed based on AMSTAR 2. We used Tableau to graphically display quality assessment, the number of reviews, outcomes, and effects. Results: The map is based on 116 systematic reviews and 44 meta-analyses. Most of the reviews were published in the last 5 years. The most researched interventions were Tai Chi and Qi Gong. The reviews presented the following quality assessment: 80 high, 43 moderate, 23 low, and 14 critically low. Every 680 distinct outcome effect was classified: 421 as potential positive; 237 as positive; 21 as inconclusive/mixed; one potential negative and none no effect. Positive effects were related to chronic diseases; mental indicators and disorders; vitality, well-being, and quality of life. Potential positive effects were related to balance, mobility, Parkinson's disease, hypertension, joint pain, cognitive performance, and sleep quality. Inconclusive/mixed-effects justify further research, especially in the following areas: Acupressure as Shiatsu and Tuiná for nausea and vomiting; Tai Chi and Qi Gong for acute diseases, prevention of stroke, stroke risk factors, and schizophrenia. Conclusions: The mind-body therapies from traditional Chinese medicine have been applied in different areas and this Evidence Map provides a visualization of valuable information for patients, professionals, and policymakers, to promote evidence-based complementary therapies.
Qigong as a Traditional Vegetative Biofeedback Therapy: Long-Term Conditioning of Physiological Mind-Body Effects. [2022]A contemporary understanding of Chinese Medicine (CM) regards CM diagnosis as a functional vegetative state that may be treated by vegetative reflex therapies such as acupuncture. Within this context, traditional mind-body exercises such as Qigong can be understood as an attempt to enhance physiological proprioception, by combining a special state of "awareness" with posture, movement, and breath control. We have formerly trained young auditing flutists in "White Ball" Qigong to minimize anxiety-induced cold hands and lower anxiety-induced heart rate. Functional changes occurred 2-5 min after training and were observed over the whole training program, allowing the children to control their symptoms. In our current work, we report that warm fingers and calm hearts could be induced by the children even without Qigong exercises. Thus, these positive changes once induced and "conditioned" vegetatively were stable after weeks of training. This may show the mechanism by which Qigong acts as a therapeutic measure in disease: positive vegetative pathways may be activated instead of dysfunctional functional patterns. The positive vegetative patterns then may be available in critical stressful situations. Qigong exercise programs may therefore be understood as an ancient vegetative biofeedback exercise inducing positive vegetative functions which are added to the individual reactive repertoire.
Qigong in Injured Military Service Members. [2017]Wounded, ill, and injured (WII) Military Service members experience significant stress and are at risk for developing chronic conditions including posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. Qigong, a meditative movement practice, may positively affect their ability to engage in successful rehabilitation.
Efficacy of Tai Chi, brisk walking, meditation, and reading in reducing mental and emotional stress. [2019]Tai Chi, a moving meditation, is examined for its efficacy in post-stressor recovery. Forty-eight male and 48 female Tai Chi practitioners were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: Tai Chi, brisk walking, mediation and neutral reading. Mental arithmetic and other difficult tests were chosen as mental challenges, and a stressful film was used to produce emotional disturbance. Tai Chi and the other treatments were applied after these stressors. After all treatments, the salivary cortisol level dropped significantly, and the mood states were also improved. In general the stress-reduction effect of Tai Chi characterized moderate physical exercise. Heart rate, blood pressure, and urinary catecholamine changes for Tai Chi were found to be similar to those for walking at a speed of 6 km/hr. Although Tai Chi appeared to be superior to neutral reading in the reduction of state anxiety and the enhancement of vigour, this effect could be partially accounted for by the subjects' high expectations about gains from Tai Chi. Approaches controlling for expectancy level are recommended for further assessment.
Empirical study of the influence of a Laughing Qigong Program on long-term care residents. [2015]To determine the psychological and physiological effects of a Laughing Qigong Program on an elderly population in an institutionalized setting.
Effect of Qigong on self-rating depression and anxiety scale scores of COPD patients: A meta-analysis. [2022]To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of Qigong in reducing the self-rating depression scale (SDS) and self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) scores of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Medical Qigong for Mobility and Balance Self-Confidence in Older Adults. [2020]Background/Objectives: Physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, and impaired neuromuscular function increases fall risk and fractures in our aging population. Mind-body modalities, improve strength, balance and coordination, mitigating these risks. This study examined whether a manualized Medical Qigong protocol measurably improves balance, gait, and health self-confidence among older adults. Design: Randomized prospective cohort pre-post study with wait time control. Setting: Two martial arts centers in Massachusetts and Arizona. Participants: Ninety-five adults age ≥ 50 (mean age 68.6 y.o., range 51-96) were randomly assigned to an immediate start group (N = 53) or 4-week delayed start group (N = 43). Intervention: A 10 form qigong protocol taught over 12 weekly classes. Measurments: Primary outcome measures were the Community Balance and Mobility Scale (CBMS) and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. Data was collected at baseline, 1-month and 4-months. Results: Both groups at both sites demonstrated improved balance and gait (CBMS + 11.9 points, p < 0.001). This effect was strongest in patients in their 60 s (CBMS +12.9 p < 0.01) and 70 s (CBMS + 14.3, p < 0.001), was equal across genders and socioeconomic status. Balance self-confidence did not significantly change (ABC + 0.9, p = 0.48), though several elements within ABC trended toward improvement [e.g., walk up/down ramp (p = 0.07), bend over/pick up (p = 0.09)]. Falls in the past year was inversely correlated with balance self-confidence (p = 0.01). Conclusion: A 12-week manualized Medical Qigong protocol significantly improved balance and gait and modestly improved balance self-confidence among older adults. Medical Qigong may be a useful clinical intervention for older adults at heightened risk for falls and related injuries. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04430751.
Managing stress and anxiety through qigong exercise in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. [2022]An increasing number of studies have documented the effectiveness of qigong exercise in helping people reduce psychological stress and anxiety, but there is a scarcity of systematic reviews evaluating evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted among healthy subjects.
Effects of Baduanjin on mental health: a comprehensive review. [2022]Mental disorders affect not only individual well-being but also community health, which pushes mental care professionals to investigate various solutions to accommodate different needs. The exercise of Baduanjin, a form of Qigong, facilitates improvements in psychological health, potentially serving as an alternative choice for interventions. This comprehensive review analyses 28 publications, among which three are in English and 25 in Chinese, these indicating enhancement in quality of life and mental health for a variety of participants, including college students, middle-aged individuals, the elderly, and patients who suffer from different mental problems or chronic physical illnesses. The outcomes suggest that this cost-effective, learner-friendly and self-pacing exercise should be promoted in individual and group settings for both curative and preventive measures, and for which further investigations are also recommended.
The effect of Three-Circle Post Standing (Zhanzhuang) Qigong on the physical and psychological well-being of college students: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. [2022]The physical and mental health of college students tends to continuously decline around the world due to lifestyle or behavior habits changes, and pervasive presence of the Internet. Thus it is urgent to improve their health in college life. As a traditional Qigong form is practiced mainly in a standing posture. Three-Circle Post Standing Qigong (TCPSQ) is suitable for regular practicing and has beneficial effects on improving the physiological function and psychological emotion by adjusting body, breathing, and mind. The aim of the 3 adjustments is to achieve a state of harmonious unity-integrating these adjustments into "one." In this study protocol article, we will systematically explore the effectiveness and safety, feasibility of TCPSQ on physical and psychological outcomes of the college students and deeply understand the state of harmonious unity-integrating adjustments of body, breath, and mind into "one."
Assessment of hormonal parameters and psychological well-being in healthy subjects after a Taoist qigong program: An exploratory study. [2019]Qigong is an ancient form of health maintenance, which is part of Traditional China Medicine. Numerous beneficial mental and physical effects have been classically ascribed to this traditional psychosomatic method. The purpose of this work has been to assess the effects of Taoist qigong practice on several hormonal parameters of the Hipotalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis and specific measures of psychological well-being in healthy subjects. Forty-three healthy volunteers participated in the study, of whom 22 were randomly allocated to the experimental group, and 21 were assigned to the control group. Experimental participants underwent a qigong training program for one month. Blood samples for the quantification of hormonal parameters, and several instruments to assess anxiety and depression symptoms as well as subjective sleep quality, were obtained before and after the program. Statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and control groups, with the experimental group showing lower blood levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This study shows that Taoist qigong is a psychosomatic method able to exert a modulatory action on ACTH levels in healthy subjects. We consider the need to continue exploring the psychobiological modulation of this qigong method and its possible repercussion for human health care.
The effect of Imaginary Working Qigong on the psychological well-being of college students: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. [2022]College students are special populations that are particularly prone to have significantly high level of psychological distress than their community peers. Apparently, the best way to manage stress and mental state is through self-care. The characteristic of Qigong is self-directed and self-healing, which is a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise, which has the potential as a stress management intervention. Imaginary Working Qigong, as a kind of static Qigong, is more perception-oriented and can bring about benign sensations of mind and body so as to eliminate stress completely and induce physiological and mental relaxation. In this study protocol, we will systematically examine the feasibility and acceptability of Imaginary Working Qigong on psychological outcomes of the college students and deeply explore molecular biological mechanisms underlying the effects of mind adjustment induced Imaginary Working Qigong.