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. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is Daoist Zhanzhuang generally safe for humans?

Research on mind-body therapies like Qigong, which includes Daoist Zhanzhuang, suggests they are generally safe and can have positive effects on mental health and physical well-being. No significant negative safety concerns have been reported in the studies reviewed. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

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. ^{1 9 10 11 12}

Research Team

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

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 Overview 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.

Participant Groups

Group I: Daoist Zhanzhuang Experimental Treatment 1 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 Squat Active Control 1 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 Nearby Select from list below to view details:

University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of North Carolina, Charlotte

Lead Sponsor

Trials

27

Patients Recruited

12,200+

Findings from Research

The evidence map analyzed 116 systematic reviews and 44 meta-analyses, highlighting that mind-body therapies like Tai Chi and Qi Gong have shown positive effects on chronic diseases, mental health, and overall well-being.

Most reviews were of high quality, with 421 outcomes classified as potentially positive, indicating these therapies may improve balance, mobility, and quality of life, while further research is needed in specific areas like acupressure and the effects of Tai Chi and Qi Gong on acute diseases.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mind-Body Therapies From Traditional Chinese Medicine: Evidence Map. Fogaça, LZ., Portella, CFS., Ghelman, R., et al.[2022]

Training young flutists in 'White Ball' Qigong led to immediate improvements in anxiety symptoms, such as warmer hands and a calmer heart rate, which were observed shortly after training and persisted throughout the program.

Remarkably, the children were able to maintain these positive physiological changes even without practicing Qigong exercises after the training, suggesting that Qigong may condition the body to activate beneficial responses in stressful situations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Qigong as a Traditional Vegetative Biofeedback Therapy: Long-Term Conditioning of Physiological Mind-Body Effects. Matos, LC., Sousa, CM., Gonçalves, M., et al.[2022]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Qigong in Injured Military Service Members. Reb, AM., Saum, NS., Murphy, DA., et al.[2017]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of Tai Chi, brisk walking, meditation, and reading in reducing mental and emotional stress. Jin, P.[2019]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Empirical study of the influence of a Laughing Qigong Program on long-term care residents. Hsieh, CJ., Chang, C., Tsai, G., et al.[2015]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Qigong on self-rating depression and anxiety scale scores of COPD patients: A meta-analysis. Wu, JJ., Zhang, YX., Du, WS., et al.[2022]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Medical Qigong for Mobility and Balance Self-Confidence in Older Adults. Stahl, JE., Belisle, SS., Zhao, W.[2020]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Managing stress and anxiety through qigong exercise in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Wang, CW., Chan, CH., Ho, RT., et al.[2022]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Baduanjin on mental health: a comprehensive review. Cheng, FK.[2022]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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. Guo, Y., Xu, M., Zhang, J., et al.[2022]

A study involving 43 healthy volunteers found that practicing Taoist qigong for one month significantly reduced blood levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), indicating a potential stress-reducing effect.

Participants who practiced qigong also showed improvements in psychological well-being, suggesting that this traditional method may positively influence both hormonal balance and mental health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessment of hormonal parameters and psychological well-being in healthy subjects after a Taoist qigong program: An exploratory study. Vera, FM., Manzaneque, JM., Rodríguez, FM., et al.[2019]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of Imaginary Working Qigong on the psychological well-being of college students: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Guo, Y., Xu, M., Ji, M., et al.[2022]

References

1. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mind-Body Therapies From Traditional Chinese Medicine: Evidence Map. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Qigong as a Traditional Vegetative Biofeedback Therapy: Long-Term Conditioning of Physiological Mind-Body Effects. [2022]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Qigong in Injured Military Service Members. [2017]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of Tai Chi, brisk walking, meditation, and reading in reducing mental and emotional stress. [2019]

5. Japan pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Empirical study of the influence of a Laughing Qigong Program on long-term care residents. [2015]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Qigong on self-rating depression and anxiety scale scores of COPD patients: A meta-analysis. [2022]

7. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Medical Qigong for Mobility and Balance Self-Confidence in Older Adults. [2020]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Managing stress and anxiety through qigong exercise in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. [2022]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Baduanjin on mental health: a comprehensive review. [2022]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessment of hormonal parameters and psychological well-being in healthy subjects after a Taoist qigong program: An exploratory study. [2019]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of Imaginary Working Qigong on the psychological well-being of college students: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. [2022]