2018【銀髮族練完生物能醫學氣功後之生理暨心理反應】- 魏志濤 博士 研究成果的分享

魏志濤醫師/博士

 

題目:銀髮族練完生物能醫學氣功後之生理暨心理反應

前言

中國氣功用來養生健身已有七千年之久,個中功效早已膾炙人口眾所皆知.但是對氣功及中醫等相關研究,臨床上往往以實證方法來證實其功效,可惜的是無法獲得西方主流醫學的認可,在現代醫學上難以在國際推廣,殊為可惜.

本人自2013年開始師從李承忠博士,學習生物能醫學氣功後,深知個中好處甚多,遂思與本人在美國約翰霍普金斯大學的博士班同學林君宜博士及蔡松彥博士,與Chen-Chen Wang, Yu-Min Wang一起努力,費時兩年研究(IRB號碼1040408),論文終於通過,在國際期刊Evidenced-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine發表,並刊登於2018年2月號( Article ID 4960978).該期刊是SCI等級之論文,其品質甚高,排名約在所有醫學期刊之前三分之一.

本人將此殊榮報告李承忠博士,他囑我發表於本協會官版以廣為週知.本文於焉產生.

 

中文摘要

以45名練功者為研究對象,其中男性13位及女性32位,75.56%已婚,平均受教育時間為10.62 ±4.46年.他們至少都有三個月以上的時間,練習過李承忠博士(Dr. Li Cheng Chung)所創設之中華生物能醫學氣功(Chinese Bioenergy Qigong),以確保其具備正確習練之能力,並且不會在練功中因不熟悉功法而稍事停頓.他們的年齡分佈從50歲到90歲都有,平均為65.14± 9.38歲,若是曾患重大疾病(如急性心肌梗塞,中風,末期癌症,癱瘓,與重要器官移植),心理疾病(焦慮與憂鬱)或是孕婦則被排除於外.

在檢測之前以Meridian Energy Analysis Device (MEAD) measurement, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), heart rate variability (HRV),以及Short Form 36 (SF-36)等儀器方法先記錄其基礎資料,然後在資深教練帶領下,以正常方法練習動功17式及收功15式,前後約一小時.並於練功結束後30分鐘內,以同樣儀器及方法,再次檢測.之後以電腦比對前測,後測之資料,進行統計比較並作分析.

結果發現,練功者所有的經絡傳導,除了脾經及膀胱經之外,全部增快.練功者之上下肢經絡強度比例及交感神經與迷走神經之比例,都趨近於1 (分別是p=0.011 and p=0.007),HRV中的RR間距明顯縮短, (p=0.035).另外,腎經的電路傳導與SF-36生理計分有明顯的正相關(r=0.74, p=0.018),心包經的電路傳導則與SF-36心理計分也是正相關(r=0.50, p=0.06). 心跳平均值在前測時是73.24 ±11.77,後測時是73.20 ± 11.03 bpm (p > 0.05).

綜而言之,習練一小時的中華生物能醫學氣功對於人體,至少能歸納出四大生理及心理功效:

一,經絡的電路傳導速度有效加快(p<0.05).

二,降低焦慮等負面情緒.

三,自律神經的平衡改善.

四,全身的神經系統平衡改善.

以現代科學的儀器及方法,我們首次證實,中華生物能醫學氣功可以與主流醫學並用,以治療自律神經失調以及憂鬱情緒.

未來有興趣的研究者可以將重點放在中華生物能醫學氣功在不同族群以及不同疾病的功效上.

 

英文原文摘要

Acute Physiological and Psychological Effects of Qigong Exercise in Older Practitioners

 

Chun-Yi Lin, M.D., Dr.PHa, b, c, Tze-Taur Wei, M.D., Dr.PHd,

Chen-Chen Wang, M.S.b,

Wan-Chen Chen, M.S.c,

Yu-Min Wang, B.B.Ac,

Song-Yen Tsai, M.D., MSc, Dr.PHe

 

a School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, No.510,

 Zhongzheng Rd., Xinzhuang Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan, R.O.C.

b Research Assistant Center and

c Department of Nuclear Medicine, Show Chwan

 Memorial Hospital, No. 542, Sec. 1, Chung-Shan Rd., Changhua, Taiwan, R.O.C.

d Society of Chinese Bioengergy Medical Qigong, No.130-1, Nanyuan St., North Dist.,

 Tainan City, Taiwan, R.O.C.

e Naturopathic Medicine Research Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, No. 135

 Nanhsiao Street, Changhua City, Taiwan, R.O.C.

Word count: 3793.

Number of pages: 40, figures: 3, and tables: 3

Address for correspondence and reprints:

Dr. Song-Yen Tsai,

Naturopathic Medicine Research Center

Changhua Christian Hospital, No. 135 Nanhsiao Street, Changhua City, Taiwan, R.O.C.

Tel: (+886) 49-222-5595, Fax: (+886) 49-222-3630,

E-mail: sytsai@cch.org.tw

Keywords: Qigong; Meridian electrical conductance; Anxiety; State-Trait Anxiety

Inventory; Heart rate variability; Short Form 36.

Running title: Acute effects of qigong exercise in older practitioners

 

Abstract

Qigong is a gentle exercise that promotes health and well-being. This study evaluated the acute physiological and psychological effects of one session of qigong exercise in older practitioners. A total of 45 participants (mean age, 65.14 years) were recruited. Meridian electrical conductance, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), heart rate variability (HRV), and Short Form 36 (SF-36) were evaluated and compared before and after one session of qigong exercise. The results revealed that the electrical conductance of all meridians, except spleen and bladder meridians, increased significantly (p<0.05). Compared with baseline values, upper to lower body ratio and sympathetic/vagal index were significantly improved and closer to 1(p=0.011 and p=0.007, respectively). STAI-S and STAI-T scores decreased significantly (p<0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). The RR interval of HRV decreased significantly (p=0.035), a significant positive correlation was observed between kidney meridian electrical conductance and SF-36 physical scores (r=0.74, p=0.018), and a positive correlation was observed between pericardium meridian electrical conductance and SF-36 mental scores (r=0.50, p=0.06). In conclusion, one session of qigong exercise increased meridian electrical conductance, reduced anxiety, and improved body and autonomic nervous system balance. These findings provide scientific evidence for acute physiological and psychological effects of qigong exercise in older practitioners.

 

Introduction

Qigong, an ancient Chinese healing practice that was originally a martial art, has been developed and used to improve physical fitness and strength in China for 7000 years [1-4]. The word “qigong” involves two theories: “qi,” the vital energy of the body, and “gong,” the training or cultivation of qi [5]. Concentration, relaxation, meditation, breathing regulation, and body posture and movements are the basic components of qigong [1, 2]. In contrast to conventional exercise, qigong aims to achieve a harmonious flow of qi in the body and cultivate a spirit of systematic training exercise to improve physical fitness and overall well-being through the coordination of rhythmic movements, regulated breathing, and meditation [6]. There are essentially two types of qigong: internal and external. Internal qigong or qigong exercise is self-directed and involves the use of movements, meditation, and controlled breathing patterns, whereas external qigong is typically performed by experienced practitioners who use their hands to direct qi onto patients for healing or treatment [7-10]. Typically, qigong can be classified into dynamic and static qigong. Dynamic qigong involves the coordination of movements and meditation, whereas static qigong focuses on mental concentration and body relaxation without physical movements [1, 2]. Meridians are associated with the under-differentiated, interconnected cellular networks that regulate growth and physiology. The meridian theory explains the distribution and nonspecific activation of organizing centers, acupuncture points, and the high electrical conductance of the meridians [11-14]. In the human body, meridian theory deals with physical regulation and pathological changes [15, 16]. The condition of the meridian system can be measured by its electrical characteristics have been studied since the 1950s. Acupuncture points have been widely accepted as areas of low electrical impedance and high conductance [17-21]. Skin conductance response is typically measured by applying a small direct current signal through two electrodes placed on the skin [22, 23]. Nakatani identified 12 channels of high electrical conductance on the left and right sides of the body (24 in total) and developed the Ryodoraku theory according to the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) [17]. Skin electrical conductance varies with the activity of a subject’s autonomic nervous system and has been used to investigate mood changes and the mechanisms of the autonomic nervous system [24, 25]. The properties of meridians reflect the conditions of certain organs when their mutual relations and changes with microelectrical current are analyzed and compared [26]. The electrical information mapping transforms associated with various medical syndromes, signs, symptoms, and diseases were reported in a previous study [23].

The meridian electrical conductance investigates the meridian energy. Meridian

energy analysis devices can reflex the conditions of certain organs through analysis of the symmetrical Yuan points. Changes with micro-electrical currents represent the

physiological phenomena of the relevant meridian [26, 27]. The electrical conductivity has been reported to monitor the effects of qigong workshop in the previous study [5]. Heart rate variability (HRV) is used as a sensitive index of autonomic nerve activity. The analysis of HRV provides quantitative information on autonomic control mechanisms [28]. It has been reported that five minutes of Tai Chi Qigong was found to improve HRV in nasopharyngeal cancer patients [29]. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) is a psychological inventory based on a 4-point Likert scale. It consists of forty questions on a self-report basis. These questionnaires are a highly reliable measure of stress and anxiety [30]. Qigong exercise significantly relieved anxiety and reduced stress among healthy people were reported in the previous study [31]. The SF-36 health survey is a self-report survey commonly used as a generic health questionnaire for adults which covers eight health domains, namely physical functioning, physical role functioning, bodily pain, general health perceptions, vitality, social role functioning, emotional role functioning, and mental health [32]. SF-36 scores have been used to evaluate the effects of qigong exercise in breast cancer survivors [33]. The conceptual framework of this study was shown in figure 1 guiding this study.

Long-term practice of qigong exercise may help in maintaining satisfactory health and

preventing and treating illness. Qigong exercise has been reported to influence depression, stress, anxiety symptoms, chronic pain, immunity, infection, and quality of life [34-39]. However, evidence-based research on the acute physiological and psychological effects of qigong exercise in older practitioners is yet to be reported. This study therefore evaluated the acute physiological and psychological effects of one session of qigong exercise in older practitioners.

 

Methods and Measures

Study design

This research involved a prospective, pre–post comparison study. After obtaining

informed consent from the participants, meridian electrical conductance measurements, questionnaires, and baseline heart rate variability (HRV) measurements were obtained before and after one session of qigong exercise. Chinese Bioenergy Qigong is a popular and well-known exercise in Taiwan and Hong Kong. It is easy to learn with low cost. There is no limitation in time or place to practice. Hundred thousand people practice Chinese Bioenergy Qigong in Taiwan. It not only active body adjustment but also harmonizes mind adjustment. It is easy for general population to practice every day. Chinese Bioenergy Qigongis a 1-hour session of qigong exercise conducted and popularized by Dr. Li Cheng Chung, which includes warm up movements, breathing regulation, gentle movements, body stretching, meditation, and relaxation. Thus Chinese Bioenergy Qigong was chosen to be the intervention program in this study.

 

Additional details can be obtained from the following webpages:

http://info.ck17.org/index.php/chi-kung-demonstration/the-17-motions-of-the-health-sport. [40, 41]

 

Acute is referring to a condition of rapid onset and is of generally brief duration. In this study, the physiological and psychological conditions before and after qigong exercise were evaluated within 30 minutes, so the physiological and psychological effects of Qigong exercise were conceptually defined as acute effects.

 

Participants

One of the authors in this study, TT Wei, is the senior coach of Chinese Bioenergy

Qigong. He announced the information about the study and searched for participants. Optimal qigong practicing environment to conduct the study was taken into considered. It takes about two months to learn to practice Chinese Bioenergy Qigong. The low frequency of practicing may forget how to practice correctly. As far back as 1875, in Britain, the Friendly Societies Act, enacted the definition of old age as, "any age after 50" [42]. The age of 50 years was defined the working definition of "older" or "old" in World Health Organization (WHO) minimum data set (MDS) project meeting on aging in 2001 in order to take into account the real situation of older persons in developing countries [43]. Furthermore, participants aged 50 to 70 years were regarded as elders in the previous study [44]. From September 23, 2016 to November 5, 2016, elders aged 50 to 90 years from two communities (Tou-Liou and Tan-Mu) in Taiwan without severe medical conditions and practicing Chinese Bioenergy Qigong 5 days a week for at least 3 months were eligible to be recruited in this study in order to make sure the participants can practice qigong correctly and smoothly. Subjects who were unable to read and sign the consent form,had been diagnosed with a major illness (such as acute myocardial infarction, stroke, late-stage cancer, paralysis, and major organ transplantation), were pregnant, or had been diagnosed with a mental disorder (such as anxiety and depression) were excluded.In order to avoid interoperator variability, the machines were operated by the same skilled operator in this study[45].The skin electrical conductance was operated by CY Lin, and heart rate variability was operated by CC Wang for all participants. The meridian electrical conductance and heart rate variability data were measured before and after qigong exercise within 30 minutes.

 

Meridian electrical conductance

The participants were rested on a chair for 10 minutes before measurements were

recorded. All measurements were obtained on a sunny morning in fall to maintain

temperature and moisture consistency. It has been reported that the degree of skin moisture would influence Meridian Energy Analysis Device (MEAD) measurement [46]. To avoid sweat after qigong influence MEAD measurement, all participants were required to dry the body with a dry towel especially wrists and ankle. The electrical conductance of 24 acupuncture points in the wrists and ankles of the 12 left and 12 right meridians was measured using a device (MEAD, 6th generation, Medpex Enterprises, Taiwan). The meridians were as follows: lung (L, H1), pericardium (P, H2), heart (H, H3), small intestine (SI, H4), triple energizer (TE, H5), large intestine (LI, H6), spleen (SP, F1), liver (LIV, F2), kidney (K, F3), urinary bladder (B, F4), gallbladder (G, F5), and stomach (S, F6). The conductivity at the acupuncture point is directly proportional to the amperage of the DC current that flows through the skin when 12 V with an output current of 0–200 uA is applied to the points individually. Higher values indicate higher conductance between the reference electrode, which is 35 mm in diameter and clipped on the left palm, and the acupuncture point, which is measured using a 10-mm diameter cotton with saturated saline solution. The average electrical conductance of 24 meridians in each subject was calculated. The index of sympathetic/vagal balance was defined as the highest average limb electroconductivity value on the dorsal or ventral side, which was divided by the lowest value during MEAD analysis. The yin meridians were lung, pericardium, heart, liver, spleen, and kidney; while yang meridians were small intestine, triple energizer, large intestine, urinary bladder gallbladder, and stomach. The upper meridians indicate those on hands and the lower meridians indicate those on feet. There are 12 meridians each on the left and right sides of the body. The upper to lower body ratio is calculated as the sum of the upper meridians divided by the sum of the lower meridians. The yin to yang ratio is defined as the sum of the yin meridians divided by the sum of the yang meridians. The left to right ratio means the sum of the left meridian divided by the sum of the right meridians [17, 21, 22].

 

Heart rate variability

Five-minute electrocardiography data were recorded immediately after the MEAD

measurements. Polar heart-rate monitors (Polar Vantage NV, Polar Electro Oy, Finland) were used to continuously collect heart rate data in the form of RR intervals from all participants before and after one session of qigong exercise. After data collection, HRV parameters were calculated using Kubios HRV (version 2.1; Biosignal Analysis and Medical Imaging Group, University of Eastern Finland, Finland) [47]. The participants’ spectral HRV data were expressed in terms of RR intervals, lower frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), normalized LF, and normalized HF.

 

Questionnaire

Two instruments were adopted in this study. The first was the Short Form 36 (SF-36)

health survey and the second was the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Both were self report questionnaires.

 

Short Form 36 Health Survey

The SF-36 health survey is a self-report survey commonly used as a generic health

questionnaire for adults. It covers eight health domains, namely physical functioning,

physical role functioning, bodily pain, general health perceptions, vitality, social role

functioning, emotional role functioning, and mental health [48, 49]. The questionnaire includes 36 main questions, which contain several subset questions. These questions are related to the various domains deliberately nested into the instrument to ensure that participants carefully read and assess each question before responding.

 

State-Trait Anxiety Inventory

The STAI contains two subsets, which collect subjective data from participants on

their state and trait anxiety in the form of two questionnaires of 20 questions each. These questionnaires are a highly reliable measure of stress and anxiety. State anxiety (STAI-S) is designed to assess individuals’ reaction to stress and their emotional state at a particular time, whereas trait anxiety (STAI-T) is related to individuals’ personality traits and their stress perceptions. The questions require the participants to rank their current and general feelings toward certain statements among four options of increasing frequency ranging from “almost never” to “almost always.” Higher STAI scores suggest higher anxiety levels [50-52].

 

Statistical analysis

The demographic data were expressed as means and standard deviations. The

continuous data before and after one session of qigong exercise were compared using the paired t test. The correlations between the variables were evaluated using the Pearson correlation test. STATA 11 was used for statistical analysis; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

 

Results

Comparisons of electrical conductance of meridians before and after qigong practice

A total of 45 participants(13 men and 32 women; mean age, 65.14 ± 9.38 years)were recruited in this study. All participants were Asian who live in Taiwan. More than half of the participants were married (75.56%). The mean value of education years were 10.62 ±234 4.46 years. The mean values of heart rate before and after qigong exercise were 73.24 ±235 11.77 and 73.20 ± 11.03 bpm (p > 0.05).The electrical conductance of all meridians, except the spleen and bladder meridians (p > 0.05), increased significantly (p < 0.05) after one session of qigong exercise. The mean values of the electrical conductance of 12 meridians were significantly higher than the baseline values (Table 1). Compared with the baseline values, the upper to lower body ratio and sympathetic/vagal index were significantly improved and close to 1 (p = 0.011 and p = 0.007, respectively). However, no significant differences were observed in the yin to yang or left to right body balance (p = 0.57 and p =0.26, respectively; Table 2).

<Insert Table 1 here>

<Insert Table 2 here>

 

Comparisons of STAI and SF-36 before and after qigong exercise

The STAI-S and STAI-T scores and the RR intervals of HRV decreased significantly

 (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, and p = 0.035, respectively). However, HF, LF, normalized HF, and normalized LF did not differ significantly (p = 0.39, p = 0.84, p = 0.28, and p = 0.43, respectively; Table 3). A significant positive correlation was observed between kidney meridian electrical conductance and SF-36 physical scores (r = 0.74, p = 0.018; Fig. 2A). Furthermore, nonsignificant positive correlations were observed between kidney meridian electrical conductance and SF-36 total scores (r = 0.30, p = 0.06; Fig. 2B). A positive relationship was observed between pericardium meridian electrical conductance and SF36 mental scores (r = 0.50, p = 0.06) (Fig. 3A). By contrast, a negative correlation was observed between pericardium meridian electrical conductance and STAI-S scores (r =256 −0.57, p = 0.092; Fig. 3B).

 <Insert Table 3 here>

 

Discussion

Qigong is a comprehensive mind–body practice and a low-cost exercise that has been

practiced in China for 7000 years. Qigong can be performed anywhere at any time. Studies investigating the sustained benefits of regular qigong practice have revealed that it prevents bone loss, reduces oxidative stress, and increases antioxidant enzymes in middle-aged women and improves quality of life and sleep quality in elderly people [34, 53-55]. Moreover, qigong has been reported to effectively improve balance and strength and promote physical flexibility in healthy adults [56, 57]. TCM describes the meridian system as an essential pathway system and conduit for qi [58].

The core theory of the meridian system plays a crucial role in various therapies, including acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion, tai chi, and qigong. Major acupuncture points are located on the skin along the 12 main meridian pathways. It is believed that qi is guided and transferred through a connection from the somatic meridian to the internal organs as an integrated system [59-61]. The application of Meridian Energy Analysis Device (MEAD) is of high clinical interest not only in the objective assessment of traditional Chinese medicine but also in predicting the meridian flow of the corresponding organ. However, some technical factors can influence skin electrical impedance, including the size of electrode, the amount of pressure it places on the skin, the accuracy of the acupoint location, environment and degree of skin moisture [46, 62, 63]. In order to control of the quality of study, the MEAD machine performed automatic digital calibration systems every time before taking measurement to help the operator to exactly control the confounding factors. To avoid inter-operator variability, the MEAD machine was operated by the same skilled operator, CY Lin, for all participants. The environment and degree of skin moisture tried to be in the same condition as possible as we can. The MEAD usually indicates constant values in the human body in the absence of external stimulation, visceral abnormalities, of diseases. It has been reported by Nakatani that the  reproducibility is 93.2% to support the use of MEAD [26, 46].

The acute physiological and psychological effects of qigong exercise on individual

meridians are yet to be reported. After one session of qigong exercise, the electrical

conductance of all meridians, except the spleen and bladder meridians, increased

significantly in the current study. Our findings are consistent with previous studies, which have revealed that qigong exercise promotes qi and blood circulation to increase physical energy and health [64, 65]. According to TCM, the spleen is responsible for the transformation and transportation of different substances that are the foundation of after birth existence. Spleen functions are essential in maintaining the digestive power of the body and transforming food into qi and blood [66]. The spleen in TCM is similar to the gastrointestinal system in conventional medicine. Age-related selective decline in gut functions, such as changes in taste, esophageal sphincter motility, gastric emptying, and neurons of gut transit-related mesenteric plexus, may result in malnutrition [67]. Furthermore, aging has been associated with defects in structural and functional mucosal defense, diminished ability to generate protective immunity, and increased incidence of inflammation and oxidative stress; therefore, gastrointestinal disorders occur more frequently in elderly population [67, 68]. In this study, two possible reasons why the spleen meridian electrical conductance did not change significantly are functional deficiencies in the spleen and the long-term effects of age-related gastrointestinal tract states in older

adults. In TCM, the bladder meridian is the longest and largest detox pathway. It is often associated with disease symptoms caused by external harmful effects, including cold, wind, fire, dampness, dryness, and summer heat. Because the bladder meridian is considered the most exterior meridian, it is the first to be invaded during external attacks [69]; this means that rapidly modulating its electrical conductance during qigong exercise may be difficult. We observed a significant positive correlation between kidney meridian electrical conductance and SF-36 physical scores in this study. In TCM, the kidney is considered the foundation for good health and vitality. The kidney is the powerhouse of the body which stores essence (jing), and is the support system for all aspects of organic life. The stored essence comprises congenital and acquired essence, and supply reserve energy to any organ. Kidney essence is the material basis for numerous functional activities and is responsible

for human growth and development and human vitality [70]. The kidney also absorbs qi [71]. Based on the present findings, we hypothesized that many potential advantages of qigong exercise, such as the enhancement of physical fitness and strength, can be attributed to elevated kidney meridian electrical conductance. Qigong can affect psychological state, influence the neuroendocrine system, and exert effects on immune cells [39, 72]. This mind–body training has been reported to improve immune functions by stimulating the homeostasis of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve systems through hypothalamic action [73-75]. Several studies have investigated the effects of qigong exercise on sleep, distress, anxiety, and depression [76-78]. In this study, participants were more comfortable, relaxed, and vigorous after one session of qigong exercise. The present findings showed a negative correlation between pericardium meridian electrical conductance and STAI-S scores and a positive correlation between pericardium meridian electrical conductance and SF-36 mental scores. The higher the SF -36 mental scores indicates the healthier the mental status, while the higher the STAI -S scores means the higher the anxiety status. Thus a positive correlation between pericardium meridian electrical conductance and SF -36 mental scores is consistent with a negative correlation between pericardium electrical conductance and STAI -S scores, although nonsignificant. In TCM, the pericardium is the heart's protective sack which is known as a fire energy organ which protects the heart. Pericardium not only provides the heart with physical protection, its energy also protects the heart from damage and disruption by excessive emotional energies generated by the other organs including anger from the liver, fear from the kidneys, and grief from the lungs. The pericardium meridian is associated with heart and blood functions. Emotionally, pericardium energy is related to the loving feelings. Because the heart is the seat of spiritual or mental activities, the pericardium meridian is associated with mania and mental illness [79]. Based on the results of the present study, we hypothesized that decreased anxiety and improved mental status due to qigong exercise can be attributed to increased pericardium meridian electrical conductance. Balanced meridians indicate that an individual is healthy [58, 80]. In our study, one

343 session of qigong exercise improved energy balance between the upper and lower halves of the body. Moreover, the sympathetic/vagal index was significantly improved and closer to 1, indicating an improvement in the autonomic nervous system balance. However, a similar finding was not observed for HRV. Wu et al. reported that skin electrical conductance is a useful tool for detecting subtle noncardiovascular physical responses that may be more sensitive than HRV in analyzing autonomic responses [17]. The present findings are consistent with the results of their study. The present study had some limitations. First, this is a one-group, pre–post comparison study. This study lacked control group of sham intervention to evaluate the placebo effect in this study. Second, the participants were older practitioners; therefore, future studies are suggested to elucidate the effects of qigong exercise across different age groups. Third, blood pressure data were not evaluated and thus the influence of blood pressure on the results was unknown. Fourth, substantial time has to be invested for learning and practicing these mind–body techniques. Fifth, to generalize these findings, further studies using larger sample sizes and/or different kinds of qigong are required. The present findings might be generalized only to older populations who are more health conscious with practicing specific type of qigong exercise, such as Chinese Bioenergy Qigong.

 

Conclusions

One session of qigong exercise increased meridian electrical conductance, reduced

anxiety, and improved balance in both the autonomic nervous system and the body overall.

In conclusion, these findings provide scientific evidence for the acute physiological and psychological effects of qigong exercise in older practitioners. According to the results of this study, Chinese Bioenergy Qigong may be considered as one of the complementary therapies accompanied with conventional medicine to treat the patients with autonomic dysfunction or anxiety. More researches in the future are encouraged to investigate into the possible effects of Chinese Bioenergy Qigong on improving various pathological functions in different population.