Daoist Zhanzhuang and Human Flourishing

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, CHARLOTTE · Aug 25, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Daoist Zhanzhuang and Human Flourishing," is exploring how a practice called Daoist Zhanzhuang can help improve overall well-being and reduce stress. The study will involve 120 participants who will be randomly assigned to either practice Daoist Zhanzhuang or a control exercise that mimics a wall squat. Over the course of 12 months, participants will take part in both guided sessions and self-directed practice, with regular check-ins. Researchers aim to measure various outcomes, including changes in heart rate, stress levels, and personal experiences related to well-being.

To be eligible for this study, participants should be young adults aged 18 to 25, willing to commit to the full year, and able to stand for 30 minutes. They should also experience moderate stress. However, individuals with certain health conditions or those who have practiced qigong in the last five years may not qualify. Throughout the trial, participants can expect to share their experiences and provide feedback on their progress, contributing to a better understanding of how this ancient practice can support mental and physical health.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. young adults aged between 18 and 25 years old when they enroll;
• • 2. be willing and available (e.g., intend to remain in Charlotte or the surrounding area or willing to travel to UNCC campus for in person visits) to participate to 12 month study;
• • 3. able to stand for 30 minutes;
• • 4. scoring above 18 on the Perceived Stress Scale (moderate stress); and
• • 5. able to read, speak and understand English.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. experience of qigong-related practice in the past 5 years;
• • 2. reporting regular medication use that directly modulates immune system functioning (e.g., steroids, cytokine inhibitors, high levels of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, chemotherapy, etc.) or sedates the nervous system (e.g., benzodiazepines, anti-epileptics, tranquilizers, etc.) or alters heart rate (e.g., beta blockers, calcium channel blocker, stimulants, etc.);
• • 3. self-reported illicit drug use in the past 3 months or substance dependence over the past month (e.g., alcohol binge drinking 2+ days/week, using tobacco or nicotine products 5+ days/week, cannabis and related products 2+ days/week, etc.);
• • 4. physical impairment that does not allow them to stand for 30 mins (e.g., severe obesity, need wheel-chair or equipment to assist with walking, recent injury that limits standing, etc.), and
• • 5. severe mental health conditions that could prevent regular practice (e.g., hospitalized in the past 12 months for mental health condition).