Effect of Qigong on the Cardiovascular System
Influence on Heart Rate and Rhythm
Qigong exerts a bidirectional regulatory impact on the rhythm of cardiac cells. In a study conducted by Cao et al., alterations in heart rate among Qigong practitioners during the transition into a state of tranquility were observed. The study comprised 16 individuals in the Qigong group and 11 in the control group. As the Qigong group entered the state of tranquility, a trend of decreasing heart rate emerged. After 20 minutes, the average heart rate dropped significantly from 83.5 bpm to 75.3 bpm (P<0.05), further decreasing to 71.2 bpm after 30 minutes. Interestingly, the reduced heart rate persisted for approximately 20 minutes after exiting the meditation state. While the control group also experienced a decline in heart rate, it did not reach statistical significance.
Furthermore, Qigong demonstrates the capacity to regulate cardiac dysrhythmias, including pre-excitation, bigeminy, trigeminy, premature ventricular contractions, and conduction block. This regulatory effect is attributed to its ability to optimize the cardiac conducting system through breath adjustment. The remodeling of cardiac dysrhythmia occurs due to increased vital capacity, enhanced respiratory function, reduced myocardial anoxia, and the normalization of ectopic pacemaker activity.
Impact on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output, a crucial indicator of cardiac function, tends to decrease during the practice of Relaxing Quiescent Qigong. This decline may be linked to reduced energy expenditure by the body. A temporary reduction in cardiac output is observed during the Qigong practice, but it is not necessarily sustained post-practice. Most research findings indicate that the post-Qigong practice cardiac output correlates with the pre-practice level. Subjects with initially low cardiac output tend to experience an increase, while those with abnormally high levels witness a decrease. These results suggest that Qigong practice exerts a dual-directional or balancing effect on cardiac output.
In a 2004 study by a research team specializing in Health Qigong (Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic), Qigong practitioners were assessed using an ultrasound Doppler diagnostic apparatus. The study revealed significant increases (P<0.05) in blood volume per heartbeat, ejection fraction, and cardiac output after six months of Qigong practice.
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