Peer-Reviewed Research: Acute Effects of Qigong Exercise on Mood and Anxiety
Peer-Reviewed Research: Acute Effects of Qigong Exercise on Mood and Anxiety
The journal article titled Acute Effects of Qigong Exercise on Mood and Anxiety by Mattias Johansson, Peter Hassmén, and John Jouper, presents a well-structured study that investigates the immediate psychological effects of Qigong exercise on mood and anxiety. The authors acknowledge the growing interest in mind-body therapies and aim to contribute to the limited research on the acute psychological benefits of Qigong practice.
Introduction and Research Rationale
The authors begin by outlining the increasing incidence of psychosocial stress and its associated mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, in modern societies. They discuss the positive effects of aerobic exercises on psychological well-being and highlight the rising popularity of mind-body therapies like Qigong. The introduction makes a compelling case for the study by noting that, despite numerous reports on the benefits of long-term Qigong practice, there is limited research on its immediate psychological effects. This gap in knowledge is what the authors seek to address.
Qigong, a mind-body practice involving slow, deliberate movements and focused breathing, has been linked to health benefits in traditional Chinese medicine, particularly regarding the balance of qi (life energy). Prior studies suggest that Qigong can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, enhance self-efficacy, and alleviate stress (Lee et al., 2004; Tsang et al., 2006). The relaxation response theory (Benson et al., 1975) provides a theoretical framework, positing that Qigong and other mind-body therapies might elicit a physiological state opposite to the stress response, leading to improved psychological outcomes.
Study Design and Methodology
The authors employed a randomized controlled trial to compare the acute effects of a 30-minute Qigong session with those of a control group who listened to a lecture. A total of 59 participants (8 men and 51 women, average age 50.8 years) who were regular Qigong practitioners were randomized into two groups: a Qigong exercise group and a control group. The participants were attending a 4-day training camp for Qigong, and the study was approved by the Swedish Central Ethical Review Board.
The study used well-established psychometric tools, namely the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), to measure mood and anxiety. The authors took pre- and post-intervention measurements to assess changes in mood and anxiety levels.
Results
The results of the study showed significant reductions in anxiety, depression, fatigue, and anger in the Qigong group but not in the control group. These findings support the hypothesis that a 30-minute session of Qigong can produce immediate psychological benefits. The study’s use of a mixed ANOVA confirmed significant Time × Group interactions for several variables, including state anxiety, depression, anger, and fatigue. Interestingly, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of tension, vigor, and confusion, which the authors speculate may be due to the impact of the lecture on the control group.
The authors also note that although Qigong reduced anxiety by 12% in this study, a previous study by Lee et al. (2004) reported a 26% reduction in anxiety after a 60-minute Qigong session. This discrepancy highlights the need for further research to explore the relationship between the duration of Qigong practice and its psychological benefits.
Discussion and Implications
The discussion section emphasizes the positive effects of Qigong on mood and anxiety. The authors suggest that these benefits may be due to a combination of factors, including the relaxation response, increased parasympathetic nervous system activity, and the release of oxytocin, which is associated with self-massage during Qigong practice. The broaden-and-build theory (Fredrickson, 2000) is also introduced, suggesting that the positive emotions cultivated during Qigong practice may help counteract negative emotions like anxiety and depression.
However, the authors acknowledge several limitations of the study. The participants were self-selected, which could introduce bias, as they were likely to have positive expectations about the effects of Qigong. Additionally, all participants were experienced Qigong practitioners, making it difficult to generalize the results to beginners or individuals unfamiliar with the practice.
Conclusion
The study concludes that even a single session of Qigong can have significant psychological benefits, particularly in reducing anxiety, depression, and fatigue. The findings suggest that health professionals should consider recommending Qigong as a complementary activity to improve psychological well-being. Nonetheless, the authors caution that more research is needed to verify the results and to explore the effects of Qigong on less experienced practitioners.
In summary, this study contributes to the growing body of literature on the psychological benefits of Qigong. It provides valuable insights into the acute effects of the practice, highlighting its potential as a mind-body intervention for managing stress and anxiety. The study’s rigorous methodology and the use of well-established psychometric tools lend credibility to the findings, although further research is needed to address the limitations and explore the broader applicability of Qigong as a therapeutic practice.
Reference
Johansson, M., Hassmén, P., & Jouper, J. (2008). Acute effects of Qigong exercise on mood and anxiety. International Journal of Stress Management, 15(2), 199-207.
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