Peer-Reviewed Research: Qi-gong training reduces basal and stress-elicited cortisol secretion in healthy older adults
The journal article "Qi-gong training reduces basal and stress-elicited cortisol secretion in healthy older adults," by Ponzio et al. (2015), investigates the impact of Qi-gong training on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity and reactivity to stress in older adults. Qi-gong is a traditional Chinese meditative movement practice that combines meditation, physical movements, and controlled breathing. Previous studies have demonstrated its benefits in enhancing psychological well-being and physical function in older adults, but the effects on HPA axis activity in this demographic are less understood. This study aims to address this gap by examining how 12 weeks of Qi-gong training affects self-rated distress symptoms and cortisol secretion under both basal and stimulated conditions in healthy older adults.
Methods
The study involved a non-randomized, uncontrolled, before-and-after design, with 28 healthy older adults (7 men and 21 women, mean age 65 years) participating. The participants were selected based on criteria such as the absence of chronic diseases, no recent major stressful events, and a BMI of less than 30. They underwent 12 weeks of Qi-gong training twice a week, with each session lasting one hour. Additionally, they were encouraged to practice independently for at least 30 minutes on non-class days. The training involved four series of exercises, designed to introduce participants to fundamental principles of traditional Chinese medicine such as yin-yang and five elements, focusing on coordination between body movements, breathing, and mental concentration.
To assess the impact of the Qi-gong training, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was administered before (T0) and after (Tf) the intervention. Salivary samples were collected to measure cortisol levels at various times of the day to determine the circadian profile of cortisol secretion. Additionally, participants underwent a mental stress challenge to evaluate cortisol responses before and after the Qi-gong training.
Results
The study found that Qi-gong training significantly reduced basal cortisol secretion across the day, particularly in the morning. The overall daily cortisol output was also significantly lower after the training period. In participants who responded to the stressor at T0 (those with a baseline-to-peak increment greater than 1.5 nmol/l), cortisol responses to cognitive challenges were markedly blunted after Qi-gong training. The reduction in cortisol levels suggests improved regulation of the HPA axis. Additionally, there was a decreasing trend in PSS-10 scores, indicating a reduction in perceived stress, although the difference was not statistically significant for the entire sample.
Discussion
The findings indicate that Qi-gong practice can lead to better control over HPA axis activity, as evidenced by reduced cortisol levels both during the day and in response to acute mental stress. The observed decrease in cortisol suggests an improved ability to adapt to stress, which is essential for promoting successful aging and positive health outcomes. The results align with previous studies that reported reduced stress-related symptoms and enhanced physical well-being in older adults practicing Qi-gong. However, this study is one of the first to specifically show that Qi-gong can attenuate the psychobiological response to acute mental stress in an older population.
Limitations
The study's limitations include its non-randomized, uncontrolled design and the relatively small sample size, which limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions. The absence of a control group makes it challenging to attribute the observed effects solely to Qi-gong practice. Additionally, since the sample consisted of healthy older adults, the findings may not be generalizable to those with chronic health conditions.
Conclusion
The study suggests that Qi-gong practice can effectively reduce basal and stress-elicited cortisol secretion in healthy older adults, reflecting enhanced control over the HPA axis and potentially contributing to successful aging and stress adaptation. These results support the inclusion of Qi-gong training programs for older populations to promote health and well-being.
Reference
Ponzio, E., Sotte, L., D’Errico, M. M., Berti, S., Barbadoro, P., Prospero, E., & Minelli, A. (2015). Qi-gong training reduces basal and stress-elicited cortisol secretion in healthy older adults. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 8(1), e1-e8
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