Differences in acute physiological response to a Qigong exercise among middle-aged adults with varying durations of Qigong practice

TL;DR

This study shows that middle-aged adults who practice Qigong for longer periods have better heart rate variability and breathing patterns during and after exercise compared to those with less experience.

Contribution

The study identifies acute physiological differences in Qigong practice based on experience duration, focusing on heart rate variability and breathing.

Findings

Experienced Qigong practitioners showed significantly higher RMSSD during recovery, indicating better autonomic regulation.

Experienced participants exhibited deeper abdominal breathing during exercise and slower thoracic breathing during recovery.

Longer Qigong practice is associated with improved HRV and breathing adjustments, possibly due to mental focus and relaxation.

Abstract

Qigong combines physical movement, breath control, and mental focus, offering potential benefits for healthy aging. Since physiological decline begins in midlife, this stage is critical for preventive intervention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in acute physiological responses, including autonomic (heart rate variability) and respiratory indicators, during a single session of combined Yijinjing and Liuzijue Qigong in middle-aged adults with varying durations of practice experience (≥4 years vs. ≤6 months).

Forty adults aged 40 to 59 were included and divided into two groups based on Qigong exercise experience: an experienced group (n = 20) with ≥4 years of practice, and an inexperienced group (n = 20) with <6 months. All participants performed 20 min of fitness Qigong, following prerecorded tapes to standardize pace and posture sequence. Heart rate variability (HRV) and respiration were measured using the Biofeedback 2000x-pert system before, during, and after the session.

Significant Group × Time interactions were found for SDNN (F = 5.58, p = 0.012), RMSSD (F = 20.52, p < 0.001) and LF (F = 5.47, p = 0.025). Between-group comparisons indicated that experienced group had slightly higher SDNN at rest (p = 0.039) and significantly higher RMSSD during the recovery phase (p < 0.001); no other between-group differences emerged at other phases. There was a significant Group × Time interaction for abdominal breathing depth (F = 3.911, p = 0.024) and thoracic breathing frequency (F = 4.956, p = 0.016). Between-group comparisons revealed deeper abdominal breathing during exercise and slower thoracic breathing during recovery in the experienced group.

Middle-aged adults with prolonged practice of Qigong exercise have improved HRV compared to those in the inexperienced group, and these improvements may be achieved through a combination of breathing adjustments with mental focus and relaxation.

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