ABSTRACT
The effects of Qi Gong health maintenance exercises were compared with a control group of walkers considered to have an equivalent amount of exercise, by measuring the changes in the pulse, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and peripheral circulation.<br>Although no significant differences were seen in either the pulse or blood pressure of the control group of walkers when the before and after exercise values were compared, in the Qi Gong group, a decrease in these values was seen over time, with significant decreases from the pre-exercise values indicated in all values 30 minutes after exercise. This is consistent with the findings in a previous report that there was a significant reduction in catecholamine in the Qi Gong group 30 minutes after performing Qi Gong exercises.<br>When the flow rate of the peripheral circulation was measured using Doppler ultrasound equipment, in comparison with the lack of notable change over time seen in the control group, a significant improvement in the peripheral circulation was suggested for the Qi Gong group when the pre- and post- exercise values were compared. It has also been suggested that Qi Gong health maintenance exercises lower stress hormones and act to improve the peripheral blood circulation; a discussion of which is also included in this paper.
ABSTRACT
The levels of stress-related hormones in the blood were measured before and after doing Qi Gong health-maintenance exercises, and a control group of walkers with a similar level of movement selected for the basis of a comparative study. The adrenaline, noradrenaline and growth hormone responses of the Qi Gong group were compared with the pre-exercise values. Although no significant difference was observed immediately after exercise, there was a significant drop in all values 30 minutes after exercising. Similar changes in the blood cortisol were noted in the Qi Gong group and walker group. Compared with the pre-exercise value, both group exhibited significant reduction in blood cortisol both immediately following exercise and 30 minutes after exercise, with the lowest value occurring 30 minutes after exercise. In contrast to the increase in stress-related hormones typical after light exercise that was seen in the walker group, the significant reduction response seen in the stress-related hormones of the Qi Gong group with the similar amount of movement was seen as unusual. This suggested that Qi Gong may be a positive means of stress-reduction and a useful health-maintenance method in today's stressful society.