Shaolin Dan Tian Breathing Fosters Relaxed and Attentive Mind

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The present study aimed to utilize these well-known neuroelectrophysiological techniques to investigate the relatively less studied Shaolin Dan Tian Breathing (DTB) technique.

Detailed Description
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Neuroelectrophysiological studies on various types of meditative breathing revealed its association with either a relaxing (i.e., enhanced alpha asymmetry) or an attentive state (i.e., enhanced intra- and inter-hemispheric theta coherence). The present study aimed to utilize these well-known neuroelectrophysiological techniques to investigate the relatively less studied Shaolin Dan Tian Breathing (DTB) technique. This technique consists of two components -- Passive DTB and Active DTB, and is considered not only as a relaxation exercise but also a form of Qigong. Based upon some pilot neuroimaging data and clinical observation, it was hypothesized that after familiarizing with the method, practicing DTB can induce both relaxing and attentive states. Twenty-two adults received training on the DTB (experimental group) for one month. They were instructed to practice the technique daily, and at each practice, until they felt warm and/or relaxed. Twenty age-, gender- and education-matched adults receiving conventional progressive muscle relaxation training were recruited as control. All participation was voluntary. Quantitative EEG and bio-physiological data were collected at baseline and post training. Eyes-closed resting EEG data before and immediately after each type of breathing were obtained individually at two time points.

Official Title
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Shaolin Dan Tian Breathing Fosters Relaxed and Attentive Mind: A Randomized Controlled Neuroelectrophysiological Study

Conditions
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Attention, Electroencephalography

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Dan Tian Breathing
* Behavioral: Progressive muscle training


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: healthy controls age 20 to 60 years Exclusion Criteria: history of head injury, seizure, stroke, other CNS diseases or psychiatric illnesses of psychosis or mania.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 20 Years
Maximum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Dan Tian Breathing<br>subjects received one-month's training on the Dan Tian Breathing | Behavioral: Dan Tian Breathing<br>* Dan Tian Breathing for one month<br>* Other names: Shaolin;|
| Active Comparator: Progressive muscle relaxation training<br>Subjects received one-month's conventional progressive muscle relaxation training | Behavioral: Progressive muscle training<br>* Progressive muscle training for one month<br>* Other names: relaxation;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Quantitative electroencephalography |  | Before and after one month's training | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bio-physiological measures |  | Before and after one month's training | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Dan Tian Breathing, Physiological measurement, progressive muscle relaxation, Monitoring, Physiologic