Exploring the effects of Daoist standing meditation on well-being
Standing Like a Tree: Effects and Mechanisms of Daoist Zhanzhuang on Human Flourishing
This study is testing whether practicing Daoist standing meditation can improve well-being and reduce stress compared to doing a simple wall squat.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of North Carolina, Charlotte Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Charlotte, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT06573034 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project investigates how Daoist Zhanzhuang, a standing meditation practice, influences human flourishing by examining its physiological, psychological, and spiritual effects. The study employs a two-arm randomized controlled design, comparing the effects of Daoist Zhanzhuang to a sham wall squat. Participants will engage in a three-week intensive practice followed by a nine-week self-guided phase, with various assessments including heart rate variability, inflammatory biomarkers, and psychological scales. The aim is to understand the mechanisms behind the practice and its potential benefits for stress and well-being.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are young adults aged 18 to 25 who experience moderate stress and can commit to the study's duration.
Not a fit: Patients with recent experience in qigong practices or those on medications affecting immune function or heart rate may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into alternative methods for enhancing well-being and managing stress.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes for Zhanzhuang in improving physical and emotional well-being, but this study's active control design is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. young adults aged between 18 and 25 years old when they enroll; 2. be willing and available (e.g., intend to remain in Charlotte or the surrounding area or willing to travel to UNCC campus for in person visits) to participate to 12 month study; 3. able to stand for 30 minutes; 4. scoring above 18 on the Perceived Stress Scale (moderate stress); and 5. able to read, speak and understand English. Exclusion Criteria: 1. experience of qigong-related practice in the past 5 years; 2. reporting regular medication use that directly modulates immune system functioning (e.g., steroids, cytokine inhibitors, high levels of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, chemotherapy, etc.) or sedates the nervous system (e.g., benzodiazepines, anti-epileptics, tranquilizers, etc.) or alters heart rate (e.g., beta blockers, calcium channel blocker, stimulants, etc.); 3. self-reported illicit drug use in the past 3 months or substance dependence over the past month (e.g., alcohol binge drinking 2+ days/week, using tobacco or nicotine products 5+ days/week, cannabis and related products 2+ days/week, etc.); 4. physical impairment that does not allow them to stand for 30 mins (e.g., severe obesity, need wheel-chair or equipment to assist with walking, recent injury that limits standing, etc.), and 5. severe mental health conditions that could prevent regular practice (e.g., hospitalized in the past 12 months for mental health condition).
Where this trial is running
Charlotte, North Carolina
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte — Charlotte, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Zhuo Job Chen, PhD
- Email: job.chen@charlotte.edu
- Phone: 7046877966
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.