Exploring the effects of Daoist standing meditation on well-being

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.