Acute effect of qigong training on stress hormonal levels in man

Am J Chin Med. 1996;24(2):193-8. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X96000256.

Abstract

We observed the acute effects of Qigong training on the levels of human endogenous opioid peptides, such as beta-endorphin, and other stress hormones [adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S)] in a group of ChunDoSunBup Qigong trainees. At pre (-10 min), mid (40 min) and post (70 min) time of training, blood was taken for the determination of plasma level of hormones. The level of beta-endorphin was significantly increased during the mid-time of training while the level of ACTH declined at the mid- and post-time of training. Cortisol and DHEA-S were not significantly changed during training. This result suggests that Qigong training, as a stress coping method, affects and plays a role in hormonal regulation related to the maintenance of homeostasis in man.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood*
  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone / blood*
  • Female
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood*
  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Isotope Labeling
  • Korea
  • Male
  • Physical Fitness*
  • Radioimmunoassay
  • Stress, Physiological / blood*
  • Stress, Physiological / physiopathology
  • Stress, Physiological / prevention & control
  • beta-Endorphin / blood

Substances

  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone
  • beta-Endorphin
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Hydrocortisone