Shaolin Dan Tian Breathing Fosters Relaxed and Attentive Mind

Phase 1

• Conditions: Attention; Electroencephalography
• Interventions: Behavioral: Dan Tian Breathing; Behavioral: Progressive muscle training

• Registration Number: NCT00988702
• Lead Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Brief Summary

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

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.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2008-10
• Primary Completion: 2009-03
• Study First Submitted: 2009-09-30
• Status Verified: 2009-10
• Study First Submitted QC: 2009-10-01
• Last Update Submitted: 2009-10-01
• Study First Posted: 2009-10-02
• Last Update Posted: 2009-10-02
• Study Completion: 2010-12

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 100

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.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Dan Tian Breathing	Dan Tian Breathing	subjects received one-month's training on the Dan Tian Breathing
Progressive muscle relaxation training	Progressive muscle training	Subjects received one-month's conventional progressive muscle relaxation training

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Quantitative electroencephalography	Before and after one month's training

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Bio-physiological measures	Before and after one month's training