Identification of relaxation in different qigong exercises by the measurement of heart rate variability (HRV)

Introduction: The effects of qigong are changes in concentration and relaxation, following a dual principle, which will be demonstrated by measurement of heart rate variability (HRV). Methods: HRV was measured in 4 female qigong teachers and 17 quigong practitioners (12 women and 5 men, mean age 47,9 years, SD 9,4 yrs), employing an ECG recorder (HeartMan (R), Heart Balance Corp., Vienna). The sessions comprised exercises of daoistic qigong (n = 10) or chan mi gong (n = 11) and lasted for one to three hours. Results: In different persons our HRV measurements showed identical phases of concentration and relaxation during the exercises as well as during intervals. While attentively listening to instructions as well as during Intervals all participants showed emotional and mental tension. Conclusions: In this study, inter-individual differences of relaxation could be demonstrated by HRV measurements In various subjects. Superior "competence" in Qigong did not matter. In fact specific qigong exercises may be applied as targeted tools for individual relaxation and as therapeutic options as well.