Effects of Qigong exercise on muscle strengths and oxidative stress/antioxidant responses in young sedentary females: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Regular exercise is associated with the production of small amounts of oxidative stress which might promote individual antioxidant capacity contributing to favorable training effects potentially interrelated with skeletal muscle strength. Therefore, the present study was aimed at evaluating effects of an 8-week Qigong exercise training on muscle strengths associated with responses of oxidative stress and antioxidants in young sedentary females. A total of 41 sedentary women were allocated to the Qigong exercise group (QG, N= 20) or to the control group (CG, N= 21). After 8 weeks of Qigong training, back and leg strength was significantly improved compared to baseline and the CG (P< 0.05). Plasma oxidative stress levels were reduced and total antioxidant capacity was enhanced in the QG compared to the CG (P< 0.05). Correlation analyses revealed that improvements in muscle strength (including both groups) were associated with changes in the levels of oxidative stress (reduction) and antioxidants (elevation). The presented findings indicate that strength training effects seem at least partly to be interrelated with alterations of the oxidant-antioxidant balance generated by the 8-week Qigong training in young sedentary females.

Effect of Physical Activities Training and Massages on the Physical Fitness of Elderly People

“…In addition, Tai Chi and Qi Gong Training found that the elderly had better social interactions and had better mental health (Chan et al, 2017). The favorable of Qigong training on strengths are consistent with previous studies demonstrating significant improvements of knee extension strength after Tai Chi training in elderly subjects (Song et al, 2014;Klarod et al, 2020). Therefore that the elderly should be able to have the activities of their own choice, and they should not be too heavy or arduous, and they should be easy for them to practice (Khoo et al, 2014;Krabuanrat & Supaporn, 2014;.…”

The Relationship between Physical Fitness and Cognitive Functions in Older People: A Systematic Review

“…The first two studies adopted meditative training (Poi, Tai Chi, and 4-movement Qigong), and the last used a machine-based exercise. We considered meditative training in the muscle strength category because of its relationship to strength development [85,86]. Improvements in CFs were verified in the study by Inoue, Kobayashi, Mori, Sakagawa, Xiao, Moritani, Sakane, and Nagai [39], who used a resistance program combining latex bands, squats, and Tai Chi.…”

Qigong in the care of breast cancer survivors with diabetes

“…A recent quasi-experimental research study found that oxidative stress biomarkers (indicators of inflammation) decreased in participants who engaged in an 8-week Qigong exercise program. 17 Oh and colleagues conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the role of Qigong in inflammation in cancer survivors. They found that Qigong significantly decreased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (a common biomarker of inflammation) in cancer survivors (32.4% were BC survivors).…”