This study is designed as a two-group parallel randomized controlled trial (N=50) to test effects of 8-weeks of Qigong/Tai Chi (QTC) intervention compared to QTC plus HRVB on HRV parameters (primary), and cardiometabolic risk factors and sequelae (secondary) (e.g., BMI, waist circumference/percent body fat, sleep quality, stress, anxiety/depression, emotional regulation, eating behaviors, and cognitive performance).
Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) will be investigated as a target to optimize Qigong/Tai Chi (QTC) practices based on the expectation that learning to, and practicing changing heart rate variability (HRV) using HRVB, in addition to QTC, will result in higher levels of HRV and coherence than just the QTC alone. This study is designed as a two-group parallel randomized controlled trial to test effects of QTC compared to QTC plus HRVB on HRV parameters (primary), and cardiometabolic risk factors and sequelae (secondary). Fifty participants will be recruited and randomized to one of these groups and receive daily text prompts for 8 weeks to practice (using video links) Tai Chi Easy for 10-30 minutes (length of practice, the participants' choice). Half of the participants randomized to the HRVB enhancement will also be coached to practice HRVB to achieve coherence in their heart beat rhythms prior to practice (QTC plus HRVB group). Data collection at baseline and post intervention will assess body mass index (BMI, waist circumference/percent body fat, sleep quality, stress, eating behaviors, emotion regulation, mood (depression and anxiety), cognitive performance and changes in HRV parameters (high frequency power and coherence).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
22
Participants will engage in 8 weeks of gentle movement/mindfulness videos provided in a daily text prompt, asking that this be practices most days of the week. A choice of practice video links will be provided, ranging from 10-30 minutes in length, and later confirmation texts will be employed to document if practiced, and what length was chosen.
Randomized participants will be coached to practice a breathing technique that focuses attention on the sensations in the heart area, slowing and deepening the breath, and activating through memory or imagery a positive emotion. This practice is used along with a feedback device that provides information on achievement of the heart rate variability target, "coherence" that represents a neurocardiac state associated with vagal tone, or balance.
Arizona State University
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Vagal Tone
Measured using resting Heart rate variability and computing parameters of high frequency power and coherence. Will be assessed with participants following a videoguide "to measure their heart rate" that helps them set up equipment and account, seated for 5 minutes of interbeat interval capture using the Inner Balance Bluetooth (HeartMath product) software and earlobe heart beat sensor.
Time frame: 8 Weeks
Waist circumference
Waist circumference is measured using tape measure around the waist (after exhale). This is part of the protocol for overall body composition computations using the Marine/Navy protocol.
Time frame: 8 Weeks
Abdominal circumference
Abdominal circumference is measured using tape measure around the abdomen/ This is part of the protocol for overall body composition computations using the Marine/Navy Protocol
Time frame: 8 Weeks
Height
Measured using tape measure to record inches while participant is standing against a wall.
Time frame: 8 Weeks
Weight
Digital scales measurement is used to record weight in pounds.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10)
Questionnaire about the amount of stress participants are experiencing daily use includes 10 items with a 0-4 response format. Total scores range from 0-40 with higher scores indicating more perceived stress.
Time frame: 8 Weeks
Sleep (Insomnia Severity Index)
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Questionnaire about the sleeping habits of participants includes 7 items with response format of 0-4. Total scores range from 0 to 28 with higher scores indicating more severe insomnia: 0-7 = No clinically significant insomnia 8-14 = Subthreshold insomnia 15-21 = Clinical insomnia (moderate severity) 22-28 = Clinical insomnia (severe)
Time frame: 8 Weeks
Depression (Profile of Mood States subscale)
Questionnaire includes a 6-item subscale rating level of depression. Participants respond to a single word item by marking a response scale of 0 to 4, with totals ranging from 0-24. Higher scores indicate higher experience of depression.
Time frame: 8 Weeks
Anxiety (Profile of Mood States subscale)
Questionnaire includes a 6-item subscale rating level of anxiety. Participants respond to a single word item by marking a response scale of 0 to 4, with totals ranging from 0-24. Higher scores indicate higher experience of Anxiety.
Time frame: 8 Weeks
Emotion regulation (Emotion Regulation Questionnaire)
Questionnaire about the emotional regulation of the participants includes 10 items describing ways of regulating emotion with response options from 1-7. Total scores range from 10-70 with higher scores indicating more emotion regulation patterns.
Time frame: 8 Weeks
Eating Behaviors (Three Factor Eating Questionnaire)
Questionnaire about the typical eating habits of the participants related to various states of mind or emotions; includes 21 items scored 1-4; total scores range from 21 to 84 with higher scores indicating more controlled/managed and less emotional eating behaviors.
Time frame: 8 Weeks
Awareness (one subscale of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire)
The Awareness subscale of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire including 7 items about degree of attention while eating; response format 1-4 (with total score range 7-28) shows higher scores representing more awareness/mindfulness in eating behavior.
Time frame: 8 Weeks
Cognitive Performance (Weschler Adult Intelligence Scales -III, letter number sequencing and forward backward digit span tests)
The Letter-number sequencing, and forward backward digit span tests of the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) III will be administered to study participants to examine cognitive performance. Sets of letters and sets of numbers are read to the participant iteratively; after each set is read, the participant is to repeat back according to instructions to repeat or to repeat in backward order. The first sets are smaller numbers of presented items, increasing with each set of presentations, and are continued until the participant fails a full set. higher scores indicate better cognitive performance. Scores are based on a score of 1 per presented item completed correctly until failure, range 0-51(30 for digits forward/backward and 21 for letter number sequencing).
Time frame: 8 Weeks