University StudentsNCT07178275
The Effects of Qigong Exercises on Acute Anxiety, Mood, and Reaction Time Among Occupational Therapy Students
A study testing Baduanjin Qigong and Passive Rest in people with University Students, run by Medipol University.
Trial summary
The goal of this study is to examine the short-term effects of a single session of Baduanjin Qigong, a traditional mind-body exercise, on anxiety, mood, and reaction time in young adults studying occupational therapy. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 25 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- University Students
- What is being tested?
- Baduanjin Qigong and Passive Rest
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 50 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 1 Dec 2025to 12 Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 25 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age between 18-25 years
- Being an undergraduate occupational therapy student at Medipol University
- No history of chronic disease, psychiatric diagnosis, or condition preventing participation in physical exercise
- No prior regular participation in Qigong, yoga, or similar mind-body practices
- Voluntary participation and provision of informed consent
Who cannot join
- Use of antidepressant or psychotropic medication
- Acute pain, infection, or chronic cardiorespiratory disease
- Inability to complete computer-based visual reaction time testing
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: The Effects of Qigong Exercises on Acute Anxiety, Mood, and Reaction Time Among Occupational Therapy Students: A Double-Blind, Crossover-Controlled Intervention Study
The goal of this study is to examine the short-term effects of a single session of Baduanjin Qigong, a traditional mind-body exercise, on anxiety, mood, and reaction time in young adults studying occupational therapy. Baduanjin is a gentle form of Qigong that combines slow and rhythmic movements, breathing awareness, and mental focus. It has been practiced for centuries in China and has recently gained attention worldwide as a complementary therapy for improving mental, physical, and cognitive health.
University students are an important group to study because they often experience high levels of stress due to academic pressure, economic uncertainty, social expectations, and concerns about the future. These factors can increase vulnerability to problems such as anxiety, depression, attention difficulties, and sleep problems. While many studies have explored long-term non-drug interventions, there are still very few trials investigating immediate, short-term benefits of Qigong in young adult populations.
Read more
Previous research has shown that Baduanjin Qigong can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also improving mood and physical health. For example, studies with college students have reported reductions in anxiety and depression, improvements in body mass index, lung function, and overall well-being after regular Baduanjin practice. Meta-analyses suggest that Baduanjin is especially effective in lowering stress compared to other traditional exercises. Some studies even found that just one 60-minute Qigong session can significantly reduce anxiety and improve mood, as measured by standard psychological tools. These findings suggest that Qigong can work not only as a long-term therapy but also as a rapid relief method in stressful situations.
In Turkey, most Qigong studies have focused on older adults or patient groups, showing benefits such as improved balance, reduced risk of falls, and better sleep quality. However, there are almost no experimental studies on the acute (short-term) psychological and cognitive effects of Qigong in young adults. This study aims to fill that gap.
What will happen in this study?
The study will recruit occupational therapy students.
Each participant will attend a single 60-minute Baduanjin session.
The design is double-blind, randomized, and crossover, which means that participants and evaluators will not know which condition they are assigned to, and each participant will experience both the Qigong session and a control condition on different days.
A short "wash-out" period will separate the sessions to ensure accurate results.
What will be measured?
Participants' anxiety, mood, and reaction time will be tested before and after the Qigong session.
Anxiety will be measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y1).
Mood will be measured using the Profile of Mood States (POMS).
Reaction time will be measured using a computerized test.
Why is this important?
This study will help us understand whether a single Qigong session can provide immediate psychological relief and improve mental focus for university students. If effective, Qigong could be considered a simple, low-cost, and accessible complementary practice to support student well-being in academic and daily life. The findings may also contribute to future health promotion programs targeting young adults.
- Conditions
- University Students
- Being tested
- Baduanjin Qigong, Passive Rest
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Baduanjin QigongBehavioural
A standardized 60-minute Baduanjin Qigong protocol (15 minutes of breathing-focused warm-up, eight movements each lasting 5 minutes, and 10 minutes of breathing-focused closing). The sessions will be conducted by a licensed occupational therapist certified in Qigong.
Passive RestBehavioural
Passive rest refers to a condition in which participants remain seated or lying quietly in a calm environment for a specified period of time, without engaging in any structured physical activity, therapeutic exercise, or cognitive tasks. During this period, external stimuli such as phone use, electronic devices, or reading materials are restricted in order to minimize distraction. The purpose of the passive rest condition is to provide a neutral control state that accounts for the passage of time and environmental factors, allowing valid comparison with the active intervention
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Qigong, Then Resting | Experimental | Participants first will receive a 60-minute Baduanjin Qigong session led by a licensed occupational therapist certified in Qigong. Qigong session will include gentle physical movements, controlled breathing, and meditative focus, performed in a quiet room under supervision. After a washout period of 1-day, participants will experience resting. In the resting time participants will undergo 60 minutes of passive rest in a quiet room. The use of phones, electronic devices, or any distracting materials will not be permitted. Receives: Behavioral: Baduanjin Qigong; Behavioral: Passive Rest |
| Resting, Then Qigong | Experimental | Participants first will undergo 60 minutes of passive rest in a quiet room. The use of phones, electronic devices, or any distracting materials will not be permitted. After a washout period of 1-day, participants will experience a 60-minute Baduanjin Qigong session led by a licensed occupational therapist certified in Qigong. The Qigong session will include gentle physical movements, controlled breathing, and meditative focus, performed in a quiet room under supervision. Receives: Behavioral: Baduanjin Qigong; Behavioral: Passive Rest |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
State Anxiety (STAI-Y1)
State anxiety (STAI-Y1) will be assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, a validated self-report questionnaire. STAI-Y-1 scores range from 0 to 80 and higher scores are indicative of higher levels of state-anxiety
Measured: Both at the start and end of all interventions within one hour
Secondary outcomes (1)
Mood Profile (POMS)
Mood states will be measured using the Profile of Mood States (POMS), a standardized psychometric instrument. The Mood Scale is developed to assess short-term mood changes and consists of 65 words and 6 subscales. It is used to determine how participants feel before starting the test.
Each individual rates the emotion/mood they experience on a Likert scale ranging from 1 ("not at all") to 5 ("extremely"). These 65 words correspond to six subscales: tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, vigor-activity, fatigue-inertia, and confusion-bewilderment.
Measured: Both at the start and end of all interventions within one hour
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted17 Sep 2025
- Study start1 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion12 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (7)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for University StudentsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Medipol UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- This study is designed as a randomized crossover study. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups, defined as Group A and Group B. Following baseline assessments, Group A will receive a 60-minute Qigong intervention, while Group B will not receive any intervention and will remain in a resting condition. At the end of this first phase, outcome measures will be collected from both groups. After a one-day washout period to minimize potential carry-over effects, the groups will cross over. In the second phase, Group A will serve as the control with no intervention, while Group B will participate in the 60-minute Qigong session. Outcome measures will again be collected from both groups immediately following this phase.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Medipol University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Hulya YAMAN, Medipol University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07178275
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- E-10840098-202.3.02-4431
- Status last verified
- Sep 2025
- First submitted
- 25 Aug 2025
- Last updated
- 17 Sep 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Kim E, Lee JE, Sohn M. The Application of One-Hour Static Qigong Program to Decrease Needle Pain of Korean Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Crossover Design. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017 Oct;22(4):897-901. doi: 10.1177/2156587217722473. Epub 2017 Aug 4.
PubMed 28776413Alkhatib A, Alshikh Ahmad H, Zhang C, Peng W, Li X. Impact of traditional Chinese Baduanjin exercise on menstrual health among international female students studying in China: a randomized controlled trial. Front Public Health. 2024 Feb 7;12:1259634. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1259634. eCollection 2024.
PubMed 38384881Luo X, Zhao M, Zhang Y, Zhang Y. Effects of baduanjin exercise on blood glucose, depression and anxiety among patients with type II diabetes and emotional disorders: A meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2023 Feb;50:101702. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101702. Epub 2022 Nov 8.
PubMed 36423358Song J, Liu ZZ, Huang J, Wu JS, Tao J. Effects of aerobic exercise, traditional Chinese exercises, and meditation on depressive symptoms of college student: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2021 Jan 8;100(1):e23819. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000023819.
PubMed 33429742Rodrigues, D. F., Rosa, F. T., Lima, R. A., Oliveira, M. C., & Oliveira, D. V. (2021). Assessment of Qigong effects on anxiety of high school students: A randomized controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 43, 101348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101348
Wang X, Wu J, Ye M, Wang L, Zheng G. Effect of Baduanjin exercise on the cognitive function of middle-aged and older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2021 Jun;59:102727. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102727. Epub 2021 Apr 30.
PubMed 33933577Liu X, Li R, Cui J, Liu F, Smith L, Chen X, Zhang D. The Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong Exercise on Psychological Status in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Psychol. 2021 Nov 24;12:746975. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.746975. eCollection 2021.
PubMed 34899487
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 17 Sep 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effects of Qigong Exercises on Acute Anxiety, Mood, and Reaction Time Among Occupational Therapy Students: A Double-Blind, Crossover-Controlled Intervention Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07178275
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- E-10840098-202.3.02-4431
- Conditions
- University Students
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Medipol UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 12 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 17 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this study is to examine the short-term effects of a single session of Baduanjin Qigong, a traditional mind-body exercise, on anxiety, mood, and reaction time in young adults studying occupational therapy. Baduanjin is a gentle form of Qigong that combines slow and rhythmic movements, breathing awareness, and mental focus. It has been practiced for centuries in China and has recently gained attention worldwide as a complementary therapy for improving mental, physical, and cognitive health.
University students are an important group to study because they often experience high levels of stress due to academic pressure, economic uncertainty, social expectations, and concerns about the future. These factors can increase vulnerability to problems such as anxiety, depression, attention difficulties, and sleep problems. While many studies have explored long-term non-drug interventions, there are still very few trials investigating immediate, short-term benefits of Qigong in young adult populations.
Previous research has shown that Baduanjin Qigong can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also improving mood and physical health. For example, studies with college students have reported reductions in anxiety and depression, improvements in body mass index, lung function, and overall well-being after regular Baduanjin practice. Meta-analyses suggest that Baduanjin is especially effective in lowering stress compared to other traditional exercises. Some studies even found that just one 60-minute Qigong session can significantly reduce anxiety and improve mood, as measured by standard psychological tools. These findings suggest that Qigong can work not only as a long-term therapy but also as a rapid relief method in stressful situations.
In Turkey, most Qigong studies have focused on older adults or patient groups, showing benefits such as improved balance, reduced risk of falls, and better sleep quality. However, there are almost no experimental studies on the acute (short-term) psychological and cognitive effects of Qigong in young adults. This study aims to fill that gap.
What will happen in this study?
The study will recruit occupational therapy students.
Each participant will attend a single 60-minute Baduanjin session.
The design is double-blind, randomized, and crossover, which means that participants and evaluators will not know which condition they are assigned to, and each participant will experience both the Qigong session and a control condition on different days.
A short "wash-out" period will separate the sessions to ensure accurate results.
What will be measured?
Participants' anxiety, mood, and reaction time will be tested before and after the Qigong session.
Anxiety will be measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y1).
Mood will be measured using the Profile of Mood States (POMS).
Reaction time will be measured using a computerized test.
Why is this important?
This study will help us understand whether a single Qigong session can provide immediate psychological relief and improve mental focus for university students. If effective, Qigong could be considered a simple, low-cost, and accessible complementary practice to support student well-being in academic and daily life. The findings may also contribute to future health promotion programs targeting young adults.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study is designed as a randomized crossover study. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups, defined as Group A and Group B. Following baseline assessments, Group A will receive a 60-minute Qigong intervention, while Group B will not receive any intervention and will remain in a resting condition. At the end of this first phase, outcome measures will be collected from both groups. After a one-day washout period to minimize potential carry-over effects, the groups will cross over. In the second phase, Group A will serve as the control with no intervention, while Group B will participate in the 60-minute Qigong session. Outcome measures will again be collected from both groups immediately following this phase.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Qigong, Then Resting | Experimental | Behavioral: Baduanjin Qigong, Behavioral: Passive RestParticipants first will receive a 60-minute Baduanjin Qigong session led by a licensed occupational therapist certified in Qigong. Qigong session will include gentle physical movements, controlled breathing, and meditative focus, performed in a quiet room under supervision. After a washout period of 1-day, participants will experience resting. In the resting time participants will undergo 60 minutes of passive rest in a quiet room. The use of phones, electronic devices, or any distracting materials will not be permitted. |
| Resting, Then Qigong | Experimental | Behavioral: Baduanjin Qigong, Behavioral: Passive RestParticipants first will undergo 60 minutes of passive rest in a quiet room. The use of phones, electronic devices, or any distracting materials will not be permitted. After a washout period of 1-day, participants will experience a 60-minute Baduanjin Qigong session led by a licensed occupational therapist certified in Qigong. The Qigong session will include gentle physical movements, controlled breathing, and meditative focus, performed in a quiet room under supervision. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Age between 18-25 years
- Being an undergraduate occupational therapy student at Medipol University
- No history of chronic disease, psychiatric diagnosis, or condition preventing participation in physical exercise
- No prior regular participation in Qigong, yoga, or similar mind-body practices
- Voluntary participation and provision of informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Use of antidepressant or psychotropic medication
- Acute pain, infection, or chronic cardiorespiratory disease
- Inability to complete computer-based visual reaction time testing
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Baduanjin QigongA standardized 60-minute Baduanjin Qigong protocol (15 minutes of breathing-focused warm-up, eight movements each lasting 5 minutes, and 10 minutes of breathing-focused closing). The sessions will be conducted by a licensed occupational therapist certified in Qigong. | Behavioural | Qigong, Then Resting, Resting, Then Qigong |
| Passive RestPassive rest refers to a condition in which participants remain seated or lying quietly in a calm environment for a specified period of time, without engaging in any structured physical activity, therapeutic exercise, or cognitive tasks. During this period, external stimuli such as phone use, electronic devices, or reading materials are restricted in order to minimize distraction. The purpose of the passive rest condition is to provide a neutral control state that accounts for the passage of time and environmental factors, allowing valid comparison with the active intervention | Behavioural | Qigong, Then Resting, Resting, Then Qigong |
Primary outcome
State Anxiety (STAI-Y1)
Time frame: Both at the start and end of all interventions within one hour
State anxiety (STAI-Y1) will be assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, a validated self-report questionnaire. STAI-Y-1 scores range from 0 to 80 and higher scores are indicative of higher levels of state-anxiety
1 secondary outcome
Mood Profile (POMS)
Time frame: Both at the start and end of all interventions within one hour
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 17 Sep 2025.
- Background: PubMed 28776413Kim E, Lee JE, Sohn M. The Application of One-Hour Static Qigong Program to Decrease Needle Pain of Korean Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Crossover Design. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017 Oct;22(4):897-901. doi: 10.1177/2156587217722473. Epub 2017 Aug 4.
- Background: PubMed 38384881Alkhatib A, Alshikh Ahmad H, Zhang C, Peng W, Li X. Impact of traditional Chinese Baduanjin exercise on menstrual health among international female students studying in China: a randomized controlled trial. Front Public Health. 2024 Feb 7;12:1259634. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1259634. eCollection 2024.
- Background: PubMed 36423358Luo X, Zhao M, Zhang Y, Zhang Y. Effects of baduanjin exercise on blood glucose, depression and anxiety among patients with type II diabetes and emotional disorders: A meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2023 Feb;50:101702. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101702. Epub 2022 Nov 8.
- Background: PubMed 33429742Song J, Liu ZZ, Huang J, Wu JS, Tao J. Effects of aerobic exercise, traditional Chinese exercises, and meditation on depressive symptoms of college student: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2021 Jan 8;100(1):e23819. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000023819.
- BackgroundRodrigues, D. F., Rosa, F. T., Lima, R. A., Oliveira, M. C., & Oliveira, D. V. (2021). Assessment of Qigong effects on anxiety of high school students: A randomized controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 43, 101348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101348
- Background: PubMed 33933577Wang X, Wu J, Ye M, Wang L, Zheng G. Effect of Baduanjin exercise on the cognitive function of middle-aged and older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2021 Jun;59:102727. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102727. Epub 2021 Apr 30.
- Background: PubMed 34899487Liu X, Li R, Cui J, Liu F, Smith L, Chen X, Zhang D. The Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong Exercise on Psychological Status in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Psychol. 2021 Nov 24;12:746975. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.746975. eCollection 2021.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Baduanjin Qigong and Passive Rest in people with University Students, run by Medipol University.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 17 Sep 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact HÜLYA YAMAN, Master's degree (+905419775047, ergoterapisthulya@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
State Anxiety (STAI-Y1) (time frame: Both at the start and end of all interventions within one hour). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07178275, which also lists 7 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 17 Sep 2025.