Ignite Creation Date:
2024-10-26 @ 3:38 PM
Last Modification Date:
2024-10-26 @ 3:38 PM
Study NCT ID:
NCT06573034
Status:
NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Last Update Posted:
None
First Post:
2024-08-23
Brief Title:
Daoist Zhanzhuang and Human Flourishing
Sponsor:
None
Organization:
None
Study Overview
Official Title:
Standing Like a Tree Effects and Mechanisms of Daoist Zhanzhuang on Human Flourishing
Status:
NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Status Verified Date:
2024-08
Last Known Status:
None
Delayed Posting:
No
If Stopped, Why?:
Not Stopped
Has Expanded Access:
No
If Expanded Access, NCT#:
N/A
Has Expanded Access, NCT# Status:
N/A
Acronym:
Z-Flo
Brief Summary:
This project investigates the impact of Daoist Zhanzhuang sometimes spelled as Chan Chuang on human flourishing and explores the physiological psychological and spiritual mechanisms This study will be a two-arm randomized controlled trial with mixed-methods and repeated-measures assessment of outcome variables The two arms will include an active control condition ie sham wall squat and the Daoist Zhanzhuang condition Outcome variables will include physiological measures of heart rate variability and inflammatory biomarkers psychological scales of human flourishing variables phenomenological interviews of mystical experiences and daily ecological momentary assessment of human flourishing and mysticism Randomly assigned into two conditions 120 participants will complete a three-week intensive practice phase with 9 in-person sessions followed by a nine-week self-guided practice phase with 4 in-person check-in sessions and 3 follow-up practice and assessment sessions Complete assessment physiological measures psychological scales and phenomenological interviews will be administered at five time points T1 at about two weeks before the intervention T2 at the end of the three-week intensive practice T3 at the end of the 3-month intervention T4 at the 6-month follow-up and T5 at the 12-month follow-up In addition daily ecological momentary assessment of flourishing variables and practice-induced experiences will be administered daily after the practice for the entire 3-month intervention period
Detailed Description:
Zhanzhuang standing like a tree is a standing meditation rooted in Daoism with its earliest form documented on a Chinese silk manuscript called Daoyintu dating back two thousand years By aligning the human body Zhanzhuang promotes the circulation and accumulation of qi fostering enhanced energy health and healing In Daoist theology qi acts as an intermediary connecting physical energy jing and the spirit shen Zhanzhuang serves as a foundational practice that establishes conditions for the convergence of the physical and non-physical aspects of human being One of the greatest Daoist spiritual achievements lies not in transcending the body but in the harmonious integration of body and spirit While many definitions of spirituality emphasize transcendence and non-physicality the study of Zhanzhuang suggests that immanence and embodiment are equally significant in defining spirituality
Data from eight clinical trials demonstrate that Zhanzhuang can improve physical endurance reduce fatigue enhance body awareness and emotional regulation and promote better quality of life However none of the studies included an active control group so it is difficult to dissect the effects from merely extra exercise Overall existing studies have construed Zhanzhuang or more generally qigong as an out-of-the-box alternative behavioral medicine approach without trying to understand why and how it works None have examined its spiritual underpinnings This decontextualized scholarly work can be a disservice to both the Daoist community where Zhanzhuang practice originates and is taught and to the public they serve Zhanzhuang could offer more than being another complementary therapy Among many benefits the practice shows that there is a spiritual aspect that resides within ones physical body and the spirit and the body can join each other to make genuine flourishing possible
In addition to documenting the effects of Zhanzhuang on human flourishing the current study will show why and how Zhanzhuang works Primary hypotheses posit that Zhanzhuang fosters enhanced energy resilience and healing These effects will be evidenced through physiological changes such as increased parasympathetic activity and improved immune functioning as well as psychological responses including elevated vitality enhanced stress coping abilities and overall well-being These effects may be partially attributed to an augmented interoceptive awareness and a deepened psychological insight into previously avoided emotions Furthermore the study explores the potential moderation of these effects by acquired mystical experiences serving as indicators of spiritual progress within the practice of Zhanzhuang Lastly the research will delve into the trajectory of change and within-subject causal processes examining the relationship between mystical experiences and human flourishing over the 3-month practice period through intensive longitudinal measures
Data from eight clinical trials demonstrate that Zhanzhuang can improve physical endurance reduce fatigue enhance body awareness and emotional regulation and promote better quality of life However none of the studies included an active control group so it is difficult to dissect the effects from merely extra exercise Overall existing studies have construed Zhanzhuang or more generally qigong as an out-of-the-box alternative behavioral medicine approach without trying to understand why and how it works None have examined its spiritual underpinnings This decontextualized scholarly work can be a disservice to both the Daoist community where Zhanzhuang practice originates and is taught and to the public they serve Zhanzhuang could offer more than being another complementary therapy Among many benefits the practice shows that there is a spiritual aspect that resides within ones physical body and the spirit and the body can join each other to make genuine flourishing possible
In addition to documenting the effects of Zhanzhuang on human flourishing the current study will show why and how Zhanzhuang works Primary hypotheses posit that Zhanzhuang fosters enhanced energy resilience and healing These effects will be evidenced through physiological changes such as increased parasympathetic activity and improved immune functioning as well as psychological responses including elevated vitality enhanced stress coping abilities and overall well-being These effects may be partially attributed to an augmented interoceptive awareness and a deepened psychological insight into previously avoided emotions Furthermore the study explores the potential moderation of these effects by acquired mystical experiences serving as indicators of spiritual progress within the practice of Zhanzhuang Lastly the research will delve into the trajectory of change and within-subject causal processes examining the relationship between mystical experiences and human flourishing over the 3-month practice period through intensive longitudinal measures
Study Oversight
Has Oversight DMC:
None
Is a FDA Regulated Drug?:
None
Is a FDA Regulated Device?:
None
Is an Unapproved Device?:
None
Is a PPSD?:
None
Is a US Export?:
None
Is an FDA AA801 Violation?:
None