Biochemical changes after a qigong program: lipids, serum enzymes, urea, and creatinine in healthy subjects.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of a qigong training program on blood biochemical parameters.


METHODS
Twenty-nine healthy subjects participated in the study of whom 16 were randomly assigned to the experimental group and 13 to the control. The experimental subjects underwent daily qigong training for one month. Blood samples for the quantification of biochemical parameters (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, phospholipids, GOT, GPT, GGT, urea, creatinine) were taken before and after the training program. As statistical analysis, ANCOVA was performed.


RESULTS
Statistically significant differences were found showing that the experimental group had lower serum levels of GOT (glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase), GPT (glutamic-pyruvic transaminase), and urea and that there was a trend towards significance in GGT (gamma-glutamyltransferase).


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that after practicing qigong for the short period of one month, noteworthy changes in several blood biochemical parameters were induced. While it is tempting to speculate on the relevance and implications of these biochemical variations, further investigation is needed to elucidate the scope of these findings.
Department of Psychobiology and Methodology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Malaga, Campus de Teatinos, Malaga, Spain. pvera@uma.es
Francisca M
FM
Vera
Juan M
JM
Manzaneque
Enrique F
EF
Maldonado
Gabriel A
GA
Carranque
Victor M
VM
Cubero
Maria J
MJ
Blanca
Miguel
M
Morell
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D001945:Breathing Exercises; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional; D014508:Urea / Q000097:blood*
D001798:Blood Proteins; D008055:Lipids; D014508:Urea; D003404:Creatinine