Impact of qigong exercise on self-efficacy and other cognitive perceptual variables in patients with essential hypertension

Author: Lee MS//Lim HJ//Lee MS
Affiliation: Department of Nursing, Mokpo Catholic University, Mokpo, Republic of Korea
Conference/Journal: J Altern Complement Med
Date published: 2004
Other: Volume ID: 10 , Issue ID: 4 , Pages: 675-80 , Word Count: 122


OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of practicing qigong on middle-age subjects with essential hypertension. Impacts on blood pressure, reported self-efficacy, perceived benefit, and emotion were observed. DESIGN: Thirty-six (36) adult volunteers were assigned to either a waiting list control or a qigong group that practiced two 30-minute qigong programs per week over 8 consecutive weeks. RESULTS: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly reduced in members of the qigong group after 8 weeks of exercise. Significant improvements in self-efficacy and other cognitive perceptual efficacy variables were also documented in the qigong group compared to the original situation described above. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrates the positive effects of practicing qigong on controlling blood pressure and enhancing perceptions of self-efficacy.