Effects of Qi-training on anxiety and plasma concentrations of cortisol, ACTH, and aldosterone: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study

The effects of Qi‐training on anxiety, and plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and aldosterone in healthy young men was investigated. Thirty‐two subjects were randomly assigned to a sham control group or a Qi‐training group. Although the basal level of anxiety did not differ between the groups, there was a significant group by time interaction of the 1‐hour intervention; anxiety decreased by 26 per cent in the Qi‐training group and by 9 per cent in the control group. After Qi‐training, the plasma concentrations of ACTH, cortisol, and aldosterone decreased, but these levels did not change in the control group. These findings suggest that Qi‐training improves anxiety and has a significant effect on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.