A Study on Physiological Changes in Shaolin Internal Qigong

In this study, the biological reactions of the respiro-circulatory system were analyzed in order to clarify the mechanisms of physiological changes during exercises of Shaolin Internal Qigong. The subject was a 55-year old man, who has practiced Shaolin Internal Qigong for over 40 years. During the exercises, his heart rate ranged from 66 to 77% of the maximum heart rate, the oxygen uptake ranged from 31 to 45% of the maximum oxygen uptake, and the ratings of perceived exertion (R.P.E.) ranged from 4 to 6. Increase of lactate acid in the blood, pulmonary ventilation and respiratory efficiency were recognized to compare with their rest values. Blood pressure and breathing frequency did not change. Thus, these exercises improved respiratory efficiency by the maximum isometric muscle contraction while they maintained natural breathing. In addition, Shaolin Internal Qigong was considered to influence the reflex system because it inhibited both blood pressure increase and respiratory rate change which are usually observed during the maximum isometric muscle contraction.