Mind the Motion: Feasibility and Effects of a Qigong Intervention on Interoception and Well-Being in Young Adults.
Rebecca Ciacchini, Alessandro Lazzarelli, Giorgia Papini, Aleandra Viti, Francesca Scafuto, Graziella Orrù, Angelo Gemignani, Ciro Conversano
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) January 13, 2026 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare14020202 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA 12-week Qigong program for Italian university students was feasible and associated with improvements in mental health and well-being. Of 332 enrolled undergraduates, 114 completed the intervention, which combined static and dynamic Neidan Qigong exercises. Self-report measures showed consistent improvements across mindfulness, interoceptive ability, perceived stress, depression, anxiety, emotion regulation, alexithymia, and sleep quality. The findings are preliminary and uncontrolled, so further research with rigorous designs is needed to confirm stability over time and clarify the role of spontaneous movement.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Exploratory study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 332 |
| Population | Undergraduate students at an Italian university |
| Intervention | Qigong |
| Duration | 12-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Qigong Emotion regulation Interoception Mind-body interventions |
| Key finding | A structured Qigong intervention was feasible in a university setting and associated with improvements across multiple psychological domains, including mindfulness, interoceptive ability, and emotional well-being. |
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The present exploratory study evaluates the feasibility and psychological effects of a structured Qigong intervention implemented in an Italian university setting. Qigong is a traditional Chinese mind-body practice combining gentle movements, breathwork, and mindful attention, aimed at enhancing mind-body integration and interoceptive awareness. Methods: A total of 332 undergraduate students voluntarily enrolled in a 12-week Qigong program. The intervention was based on Neidan Qigong and integrated both static and dynamic exercises. Psychological functioning was assessed through several self-report measures evaluating a range of constructs, including mindfulness (FFMQ), interoceptive ability (MAIA), perceived stress (PSS), depression, anxiety, and stress (BDI; DASS-21; STAI Y), emotion regulation (DERS), alexithymia (TAS), and sleep quality (PSQI). Results: A total of 114 students completed the intervention. The protocol was well received by participants and demonstrated high feasibility in the academic context, with good attendance rates and overall engagement. Preliminary findings indicate consistent improvements across several psychological domains. Conclusions: The results suggest that Qigong may be associated with improvements in mental health and well-being in young adults and may represent a promising, low-cost intervention. The findings should be interpreted as preliminary. Further research using controlled and methodologically rigorous designs is needed to assess the stability of these effects over time, incorporate physiological measures, and clarify the specific therapeutic contribution of spontaneous movement within Qigong practice.