Table 5.
Summary of evidence about biological outcomes.
| Biological Marker | Meaning | Evidence Supporting Qigong Integration |
|---|---|---|
| Cortisol level | Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal activity | NO |
| IL-2 | Inflammation response | Uncertain |
| IL-6 | Inflammation response | Uncertain |
| TNF-a | Inflammation response | Uncertain |
| CRP | Inflammation response | YES * |
| IFN-y | Inflammation response | NO |
| WBC | Immune response | YES |
| RBC, Hb | Erythropoiesis | YES |
| α-Naphthyl butyrate esterase (ANAE) | Immune response | YES |
The table summarizes the evidence in favor or against the effect of Qigong intervention on biological outcomes. YES = most of the evidence supports the effect of Qigong; Uncertain = the evidence is contradictory on the effect of Qi Gong; No = most of the evidence does not support the effect of Qigong. * In Qigong programs longer than 8 weeks.