Eastern meditation techniques are a common integral part in everyday life as a means to alleviate working stress, and fostering an attentive mind. One main aim is to enable meditation practitioners to lead a more conscientious style of life. Besides Hindu meditation techniques as different styles of Yoga, Buddhist and Taoist meditation such as Qigong experiences an increasing number of practitioners in the Western hemisphere. Qigong comprises several techniques applied in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to strengthen physical and mental health. Qigong is commonly divided into static and dynamic forms. Static forms contain meditational techniques whereas dynamic forms afford bodily movements as a tool to direct practitioners’ attention (Tsang et al., 2002; Shinnick, 2006). Research on meditative Qigong practice demonstrates beneficial effects on health (for an overview see Ng and Tsang, 2009). A beneficial influence of Qigong practice on the cardiovascular system, i.e., on blood pressure (Xu, 1994; Lee et al., 2003; Cheung et al., 2005), and electrocardiographic parameters (Lee et al., 2000, 2003) was investigated. Furthermore, Qigong meditation lead to changes in breathing frequency (Sun, 1988). Positive effects of Qigong practice on mental health could be demonstrated in major depression (Tsang et al., 2003; Wang C.W. et al., 2013; Wang F. et al., 2013; Yeung et al., 2013; Yin and Dishman, 2014; Liu et al., 2015; Martinez et al., 2015), anxiety disorders (Lee et al., 2004a,b; Abbott and Lavretsky, 2013; Chan et al., 2013), post-traumatic disorders (Grodin et al., 2008; Kim et al., 2013), in the burnout syndrome (Stenlund et al., 2009, 2012), and in tinnitus (Biesinger et al., 2010). In several studies, a stress alleviating and relaxing effect in healthy subjects (Lee et al., 2005; Posadzki et al., 2010; Terjestam et al., 2010; Glei et al., 2012; Sousa et al., 2012; Hwang et al., 2013; Shim, 2014; Wang et al., 2014) was shown.

An essential research question is how the beneficial effects of Qigong meditation on physical and mental health are mediated by neurophysiological processes. Several studies applying electroencephalography (EEG) and fMRI demonstrated changes in brain activity induced by Qigong meditation. Most studies report increases in theta and alpha activity after Qigong meditation. The first studies on the effect of Qigong meditation on electrical brain activity reported alpha activity predominantly in the anterior brain regions (Wallace, 1970). More differentiated results of effects of meditational Qigong techniques on EEG activity are shown dependent on expertise level. Shifts in alpha activation were observed from posterior to anterior regions during Qigong meditation (Zhang et al., 1988a,b; Jang et al., 2004; Qin et al., 2009). Yang et al. (1994) obtained effects of Zhanzhuang Qigong on brain activity. After 1 year of practice, the alpha activity of the right frontal and right temporal regions increased significantly. The beta index of the right frontal and right temporal regions decreased significantly. A synchronization of brain activity was shown. The effects did not occur after half a year of regular Qigong meditation practice. Therefore, it was assumed to be a gradually adjusting process.

Psychophysiological states of wakefulness and arousal as measured in terms of activation of particular EEG frequency bands are commonly correlated with distinct self-reported experiences of the Qigong state in regular meditators. Mostly, an increase of alpha activity is related to an experience of relaxation and increased well-being. An increase of EEG frontal theta activity is correlated to a self-report of mindfulness, an attentive state which is one of the main aims to reach in Buddhist meditation techniques (for an overview see Tomasino et al., 2014). How are changes in brain activity induced by Qigong meditation correlated to the reported psychophysiological states of relaxation, attentiveness, and attentional processing? In a recent study, EEG alpha-2 activity in posterior right parietal Brodmann areas 5, 7, 31, and 40 during Qigong meditation was demonstrated (Faber et al., 2012). The authors argue that the found patterns of brain activation reflect self-reference, attention and input-centered processing in Qigong meditation. Pan et al. (1994) identified frontal mid-line theta rhythm during the concentrative Qigong state compared to the state of mind reached by non-concentrative Qigong engagement. Shim (2012) found theta activity centering around the frontal lobe parts in Qigong masters and decreased alpha activity compared to beginners. The authors argue that Qigong experts maintained more deeply internalized and relaxed theta activity in the frontal lobe, which reflects an attentive mind. Qigong masters show efficiency in keeping a relaxed and attentive mind around central midline. Lee et al. (1997) investigated effects of ChunDoSunBup Qi-training on brain activity. The Qi-training consisted of acoustic exercises, bodily motion, and meditation. Increases in alpha activity in ChunDoSunBup Qi-training were observed in the occipital regions in eyes-open conditions. The increase in occipital alpha activity was correlated with less self-reported state anxiety. The authors argue that in ChunDoSunBup Qi-training activity of the occipital cortex is reduced and the thalamus is influenced.

On a more structural level, Lehmann et al. (2012) showed reduced functional connectivity between cortical sources in Qigong meditation and reduced functional interdependence between brain regions. These results were interpreted to be a correlate of the reported subjective experience of non-involvement, detachment and letting go, as well as of all-oneness and dissolution of ego borders during Qigong meditation. Cheng et al. (2010) showed an effect of Qigong meditation on prefrontal activity. Practitioners showed in comparison to non-practitioners a significant decrease in deoxyhemoglobin levels suggesting an increase in prefrontal activation during Qigong meditation. Two fMRI studies report changes in brain activity under the state of Qigong during pain exposure in Qigong masters correlating with reduced pain sensation (Chan et al., 2006; Yu et al., 2007). Functional activation in the SII-insula region and other brain areas was reported, whereas a functional suppression under the state of Qigong meditation was observed. Thus, the found functional suppression in brain regions may be responsible for the reduced pain sensation in Qigong masters under the Qigong state.

In conclusion, systematical effects of Qigong meditation on EEG brain activity can be stated with most studies reporting increases in frontal theta and posterior alpha activity as a neurophysiological correlate for a relaxed and attentive mind.

To our knowledge, there are no systematical studies reported in the Western hemisphere on effects on brain activity of dynamic Qigong techniques that afford bodily movement. For instance, the Health Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi comprises a consecutive sequence of complex movement configurations. These configurations are symbolic exposures of five animals (tiger, deer, bear, monkey, bird) with each movement sequence performed for several minutes. Practitioners are requested to focus on breathing when performing the movement sequences. According to theoretical assumptions of TCM, Wu Qin Xi is an intervention to strengthen especially physical health in general (for an overview see Yang and Wu, 2011). Only a few studies have been reported in the Western hemisphere on the dynamic Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi on physical health. Positive effects of Wu Qin Xi training are reported on lumbar spinal disease (Yeom et al., 2013; You et al., 2013, 2014; Zhang et al., 2014), blood lipid levels and the antioxidant enzyme activities (Chen, 2011). To date, no studies have been reported in the Western hemisphere on effects of Wu Qin Xi on neurophysiological parameters.

In previous experimental studies conducted in our working group, increases in midline fronto-central theta and shifts in alpha activity from posterior to anterior regions over the whole scalp after physical training of the dynamic Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi were observed (Henz et al., 2013, 2014, 2015; Henz and Schöllhorn, 2015). From a qualitative point of view, the found brain activation patterns were in line with findings of studies conducted with meditational (static) Qigong. As in studies on meditational Qigong, increases in fronto-central theta and posterior alpha activity were obtained. Thus, a relaxing effect in sense of an evidence-based approach can be stated for the dynamic Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi.

As dynamic Qigong affords series of complex bodily movements, practitioners have to invest high effort and attention to learn the new movements. One benefit of that is that directing attention toward the movement execution and kinaesthetic sensations is intended to result in a centered state of internalized concentration. This mechanism plays a key role in mind-body therapies such as dynamic Qigong to draw the attention away from the everyday mind flow to reach an attentive state (for an overview, see Schmalzl et al., 2014).

In the present study, we tested whether the beneficial effects of physical practice of dynamic Qigong on EEG brain activity can be reached by practicing the dynamic Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi mentally. From a theoretical point of view, this question is relevant because a large number of brain mapping studies have shown that the same neural areas are activated during either physical or mental simulation of motor actions. The rationale behind is that mental practice with motor content engages areas of the brain that govern movement execution (for an overview see Cicinelli et al., 2006; Sharma and Baron, 2013). This was not only demonstrated for cortical areas such as the supplementary area, the premotor cortex, and the primary motor cortex, but also for subcortical areas such as the basal ganglia and the cerebellum (Lotze et al., 1999; Jeannerod, 2001; Lafleur et al., 2002; Munzert et al., 2008). From a practical point of view, mental Qigong practice becomes relevant for the everyday practitioner in situations when the physical practice of Qigong is impracticable. I.e., when waiting at the train station surrounded by many other passengers it is not possible to practice dynamical Qigong physically due to a limited physical space. Further, this research question is relevant for designs of Qigong courses for elderly persons or patients with bodily impairments. Especially at the beginners’ stage, the movement sequences are practiced many times with several hours of practicing physically leading to increased physical tiredness. Here, the research question arises whether intervals of mental practice sessions would have the same effect on EEG brain activity as a merely physical Qigong practice. Finally, mental Qigong practice becomes relevant especially in persons who do not have the possibility to engage in Qigong training physically, either on the short-term, or on the long-term perspective. For instance, in stroke patients who have a low capability to move or in patients with chronically relapsing diseases of the musculoskeletal system mental practice of Wu Qin Xi would be a suitable therapeutic intervention. In achievement sports, when athletes experience phases of immobility due to sports concussions, mental practice of Wu Qin Xi Qigong would be an appropriate alternative to physical training.

Recent research has shown that mental practice in the form of motor imagery causes comparable patterns of brain activation as physical training of the same movement. From this, we suppose that mental practice of the dynamic Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi leads to comparable effects in EEG brain activation as in physical Qigong training. More precisely, in line with the findings of previous studies on Qigong meditation, and on the dynamic Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi on EEG brain activity we hypothesize an increase in EEG midline fronto-central theta and posterior alpha activity when practicing the dynamic Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi mentally.

The aims of the present study are as follows:

The literature includes several previous investigations on effects of Qigong meditation on EEG brain activity. Most studies report an increase in EEG frontal theta and shift of alpha activity from posterior to anterior regions during and after Qigong meditation. In the present study, we demonstrate an increase of midline fronto-central theta and posterior alpha-1 and alpha-2 activity after practice of the dynamic Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi. The finding of increases in midline fronto-central theta and shifts in alpha-1 and alpha-2 activity from posterior to anterior regions after physical training of the dynamic Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi was replicated (Henz et al., 2013, 2014, 2015; Henz and Schöllhorn, 2015). Further, our results mirror the findings of previous studies of effects on EEG brain activity after Qigong meditation demonstrating a shift of EEG activity from posterior to anterior regions (Zhang et al., 1988a,b; Yang et al., 1994; Litscher et al., 2001; Jang et al., 2004; Tei et al., 2006a,b, 2009; Qin et al., 2009; Faber et al., 2012). Therefore, a comparable effect for dynamic Qigong on EEG brain activity as found in studies on meditational Qigong can be stated. Training of the dynamic Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi induces a relaxed and attentive mind as indicated by an increase in midline fronto-central theta and shifts in alpha activity from posterior to anterior regions. In conclusion, a relaxing effect of the dynamic Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi in sense of an evidence-based approach can be stated. Our results indicate that the dynamic Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi induces a centered state of mind that has to be distinguished from mind-wandering. Empirical evidence is shown that frontal EEG theta activity is activated in attentional processes and correlates negatively with the default mode network in resting state (Scheeringa et al., 2008).

The highlighted finding of this study is that mental practice of the dynamic Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi causes significant modulations of EEG brain activity. Practicing the dynamic Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi mentally results in increased fronto-central midline theta activity and increases in alpha-1power in the same intensity as in physical training in eyes open-conditions. Therefore, mental practice of the dynamic Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi has the same effect on EEG brain activity as physical training considering the eyes-open condition.

In the present study, the training by condition interaction with respect to changes in the theta band was replicated. In a previous study, it was shown that after training of the dynamic Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi theta activity was increased in eyes-open conditions whereas in the eyes-closed condition theta activity was diminished (Henz et al., 2013). In the current study, the same pattern of results with a training × condition interaction was demonstrated. Our results are in line with a study conducted by Aftanas and Golocheikine (2001) who examined EEG brain activity in meditation in eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Depending on eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions, different patterns of anterior and midline theta activity occurred. The authors argue that the obtained theta activity reflects internalized attentional processes during meditation that are dependent on eyes-open and eyes-closed states.

The found patterns of brain activations are partially in line with our hypotheses. Our speculation was that based on findings from EEG studies on motor imagery (i.e., Jeannerod, 2006) nearly same effects on EEG brain activity would occur in mental as well as in physical training of the Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi. Having a closer look at theta activity, a decrease in mental practice in the eyes-closed condition compared to physical training, and the remaining conditions was observed. Therefore, our results indicate different underlying cognitive and neurophysiological processes in mental and physical Wu Qin Xi Qigong training. We hypothesized that different attentional processes during mental and physical Wu Qin Xi Qigong training play an essential part that lead to the obtained brain activation patterns. In previous studies on Qigong meditation, frontal and central midline theta activity was associated with internalized attentional processes. For instance, frontal mid-line theta rhythm during the concentrative Qigong state compared to the state of mind reached by non-concentrative Qigong meditation was shown by Pan et al. (1994). In the same manner, Shim (2012) demonstrated frontal theta activity after Qigong meditation in experienced practitioners. In previous studies on Qigong meditation, spontaneous resting EEG was measured with eyes-open. Therefore, no comparison between eyes-open and eyes-closed resting state EEG after Qigong meditation was done although this might allow insights into the underlying attentional processes. For instance, recent studies revealed an association between theta power and switching of involuntary attention from internally directed attention specific to the eyes-closed state to externally directed attention specific to the eyes-open state (Boytsova and Danko, 2009). Specific for meditational states, Aftanas and Golocheikine (2001) demonstrated effects of eyes-open resting state, and eyes-closed resting state on EEG theta activity as a correlate for internalized attentional processes.

One line of argumentation to explain the obtained results for modulations of theta activity dependent on eyes-open and eyes-closed state could be that practicing Qigong physically requires the subjects to strongly direct their attention to the performance of the complex movement sequences and the resulting kinaesthetic sensations as it is conceptualized in mind-body therapies such as Qigong. One main aim is to draw the attention away from the everyday mind flow to reach an attentive state (for an overview, see Schmalzl et al., 2014). As a consequence, a state of deep relaxation is reached in physical training mirroring in increased theta activity in eyes-open as well as eyes-closed conditions.

In physical Wu Qin Xi training, many details of the complex movement sequences have to be considered during movement performance, which might lead to a strong internalized attentional processing. From studies on the role of attentional focus during movement performance it is known that an external focus of attention alleviates movement performance, and therefore requires less effort, whereas an internal focus of attention requires more attentional demands. For instance, it has been shown that movement performance benefits from an external focus of attention in gymnastics (Abdollahipour et al., 2015). Several recent studies have provided evidence that movement efficiency, or the physical effort exerted to produce a given performance level or outcome, is also enhanced by an external focus (Zachry et al., 2005; Marchant et al., 2009). Benefits of directing external focus have been found to result in more effective motor performance than those inducing an internal focus by directing attention to the body movements themselves (Totsika and Wulf, 2003; Wulf et al., 2003, 2009; Wulf, 2007). It is argued that focusing on the intended movement effect facilitates the utilization of unconscious or automatic processes, resulting in greater movement ease or fluidity (Wulf et al., 2001; Wulf and Lewthwaite, 2010). Conversely, focusing on one’s own movements leads to a more conscious type of control, thereby constraining the motor system and disrupting automatic control processes (Wulf et al., 2001). It has been shown that relative to an internal focus, an external focus reduces attentional demands and results in the utilization of fast reflexive (automatic) feedback loops (Wulf et al., 2001). Transferring these findings on the physical performance of dynamic Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi, induction of internalized attention might be best reached with an attentional demanding complex motor task as in the movement sequences of Wu Qin Xi.

From this point of view, an important question arises: does an internal focus of attention during Qigong practice lead to a more demanding type of movement control, and therefore binds more attention which finally results in increased EEG theta and alpha activity? Especially in non-expert practitioners, demanding monitoring processes of movement performance during Qigong practice could result in enhanced stress reduction mirrored by increased EEG theta and alpha activity. We argue that one underlying cognitive mechanism is a working memory load which results from increased motor affordances. From a neurophysiological point of view, frontal theta power has been found to increase with working memory load (Gevins et al., 1997; Krause et al., 2000; Jensen and Tesche, 2002; Onton et al., 2005). Challenging working memory finally results in a loss of a merely executive action control due to limited capacity. Subsequently, practitioners’ attention is drawn away from cognitive engagement in everyday thoughts by a demanding monitoring process. Additionally, a loss of cognitive action control toward a state of non-focusing and non-involvement on the everyday mind flow is one of the main aims in Eastern meditation techniques. Especially in Buddhism-related meditation traditions a mindfulness state is reached by sustained attention on the body. Activations in midline fronto-central lobe structures associated with attentional processes possibly confirm the fundamental role of mindfulness shared by many Buddhist meditations (for an overview see Tomasino et al., 2014). The finding of increased theta activity after physical Qigong training in eyes-closed conditions in our study indicates that internalized attention might be reached more easily when attention and breathing behavior is guided by movements in Qigong training.

A second line of argumentation is that breathing behavior in physical practice underlies a tighter regulation and a stronger forcing due to a coupling to the movement sequences of Wu Qin Xi than in mental practice. The breathing technique is strongly determined in the movement sequences of Wu Qin Xi, which might lead to the observed increase in low frequencies in the EEG in physical training due to a strong reinforcement by the movement sequences. Recent EEG studies have shown that abdominal breathing techniques lead to increased frontal theta activity (e.g., Yu et al., 2011; Chervin et al., 2012; Park and Park, 2012). Considering breathing as a meditation technique, it was observed that Shaolin Dan Tian Breathing increases EEG frontal theta activity (Chan et al., 2011). The authors argue that the observed increase in frontal theta activity in Shaolin Dan Tian Breathing is a correlate for an attentive mind. Further, several studies have shown that abdominal breathing enhances EEG alpha activity. For instance, Arambula et al. (2001) demonstrated increases in EEG alpha activity in abdominal breathing techniques. Increased alpha band activity with decreased theta band activity was achieved by abdominal breathing during Zen practice (Arita, 2012). Comparing alpha-1 and alpha-2 activity Fumoto et al. (2004) showed increases in alpha-1 activity with disappearance of alpha-2 activity in voluntary abdominal breathing. Therefore, a stronger reinforcement of breathing behavior by movement performance in physical training would be a suitable interpretation for the obtained pattern of EEG brain activity. This might explain a diminished theta activity in mental practice in the eyes-closed condition compared to physical training.

A third line of argumentation considers the role of visual processing during mental practice. Dimitriadis et al. (2015) showed modulations in theta activity as a correlate for mental workload in visual processing. Transferring these findings on mental practice of Wu Qin Xi, the decreased theta activity in eyes-closed conditions might reflect attentional demands of visual processing of the movement sequence.

To our knowledge, the present study is the first one that compares effects of mental and physical dynamic Qigong training on EEG brain activity in eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. From this, we supposed that mental practice of the dynamic Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi leads to comparable effects in EEG brain activation than in physical Qigong training. Having a closer look at theta activity in mental practice, a centering around the central areas compared to activation of a broader range of locations after physical training in eyes-open conditions was obtained. From this, we conclude different attentional processes in mental and physical Wu Qin Xi Qigong training.

The results of our study have important implications for the design of interventions applying the dynamic Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi. Especially in clinical populations who display reduced spontaneous alpha activity as in stress mediated diseases like burnout (see van Luitjelaar et al., 2010), but as well as in anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorders a strong induction of alpha activity by Qigong practice is essential for the therapeutic success of the intervention. With the results of the current study we showed that physical as well as mental training of the Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi lead to significant increases in low frequencies in spontaneous EEG. Therefore, mental practice of Wu Qin Xi is a suitable alternative therapeutic as to physical dynamic Qigong training.

In the present study, we tested whether the beneficial effects of physical practice of the dynamic Qigong technique on EEG brain activity can be reached by practicing Wu Qin Xi mentally. This research question becomes relevant for the everyday practitioner in situations when the physical practice of Qigong is impracticable. Further, this research question is relevant for designs of Qigong courses for elderly persons or patients with bodily impairments. Especially at the beginners’ stage, the movement sequences are practiced many times with several hours of practicing physically leading to increased physical tiredness. Here, the research question arises whether intervals of mental practice sessions would have the same effect on EEG brain activity as a merely physical Qigong practice.

Secondly, mental Qigong practice becomes relevant especially in persons who do not have the possibility to engage in Qigong training physically, either on the short-term, or on the long-term perspective. For instance, in stroke patients who have a low capability to move, mental training of the Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi would be an appropriate intervention to induce low frequencies in EEG brain activity and especially stimulate the Mu wave activity in the motor and premotor areas. Recent research has shown that mental practice in the form of motor imagery causes comparable patterns of brain activation as physical training of the movement. The rationale behind is that mental practice with motor content engages areas of the brain that govern movement execution (for an overview see Cicinelli et al., 2006; Sharma and Baron, 2013). Increases in alpha power are reported during mental practice of swimming movements (Beyer et al., 1990). In the same line, changes in EEG alpha oscillations in mental practice of volleyball serves were observed (Stecklow et al., 2010). Transient activations of the M1 area during mental practice are reported (Jeannerod, 1994, 2006; Pfurtscheller et al., 1997; Romero et al., 2000; Munzert et al., 2009). More precisely, inhibition of a movement leads to synchronization in alpha activity whereas preparation, execution and imagery lead to a de-synchronization in sensorimotor areas in the alpha and beta bands (Neuper et al., 2005; Neuper and Pfurtscheller, 2010). In a recent study, it was shown that these specific neuronal circuits are built with increasing experience with a motor task (Nakata et al., 2010). Reiterated engagement of motor areas as in mental Wu Qin Xi training is intended to influence brain plasticity phenomena, improving functional outcomes (Cramer et al., 2011; Dimyan and Cohen, 2011; Moisello et al., 2013). Recently, the rehabilitative potential of motor imagery was shown contributing to significantly better motor functional outcomes in sub-acute stroke patients with severe motor impairments (Pichiorri et al., 2015). Further, in patients with chronically relapsing diseases of the musculoskeletal system mental practice of Wu Qin Xi would be a suitable therapeutic intervention. Finally, in achievement sports, when athletes experience phases of immobility due to sports concussions, mental practice of Wu Qin Xi Qigong would be an appropriate alternative to physical training.

Further research is needed to clarify whether regular mental practice enhances neuroplasticity as shown for physical training of the dynamic Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi (Henz et al., 2013) or in meditational Qigong. From studies on the role of expertise level in Qigong practice it was demonstrated that development of a frequency-specific brain excitability is a long-term process. For instance, Shim (2012) demonstrated theta activity centering around the frontal lobe parts (Fp1, Fp2, Fz, F4) in Qigong masters and decreased alpha activity compared to beginners. The authors argue that Qigong experts maintained more deeply internalized and relaxed theta activity in the frontal lobe which reflects an attentive mind. Therefore it is argued that Qigong masters show efficiency in keeping a relaxed and attentive mind around central midline. One further interesting question is whether the same effects would be expected for mental training of the Qigong technique Wu Qin Xi in clinical populations with reduced alpha oscillations at resting baseline (see Basar et al., 2012).

The authors, DH and WS cooperated on developing the theoretical framework and preparing the manuscript.

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.