Heart Focused Movement Effects on Cardiometabolic Risk

This study is designed as a two-group parallel randomized controlled trial (N=50) to test effects of 8-weeks of Qigong/Tai Chi (QTC) intervention compared to QTC plus HRVB on HRV parameters (primary), and cardiometabolic risk factors and sequelae (secondary) (e.g., BMI, waist circumference/percent body fat, sleep quality, stress, anxiety/depression, emotional regulation, eating behaviors, and cognitive performance).

Inclusion Criteria:31.5 inch or above waist circumference women35.5 inch or above waist circumference menHas a smartphone or tabletExclusion Criteria:Those who are unable to stand for 10-minute segments (e.g., wheelchair or walker bound and too weak), and/or unable to walkPeople who have been regularly practicing any form of meditative movement and or HRVB training regularly (i.e., 2 or more times per month for the past 6 months)Individuals with diagnosed severe heart arrhythmias, heart transplant, or those with pacemakers would be excluded because either of those interferes with accurately assessing HRV parameters.