Quadrato motor training (QMT) influences IL-1ß expression and creativity: Implications for inflammatory state reduction and cognitive enhancement.

Mind-body practices and meditation have been increasingly studied in recent years due to their beneficial effects on cognition, and physical and psychological health. Growing evidence suggests that these practices could be utilized as interventions to impact age-related biological processes, such as cognitive decline, inflammation, and homeostatic dysregulation. Indeed, it has been reported that mindful meditation may induce neuroplasticity in brain regions involved in control of attention, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. In the current research we studied the effects of a recently developed movement meditation, named the Quadrato Motor Training (QMT), on the proinflammatory cytokine Interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß), utilizing a pre-post design. In addition to its role in the immune system, IL-1ß is also an important mediator of neuroimmune responses related to sickness behavior, and plays a role in complex cognitive processes, such as synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and neuromodulation. Thirty healthy participants were divided in two groups, one performing QMT for 2 months, and one passive control group. Salivary IL-1ß expression was examined by ELISA to measure protein levels and by qRT-PCR to quantify mRNA. In addition, the methylation profile of the IL-1ß promoter was examined. All participants further conducted the Alternate Uses Task (AUT) and Hidden Figure Test (HFT), to measure their creativity and spatial cognition. The results showed that, following QMT practice, IL-1ß protein level decreased and creativity increased, compared to the control group. These data demonstrate that QMT may help reduce inflammatory states and promote cognitive improvement, highlighting the importance of non-pharmacological approaches to health and well-being.

Quadrato Motor Training (QMT) is associated with DNA methylation changes at DNA repeats: A pilot study.

The control of non-coding repeated DNA by DNA methylation plays an important role in genomic stability, contributing to health and healthy aging. Mind-body practices can elicit psychophysical wellbeing via epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation. However, in this context the effects of movement meditations have rarely been examined. Consequently, the current study investigates the effects of a specifically structured movement meditation, called the Quadrato Motor Training (QMT) on psychophysical wellbeing and on the methylation level of repeated sequences. An 8-week daily QMT program was administered to healthy women aged 40-60 years and compared with a passive control group matched for gender and age. Psychological well-being was assessed within both groups by using self-reporting scales, including the Meaning in Life Questionnaire [MLQ] and Psychological Wellbeing Scale [PWB]). DNA methylation profiles of repeated sequences (ribosomal DNA, LINE-1 and Alu) were determined in saliva samples by deep-sequencing. In contrast to controls, the QMT group exhibited increased Search for Meaning, decreased Presence of Meaning and increased Positive Relations, suggesting that QMT may lessen the automatic patterns of thinking. In the QMT group, we also found site-specific significant methylation variations in ribosomal DNA and LINE-1 repeats, consistent with increased genome stability. Finally, the correlations found between changes in methylation and psychometric indices (MLQ and PWB) suggest that the observed epigenetic and psychological changes are interrelated. Collectively, the current results indicate that QMT may improve psychophysical health trajectories by influencing the DNA methylation of specific repetitive sequences.

Molecules of Silence: Effects of Meditation on Gene Expression and Epigenetics.

Many studies have consistently demonstrated an epigenetic link between environmental stimuli and physiological as well as cognitive responses. Epigenetic mechanisms represent a way to regulate gene activity in real time without modifying the DNA sequence, thus allowing the genome to adapt its functions to changing environmental contexts. Factors such as lifestyle, behavior, and the practice of sitting and moving mindful activities have been shown to be important means of environmental enrichment. Such practices, which include mindfulness meditation, Vipassana, Yoga, Tai Chi, and Quadrato Motor Training, have been reported to positively impact well-being. In fact, they can be considered emotional and attentional regulatory activities, which, by inducing a state of greater inner silence, allow the development of increased self-awareness. Inner silence can therefore be considered a powerful tool to counteract the negative effects of overabundant environmental noise, thanks to its power to relieve stress-related symptoms. Since all these positive outcomes rely on physiological and biochemical activities, the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms influenced by different mindful practices have recently started to be investigated. Here, we review some of the findings that could allow us to uncover the mechanisms by which specific practices influence well-being.

Influence of Quadrato Motor Training on Salivary proNGF and proBDNF.

Previous studies demonstrated exercise-induced modulation of neurotrophins, such as Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). Yet, no study that we are aware of has examined their change as a function of different training paradigms. In addition, the understanding of the possible training-induced relationship between NGF and BDNF change is still lacking. Consequently, in the current study we examined the effect of a Walking Training (WT) and of Quadrato Motor Training (QMT) on NGF and BDNF precursors (proNGF and proBDNF). QMT is a specifically structured sensorimotor training that involves sequences of movements based on verbal commands, that was previously reported to improve spatial cognition, reflectivity, creativity as well as emotion regulation and general self-efficacy. In addition, QMT was reported to induce electrophysiological and morphological changes, suggesting stimulation of neuroplasticity processes. In two previous independent studies we reported QMT-induced changes in the salivary proNGF and proBDNF levels. Our present results demonstrate that following 12 weeks of daily QMT practice, proNGF level increases while proBDNF showed no significant change. More importantly, while no correlation between the two neurotrophins prior to training was detectable, there was a significant correlation between change in proNGF and proBDNF levels. Taken together the current results suggest that the two neurotrophins undergo a complex modulation, likely related to the different pathways by which they are produced and regulated. Since variations of these neurotrophins have been previously linked to depression, stress and anxiety, the current study may have practical implications and aid in understanding the possible physiological mechanisms that mediate improved well-being, and the dynamic change of neurotrophins as a result of training.