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

Area of Science:

• Epigenetics and genomic stability
• Mind-body practices and psychophysical health
• Movement meditation and its biological effects

Background:

• DNA methylation of non-coding repeats is crucial for genomic stability and healthy aging.
• Mind-body practices influence wellbeing through epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation.
• The impact of movement meditations on these processes remains under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of Quadrato Motor Training (QMT) on psychophysical wellbeing.
• To examine QMT's impact on the DNA methylation levels of repetitive sequences.
• To explore the relationship between epigenetic changes and psychological outcomes.

Main Methods:

• An 8-week daily QMT program was conducted on healthy women (40-60 years) versus a passive control group.
• Psychological wellbeing was assessed using the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) and Psychological Wellbeing Scale (PWB).
• DNA methylation profiles of ribosomal DNA, LINE-1, and Alu repeats were analyzed from saliva using deep-sequencing.

Main Results:

• The QMT group showed increased Search for Meaning, decreased Presence of Meaning, and increased Positive Relations.
• Significant, site-specific methylation variations were observed in ribosomal DNA and LINE-1 repeats in the QMT group.
• Correlations between methylation changes and psychometric indices (MLQ, PWB) indicated interrelated epigenetic and psychological effects.

Conclusions:

• QMT may enhance psychophysical wellbeing by modulating DNA methylation patterns in repetitive sequences.
• These epigenetic modifications are associated with improved genomic stability.
• QMT shows potential for improving health trajectories through influencing DNA methylation and psychological factors.