Research

As the national university, we champion and support innovative research that addresses the country’s most pressing challenges.

16 Dec 2025

Students perceive teachers as more credible and effective when using realistic avatars over cartoonish ones in the metaverse

Teaching in the metaverse presents a dynamic frontier for educational innovation. Avatars, serving as digital representations of teachers, play a...

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15 Dec 2025

The Abaknon’s use of local knowledge to conserve natural resources and adapt to climate change is sustainable

The Abaknon, an indigenous group in Capul Island, possesses unique traditional knowledge and practices that have enabled them to adapt...

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12 Dec 2025

Aggression increases an athlete’s risk of injury

The role of sports, particularly combat sports, in controlling aggression and shaping prosocial behaviors in young people remains unclear. The...

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10 Dec 2025

Luzon provinces are hotspots for severe depression, anxiety, and stress among emerging adults

Despite the enactment of the Philippine Mental Health Act, mental illness remains a significant public health concern, particularly among young...

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05 Dec 2025

Researchers pioneer the use of topological data analysis for Filipino Sign Language alphabet recognition

This research aims to improve recognition of Filipino Sign Language (FSL) letters, which is crucial for better communication in the...

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04 Dec 2025

The risk of measles is higher on warmer days

This study looks at how measles spreads in certain areas of the Philippines, specifically Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA, using...

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03 Dec 2025

Ang moral na ligalig ng Agosto-Setyembre taong 1995 ay nakasandal sa ilang istereotipo sa mga rakistang banda

Ang saliksik na ito ay pumapaksa sa kasaysayan ng moral na ligalig (moral panic) noong Agosto-Setyembre taong 1995 kung saan...

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02 Dec 2025

New method can authenticate Philippine stingless bee honey, considered the “next superfood”

Stingless bee honey is gaining recognition as a superfood because of its exceptional health and therapeutic benefits, which rival—or even...

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01 Dec 2025

Family interactions and experiences at school and home strongly shape the psychological traits of pre-service teachers

Mental health research has been a key priority among higher education institutions globally to support the advocacy for the holistic...

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28 Nov 2025

The efficiency with which Robusta coffee farms convert inputs into outputs declines at higher elevations

This article explains the factors that affect the productivity and efficiency of the Robusta coffee farms in Sultan Kudarat, Philippines....

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27 Nov 2025

Emotions are vital resources for queer rights activists when they lobby for social reforms

The article analyzes queer rights activists in the Philippines as they demand social reforms. It highlights emotions as these activists...

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26 Nov 2025

The service convenience of live broadcast shopping increases impulse buying by boosting perceived value and e-trust

With the growth of social media and social media marketing, it is natural that the hospitality and tourism industry should...

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Research

Maintaining some level of physical activity during normal pregnancy is widely recommended by healthcare providers. However, in many Asian cultures, pregnancy is viewed as a vulnerable period for both mother and fetus, often encouraging sedentary behavior. Numerous studies have shown that various forms of exercise are safe and beneficial during both the antepartum and postpartum periods. These include walking, stationary cycling, aerobic exercise, dancing, stretching, resistance training, and hydrotherapy. In this study, we examined the effects of Sheng Zhen Gong (SZG), a traditional low-impact exercise, on the maternal–fetal dyad.

Forms of mind–body exercise now known as Qigong have been practiced in China for over 4,500 years to promote health and manage illness. Before the mid-20th century, these practices were known by various names, such as Tuna (breathing exercises), Daoyin (guided movement), Jingzuo (sitting meditation), and Xingqi (circulating vital energy). Archaeological artifacts and classical medical texts, including the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon, describe movements designed to activate Qi and blood circulation. Over time, these practices evolved into several traditions that persist today, including Medical, Daoist, Buddhist, Confucian, and Martial Arts Qigong. Despite their differences, all aim to cultivate Qi to promote balance and prevent illness.

The term “Qigong” became widely used in the 1950s and refers to the practice of working with Qi, or vital life energy. It has been defined as a mind–body discipline that integrates posture, breathing, and mental focus into a unified practice. Qigong may be practiced internally, where individuals generate Qi themselves, or externally, where trained practitioners direct Qi toward others for therapeutic purposes. It also includes dynamic forms involving movement and static forms focused on stillness and mental tranquility.

Sheng Zhen Gong is a contemporary form of Qigong that combines gentle movement and meditation. Its practice emphasizes the circulation of Qi to promote physical well-being, emotional balance, and harmony with one’s surroundings. Each posture and movement is accompanied by mental imagery and intention, enhancing mindfulness during practice. Beyond the traditional benefits of Qigong, SZG is believed to promote heightened awareness and inner calm.

In normal pregnancies, Sheng Zhen Gong—a low-intensity exercise—appears to support maternal cardiovascular health, blood glucose regulation, and mental well-being, without evidence of adverse effects on the fetus. In high-risk pregnancies where physical exercise may be contraindicated, the meditative component of SZG may still offer mental health benefits. Further research is needed to evaluate exercise-based interventions alongside other prenatal preventive strategies, particularly using advanced monitoring methods that allow continuous assessment of maternal and fetal physiological responses during activity and rest.

Authors: Clarissa L. Velayo (Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila | Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital), Sherri Ann L. Suplido (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital), Alvin Duke R. Sy (Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila), Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco (Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila), Ruben N. Caragay (College of Medicine, Bicol University) and Manuela T. Zuniga (Capitol Medical Center, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City)

Read the full paper: https://scienggj.org/2024-special-issue-16/