Quadrato motor training (QMT) influences IL-1β 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-1β), utilizing a pre-post design. In addition to its role in the immune system, IL-1β 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-1β expression was examined by ELISA to measure protein levels and by qRT-PCR to quantify mRNA. In addition, the methylation profile of the IL-1β 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-1β 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.