Anxiety Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Anxiety, including details on anxiety disorder, panic attacks, medication, counselling, therapy.

Qigong reduces stress in computer operators.

Skoglund L, Jansson E

Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden. leni.skoglund@akademiska.se

Chinese research indicates that the Qigong method reduces psychosomatic and physical symptoms through an effect on the sympathetic nervous system. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to investigate the effects of Qigong on stress among computer operators. DESIGN: Ten women were included in a Qigong group and an equal number in a control group. Heart rate, blood pressure, and finger temperature were measured at the beginning and at the end of the working day during 5 weeks. twenty four-hours urine samples were collected in the first and last weeks to measure catecholamine excretion in urine. Participants kept a daily record of psychological measures of strain and weekly measures of stress levels. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Qigong reduced noradrenaline excretion in urine (p<0.05), and influenced the heart rate and temperature, indicating reduced activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Moreover, Qigong reduced low-back symptoms (p<0.05). In conclusion, Qigong exercise may reduce stress at computerised work.

Published 2 April 2007 in Complement Ther Clin Pract, 13(2): 78-84.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Anxiety Research Today. All Rights Reserved.