Qigong reduces stress in computer operators.
Chinese research indicates that the Qigong method reduces psychosomatic and physical symptoms through an effect on the sympathetic nervous system.


OBJECTIVE
The aim was to investigate the effects of Qigong on stress among computer operators.


METHODS
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.


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.
Skoglund
L
L
Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden. leni.skoglund@akademiska.se
Jansson
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001007:Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001831:Body Temperature; D001945:Breathing Exercises; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000652:urine; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D002395:Catecholamines