07.19.09
The Effects of Qigong on Stress Reduction in Computer Operators
Qigong training has been found to relieve psychosomatic and physical symptoms through adjusting the sympathetic nervous system. Researchers in Sweden studied the effects of Qigong on stress in computer operators (Skoglund and Jansson, 2007).
A total of 10 women were involved in the study. Researchers measured the testing subjects’ heart rate, blood pressure, and finger temperature at the beginning and the end of the working day during 5 weeks. They also measured catecholamine excretion in the urine.
The study found that Qigong training decreased noradrenaline excretion in urine, and adjusted the heart rate and temperature. These changes suggest decreased activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Qigong was also found to relieve low-back symptoms.
These findings indicate that Qigong training may relieve stress in those with intense computer work. Further studies with larger scale of trials are necessary to confirm the results and to find out the mechanisms.
Reference:
Skoglund, L. and Jansson, E. (2007) Qigong reduces stress in computer operators. Complement Ther Clin Pract 13, 78-84.
