Biochemical and psychometric evaluation of Self-Healing Qigong as a stress reduction tool among first year nursing and midwifery students. 


Author: Chan ES, Koh D, Teo YC, Hj Tamin R, Lim A, Fredericks S.

Affiliation: PAPRSB Institute of Health Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong BE1410, Brunei Darussalam. Electronic address: eesuen@gmail.com. 
Conference/Journal: Complement Ther Clin Pract. 
Date published: 2013 Nov
Other:
 Volume ID: 19   ,  Issue ID: 4   ,  Pages: 179-83   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2013.08.001   ,  Word Count: 154  
    

BACKGROUND:

Qigong, a traditional Chinese exercise, has a potential role in the management of stress.

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the influence of Qigong training on depression, anxiety and stress.

DESIGN:

A randomised control trial among first year student participants.

METHODS:

Qigong was practised twice a week by the study group (n = 18) while a control group (n = 16) had no intervention. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS-21) and Patient Health Questionnaires (PHQ) were administered. Salivary biomarkers were also measured over a 10-week period.

RESULTS:

After 10 weeks, only the Qigong group showed a statistically significant improvement in their depression, anxiety and stress scores. Similarly, increases in secretion rates of salivary immunoglobulin-A, and decreases in salivary cortisol concentrations were seen only in the Qigong group.

CONCLUSIONS:

The practice of Qigong improves psychological states and mucosal immunity; as indicated by psychometric tests and biochemical markers of stress.

Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

KEYWORDS:

Anxiety, Cortisol, Depression, Qigong, Stress



PMID: 24199969