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
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