Abstract
Focused relaxation fosters mental and physical repose using stretching and breathing techniques in a pleasant environment. In this study, we analyzed the usefulness of this relaxation technique at the workplace by examining autonomic nervous system activity and psychological effects. Eleven healthy adults (7 males and 4 females) participated in this relaxation technique at a workplace. We investigated heart rate variability, salivary amylase levels and psychological state (Profile of Mood States) before and after the relaxation technique. Average levels of salivary amylase declined from 29.2±12.7kIU/L (mean±standard deviation) to 23.2±10.9kIU/L during the relaxation technique (p=0.05). Average heart rate was also reduced from 90.8±10.0beats/min to 84.9+8.9beats/min during the relaxation technique (p<0.01). Average hig-frequency band power values increased from 315.1±211.3msec2 to 381.8±225.3msec2 during the relaxation technique (p=0.02). Tension Anxiety score of Profile of Mood States decreased from 40.5±4.6 to 35.8±3.3 after the relaxation technique (p<0.01), and the Fatigue score of Profile of Mood States declined from 43.8±6.2 to 40.4±4.1 after the relaxation technique (p<0.05). These results suggested that the relaxation technique increased parasympathetic nervous system activity and decreased sympathetic nervous system activity. This relaxation technique can easily be performed at the workplace without special equipment and can elicit a subjective improvement in fatigue and anxiety in workers.
