Abstract
This study aimed to examine the immediate stress–relieving effects of short-term Qigong practice in healthy adults with no prior Qigong experience. There were 13 adult participants (3 men, 10 women; mean age = 50.9 years) attending a Qigong salon in Tokyo. A 15-minute Qigong session consisting of “Shuai Shou” (swinging arms) and “Standing Meditation” was conducted. Stress was evaluated physiologically via salivary amylase activity and psychologically using the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), focusing of state anxiety. Measurements were taken immediately before and after the intervention. Data was analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed–rank test with a significance level set at p < 0.01. Effect sizes (r) were also calculated. The results showed a significant reduction in participants’ anxiety scores, from an average of 37.4 before the session to 26.5 after the session (p < 0.01, r = -0.83). Although the salivary amylase activity decreased in 11 of the 13 participants (mean reduction from 13.3 KIU/L to 7.9 KIU/L), the difference was not statistically significant (p =0.230, r = -0.38). Qualitative analysis of post–session free descriptions revealed themes such as “feeling refreshed” and “mind and body collected.” These findings suggest even a brief Qigong session can provide immediate psychological benefits, particularly anxiety reduction, for individuals with no prior experience. Due to its simplicity, low physical intensity, and accessibility, Qigong—especially the Shuai Shou technique—has potential for broad application in workplaces, schools, and health and wellness programs.
