Effect of a stretch exercise training program on stress in caregivers

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of stretch training on stress associated with care work. We examined changes in saliva levels of cortisol and immunoglobulin （Ig）A, grip strength, body anteflexion, depression, mood, and low back pain level in caregivers. Forty subjects（ 11 men, 29 women） without any medication or illnesses affecting sleep and/or mental health participated in this study. Subjects were randomly allocated to either a training intervention group or a non-training control group. The exercise program involved stretching according to lower back pain prevention techniques and poses. Subjects attended a weekly seminar during the 4-week intervention to learn proper stretching techniques. The intervention group was instructed to perform the program immediately before bedtime every day. The rate of compliance with the program was 81.4% in men and 85.5% in women. Statistical analysis was performed separately for each sex. Significant interactions with two factors（ intervention and time progress） were identified for body anteflexion and cortisol level in women. The intervention group showed a significantly greater increase in body anteflexion than the control group at the end of the intervention period. Cortisol levels increased over the study period in the control group, but decreased in the intervention group. There was no significant interaction in either variable in men. These results suggest that stretching exercise programs offer a practical method for use in daily life, and may be effective for promoting greater improvements in stress response by improving flexibility in female caregivers.