The Effects of Qigong Exercises on Acute Anxiety, Mood, and Reaction Time Among Occupational Therapy Students: A Double-Blind, Crossover-Controlled Intervention Study

The goal of this study is to examine the short-term effects of a single session of Baduanjin Qigong, a traditional mind-body exercise, on anxiety, mood, and reaction time in young adults studying occupational therapy. Baduanjin is a gentle form of Qigong that combines slow and rhythmic movements, breathing awareness, and mental focus. It has been practiced for centuries in China and has recently gained attention worldwide as a complementary therapy for improving mental, physical, and cognitive health.

University students are an important group to study because they often experience high levels of stress due to academic pressure, economic uncertainty, social expectations, and concerns about the future. These factors can increase vulnerability to problems such as anxiety, depression, attention difficulties, and sleep problems. While many studies have explored long-term non-drug interventions, there are still very few trials investigating immediate, short-term benefits of Qigong in young adult populations.

Previous research has shown that Baduanjin Qigong can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also improving mood and physical health. For example, studies with college students have reported reductions in anxiety and depression, improvements in body mass index, lung function, and overall well-being after regular Baduanjin practice. Meta-analyses suggest that Baduanjin is especially effective in lowering stress compared to other traditional exercises. Some studies even found that just one 60-minute Qigong session can significantly reduce anxiety and improve mood, as measured by standard psychological tools. These findings suggest that Qigong can work not only as a long-term therapy but also as a rapid relief method in stressful situations.

In Turkey, most Qigong studies have focused on older adults or patient groups, showing benefits such as improved balance, reduced risk of falls, and better sleep quality. However, there are almost no experimental studies on the acute (short-term) psychological and cognitive effects of Qigong in young adults. This study aims to fill that gap.

What will happen in this study?

The study will recruit occupational therapy students.

Each participant will attend a single 60-minute Baduanjin session.

The design is double-blind, randomized, and crossover, which means that participants and evaluators will not know which condition they are assigned to, and each participant will experience both the Qigong session and a control condition on different days.

A short "wash-out" period will separate the sessions to ensure accurate results.

What will be measured?

Participants' anxiety, mood, and reaction time will be tested before and after the Qigong session.

Anxiety will be measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y1).

Mood will be measured using the Profile of Mood States (POMS).

Reaction time will be measured using a computerized test.

Why is this important?

This study will help us understand whether a single Qigong session can provide immediate psychological relief and improve mental focus for university students. If effective, Qigong could be considered a simple, low-cost, and accessible complementary practice to support student well-being in academic and daily life. The findings may also contribute to future health promotion programs targeting young adults.