• Journal of East-West Nursing Research
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.73-80
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• 2014

Purpose: This research aims to identify the physio-psychological effects of applying a qi massage program as an independent complementary intervention for employees with hypertension in a workplace. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed using a nonequivalent control group with pre- and post-tests. The study was performed from August 18 to October 10, 2008 on hypertensive employees being treated with a qi massage program in a company. The control group was recruited first to prevent treatment diffusion. The experimental group was subsequently recruited and received individual treatment for 30 minutes. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS16.0 version. ${\chi}^2$-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed ranks test, Fisher's exact test and paired t-test were implemented in order to examine the effects of individual intervention on patients who are treated with the qi massage program. Results: The experimental group showed a greater improvement in systolic blood pressure, diastolic pressure, stress, and quality of life than did the control group. Conclusion: A qi massage program may be implemented as a complementary intervention to effectively treat hypertensive persons.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.37-42
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• 2024

In this study, we explored the possibility of using sympathetic skin response (SSR), a type of electrodermal activity (EDA), as a method of evaluating a subject's responsiveness to physical or psychological stimulation. To provide physical and psychological stimulation, walking on an acupressure plate and a roller coaster virtual reality experience wearing an HMD (head mounted display) were used. Walking on an acupressure plate significantly increased the SSR signal compared to walking on the bare floor. Additionally, it was observed that the SSR response significantly increased while the subject was wearing an HMD and experiencing a roller coaster compared to the resting state of sitting on a chair. The SSR response to physical or psychological stimulation increased in all subjects, but the degree of reactivity differed. These experimental results suggested that sympathetic skin response (SSR) is a useful tool as a biosignal that can be used to evaluate the human body's responsiveness to physical stimulation or psychological stimulation using virtual reality.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.219-226
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• 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the response of the human body to stress induced by wall recording of subway stations in the city center. The experiment was conducted as a simulation exercise, and six images were selected and produced based on Subway Line 2, a representative underground space in Seoul. The study participants included 24 male and female college students. A three-minute experiment was conducted, during which the participants were shown the control image and green wall image once each. To measure psychological status, the following measurement indicators were used: Semantic Differential, Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Physiological changes were investigated by tracking participants' heart rate and blood pressure. Results showed that parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves were activated in the presence of the green wall in the subway station. The psychological evaluation analysis revealed that negative affect toward underground space decreased, while positive affect increased. This study found that the green wall in subway stations has a stable effect on the human body, both psychologically and physiologically. In the future, green walls in underground spaces can be used to reduce psychological stress and increase physiological relaxation.