The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Ai Chi aquatic exercise to the level of human stress and muscle activities.
12 female university students in their 20s participated in 10 sessions of Ai Chi exercise at a deep sea water pool located in Sokcho
city from the 8th to 19th of July 2013. Each participant’s level of cortisol in saliva was tested three times: prior to exercise, 5 days
post and 10 days post exercise. EMG was tested two times: prior to exercise and 10 days post exercise.
The results of study revealed that the level of cortisol has been decreased as the study being progressed and showed statistically
significant differences(p<0.05). This can be interpreted Ai Chi exercise being effective in reducing human stress level. The test of
EMG showed Ai Chi exercise was effective in increasing the quality of human muscle activities.
Ai Chi is a type of exercise that can easily be implemented without any special equipment and does not involve physical touch
between the teacher and the learners. Therefore, Ai Chi should be recommended to patients and people who need to reduce their
tension and stress and increase emotional stability.
This research was supported by the Korea Sea Grant program(GangWon Sea Grant) funded by Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
in Korea.