Stress scores fell during a music and exercise trial in expatriate workers
The program group reported lower stress scores, with reductions sustained at follow-up. The abstract does not quantify the difference from controls.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The program group reported lower stress scores after the intervention, and the abstract says reductions persisted at follow-up. Interviews also described better emotional regulation and relaxation. These findings describe changes within this worker sample, but the numerical result presented is a change within the program group, leaving its comparative benefit uncertain.
The abstract reports only the program group's before-and-after scores, without control-group results or a between-group effect estimate. This leaves the size of any advantage over the comparison activities unclear.
What researchers found
GARS self-reported stress score in the program group
Before versus immediately after the 5-week program (p < 0.001); the abstract reports this within-group change, without a numerical comparison against controls.
Measuring stress
Researchers assessed self-reported stress using the Global Assessment of Recent Stress (GARS), collected through online surveys. Lower scores represented less stress. The comparison group also received activities: background music and stretching.
Subgroup claims need caution
Reported subgroup patterns varied with age, occupation and music preference. Because the abstract supplies no subgroup effect estimates or direct tests of differences, those patterns cannot establish who would benefit most.
The original publication
Integrative stress management for global workforce: music-based and exercise intervention for overseas employees.
Wei Y, Wu H, Song Y
Front Public Health · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41283018
- Record checked
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