A new study conducted by researchers at Kyushu University in Japan demonstrated that working sitting on tatami mats can reduce anxiety and increase performance in activities that require concentration. According to the scientists, this type of flooring promotes increased activity in brain regions related to concentration and engagement, in addition to helping reduce tension.
Study participants reported feeling less anxious when using the tatami mats during their activities. The research was published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Scientific Reports. This is another advance in investigations into the benefits of Igusa, the Japanese name for the material used in tatami mats.
Associate Professor Kuniyoshi Shimizu, from the Faculty of Agriculture at the university, explained that the team has been using objective scientific methods to investigate the effects of Igusa on people. Previously, the researchers had already demonstrated that the aromatic compounds present in Igusa have relaxing effects.
With this new research, the goal was to explore other potential benefits of the material, such as improvements in mood, greater stress resilience, and greater task engagement. The study suggests that reclining chairs may be popular, but tatami mats represent an interesting alternative for work environments that require concentration.
