Adherence to and changes in mental and physiological health during an 8-week yoga intervention: A pilot study. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2022 Apr;30:203-209
Date
05/03/2022Pubmed ID
35500972DOI
10.1016/j.jbmt.2022.01.004Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85126290657 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 3 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: Participating in yoga may be ideal for college students to increase physical activity and improve mental health.
PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility and impact of an 8-week yoga intervention within a university setting on mental and physiologic heath.
METHODS: This 8-week yoga intervention included twelve yoga-naïve adults, (23.8 ± 4.6 years; 71% female). Participants attended two 60-min yoga classes/week in addition to baseline, mid- and post-lab visits.
RESULTS: 83% of participants attended ≥75% of yoga classes. Stress and depression symptoms decreased by 11% and 25%, respectively and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) reduced by 28%. Participants who did not meet physical activity recommendations observed greater improvements in stress, depression symptoms, ESR, and C-reactive protein compared to participants who met recommendations.
CONCLUSION: The majority of participants attended ≥12 of 16 yoga classes. Exploratory analyses provide preliminary support for the impact of yoga on reducing stress, symptoms of depression, and ESR. Participants who were not meeting physical activity guidelines prior to starting the intervention received greater benefits.
Author List
Forseth B, Polfuss M, Brondino M, Hunter SD, Lawlor MW, Beatka MJ, Prom MJ, Eells J, Lyons JAAuthor
Michael W. Lawlor MD, PhD Adjunct Professor in the Pathology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultExercise
Female
Humans
Male
Meditation
Pilot Projects
Students
Yoga
