Feasibility and impact of a remote moderate-intensity yoga intervention on stress and executive functioning in working adults: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

The feasibility of a moderate-intensity yoga intervention, delivered remotely via supervised and unsupervised sessions, and its psychosocial and cognitive effects have not been thoroughly investigated. This randomized controlled trial assessed feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an 8-week moderate-intensity yoga intervention (3×/week, 50 min) delivered remotely (vs. a waitlist control arm), on stress and cognitive functioning. Participants (n = 86) were low active, full-time working adults (81.40% female; M age = 41 years) with symptoms of stress. Feasibility was assessed via adherence, enjoyment, and safety; stress and anxiety via self-report questionnaires; and executive functioning via neuropsychological tests. Overall attendance was 75.1%, 100% of participants enjoyed the intervention, and only one adverse event was reported. At follow-up, the yoga group had significantly lower stress and anxiety, and higher accuracy on working memory tasks. Remote moderate intensity yoga practice proved safe, enjoyable, and may reduce stress and improve cognitive functioning. This study was pre-registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04740229).

Reduce stress and the risk of burnout by using yoga techniques. Pilot study

“…The impact of vinyasa yoga practice on reducing stress and reducing problems with falling asleep has already been shown in a study on a group of oncologists who declared an improvement in well-being after 3 months of practice ( 37 ). Notably, in clusters 4 and 5 ( Figure 3 ), the respondents to whom the desire to reduce stress through yoga practice was assigned were predominantly those with a short history of the practice allowing us to assume, as confirmed by the results of other researchers, that yoga has a positive effect on stress management role ( 67 , 75 , 76 ). Respondents who have been practicing for years are less likely to report a need for stress reduction ( Figure 4 ).…”

“…Significantly few people indicated that spiritual motivation is the main reason for exercise (Figure 4). Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic style characterized by the diversity that allows practitioners to choose the intensity of the practice according to their needs and abilities (37,73,74). The impact of vinyasa yoga practice on reducing stress and reducing problems with falling asleep has already been shown in a study on a group of oncologists who declared an improvement in well-being after 3 months of practice (37).…”

The Medical Intuitive©

“…The study by Zope et al [48] concluded, "In the context of the pandemic COVID -19, yoga may improve mental health status, immunity to viral infections, systemic health parameters, quality of life, and/or survival in patients with comorbidities." Another paper published by Phansikar et al [49] showed that it is feasible to implement a moderate-intensity yoga intervention with synchronous and asynchronous technology at home for working adults with stress symptoms without compromising contact safety during the pandemic.…”