Perceived stress, resilience, well-being, and COVID 19 response in Isha yoga practitioners compared to matched controls: A research protocol

Abstract

Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant stressor worldwide and reports of psychological distress, depression, sedentary lifestyles, and overall decreased wellbeing are increasing. Yoga practices have been found to improve mental and physical health. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to compare Isha yoga practitioners to controls on perceived stress, resilience, wellbeing, and protection and recovery from COVID-19. Trial Design. In this prospective randomized control trial, the effects of yoga practices are being compared between seasoned yoga practitioners with two controls who are age (±3 years), gender matched, and living in the same neighborhood. Methods Participants will be asked to complete a series of web-based surveys at baseline, six weeks, and 12 weeks. These surveys include validated scales and objective questions on COVID-19 infection and medical history. The validated questionnaires assess stress, mood states, resilience, and overall wellbeing. Questionnaires, weekly activity diaries, and medical history, will be collected using REDCap. Results We hypothesize that routine yoga practice during the COVID-19 pandemic will reduce stress, enhance well-being, and provide protective effects against COVID-19. Conclusion With the growing concern about the physical and mental impacts of COVID-19 and increased interest in alternative practices such as yogic practices, this study will contribute to the growing body of evidence about the safety and efficacy of yoga for emotional, mental, and physical health conditions.

Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on the Well-Being, Burnout and Stress of Italian Healthcare Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Recently, after the onset of COVID-19, mind–body practices have been proposed and evaluated to improve the psycho-emotional status of HCPs, including perceived stress, demonstrating their acceptance by HCPs, feasibility and effectiveness [ 13 , 14 ]. Since professionals with low levels of job satisfaction are more likely to experience distress (e.g., anxiety and depression), a supportive work environment is crucial to promote resilience and job satisfaction, providing the highest standard of care in the safest possible environment, especially during an emergency such as COVID-19 [ 15 , 16 ].…”

Yoga for COVID-19: An ancient practice for a new condition – A literature review

“…Even though most studies do not have a very robust body of evidence, yoga seems to be a simple, safe and low-cost therapeutic alternative for quality of life improvement, positively influencing the physiological and biochemical parameters of the practitioners [ 46 ]. Yoga can be practiced by anyone, requires no infrastructure, and is a restorative individual activity which can be easily practiced during periods of social isolation such as the ones we have been experiencing with the COVID-19 pandemic [ 47 ], namely through sessions in a tele-yoga format [ 48 , 49 ]. Another possibility is the use of mobile applications, such as the Yoga of Immortals, which has been shown to significant decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety after an 8-week period regular use [ 50 ], and to alleviate insomnia [ 50 , 51 ].…”

Perceived Stress, Resilience, and Wellbeing in Seasoned Isha Yoga Practitioners Compared to Matched Controls During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The methodology paper detailing the study has been published elsewhere (26). Briefly, seasoned Isha yoga practitioners were recruited by social media, websites, flyers, word of mouth, and email announcements from the Isha Foundation.…”