International Journal of Yoga, Physiotherapy and Physical Education

Authors
Shahane Sai, Dr. Shah Swati, Dr. Kowale Arun

Abstract
Introduction: Practice of Yoga have shown to induce consistent benefits in several physiological parameters, both physical and psychological parameters. Study attempts to assess positive changes in above mentioned parameters during course of exercises consisting of Yoga. Objectives: To assess and compare fitness Index, vO2 max, 40 mm endurance time and stress, anxiety and depression levels, before starting yoga for 8 weeks in subjects and to assess and compare above parameters in subjects at intervals of two weeks during yoga. Methods: Thirty healthy female nursing students were made to practice yoga designed and approved by certified yoga physician for 45 minutes for 8 weeks. Assessment of cardiopulmonary efficiency was done by calculating Fitness Index using Harvard’s Step Test, VO2 max and 40 mm Endurance Test. Depression Anxiety Stress Scale was used for assessment of psychological parameters. These parameters were assessed in 5 sessions throughout study before commencement then after intervals of 2 weeks each. All parameters were analyzed by ANOVA and Post hoc Bonferroni test. Results: There was significant improvement in fitness index, and 40mm Endurance test and Stress, anxiety and Depression levels (p<0.01) after YOGA. Increase in cardiopulmonary efficiency was more in later phases of training. Fall in depression, anxiety and stress levels was maximal in first phase of training. Conclusion: Yoga improves exercise tolerance and cardiorespiratory endurance. Short term yoga training caused marked reduction in basal levels of depression, anxiety and stress. Yoga causes positive variation in various mental and physical parameters even when practiced for a short duration.