Author: Hewett ZL1, Pumpa KL2, Smith CA3, Fahey PP4, Cheema BS5
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Australia. Electronic address: zoehewett@hotmail.com.
<sup>2</sup>Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Australia.
<sup>3</sup>National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University, Australia.
<sup>4</sup>School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Australia.
<sup>5</sup>School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Australia; National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University, Australia.
Conference/Journal: J Sci Med Sport.
Date published: 2017 Aug 24
Other:
Pages: S1440-2440(17)30994-5 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2017.08.006. [Epub ahead of print] , Word Count: 243
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 16 weeks of Bikram yoga on perceived stress, self-efficacy and health related quality of life (HRQoL) in sedentary, stressed adults.
DESIGN: 16 week, parallel-arm, randomised controlled trial with flexible dosing.
METHODS: Physically inactive, stressed adults (37.2±10.8 years) were randomised to Bikram yoga (three to five classes per week) or control (no treatment) group for 16 weeks. Outcome measures, collected via self-report, included perceived stress, general self-efficacy, and HRQoL. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, midpoint and completion.
RESULTS: Individuals were randomised to the experimental (n=29) or control group (n=34). Average attendance in the experimental group was 27±18 classes. Repeated measure analyses of variance (intention-to-treat) demonstrated significantly improved perceived stress (p=0.003, partial η2=0.109), general self-efficacy (p=0.034, partial η2=0.056), and the general health (p=0.034, partial η2=0.058) and energy/fatigue (p=0.019, partial η2=0.066) domains of HRQoL in the experimental group versus the control group. Attendance was significantly associated with reductions in perceived stress, and an increase in several domains of HRQoL.
CONCLUSIONS: 16 weeks of Bikram yoga significantly improved perceived stress, general self-efficacy and HRQoL in sedentary, stressed adults. Future research should consider ways to optimise adherence, and should investigate effects of Bikram yoga intervention in other populations at risk for stress-related illness.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616000867493. Registered 04 July 2016. URL: http://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12616000867493.aspx.
Copyright © 2017 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
KEYWORDS: Chronic disease; Hatha yoga; Inactivity; Psychological health
PMID: 28866110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2017.08.006