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Abstract #145779

Brandon Eggleston, MPH¹, Alice Lindeman, PhD, RD², and Susan E. Middlestadt, PhD¹. (1) Applied Health Science, Indiana University, HPER 116, Bloomington, IN 47405, 8128560532, bmeggles@indiana.edu, (2) Dept of Applied Health Science, Indiana University-Bloomington, 1025 E. 7th St, HPER 116, Bloomington, IN 47405

Background. Research has indicated health benefits of regular yoga practice related to multiple outcomes. However, there has been little research observing the association between regular yoga practice through attending yoga classes and health outcomes over time.

Method. A pilot study was conducted to observe changes over time for variables related to perceived stress, flexibility, strength, self-esteem, loneliness, blood pressure, resting heart rate, and substance use. A convenience sample was collected through anonymous and volunteer participation at a yoga studio located in a small Midwestern city.

Results. Preliminary results indicate a positive correlation between yoga practice over time and increases in perceived flexibility, strength, and self-esteem. There is a negative correlation between yoga practice over time and perceived stress, resting heart rate, blood pressure, and loneliness (significant Pearson correlations were analyzed with an alpha level of 0.05). There was little report of substance use and no significant relationship between yoga practice and substance use.

Implications. Results from this study indicate a positive change in health status for multiple outcome variables. Limited use of legal and illegal mood-altering substances may indicate a lifestyle that may be healthier than the general U.S. adult population. Future studies should be collected with additional scientific measurements that are not self-report, increased sample size, and establishing a control group to compare yoga class participants.

Learning Objectives:

• Observe relationships of psycho-emotonal health over one year
• Observe relationships of physical health over one year
• Identify substance use and its relationship to yoga practice

Keywords: Physical Activity, Substance Abuse

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.