A Logitudinal Study of Yoga Practice

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.