MSCYT Dissertations (Yoga Therapy)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://elibraryofyoga.com/handle/123456789/32
Yoga Dissertations by Yoga Students at SVYASA. These pages present some efforts of SVYASA at Scientific Validation of Yoga, combining the best of the East with the best of the West
News
Yoga Dissertations by MSc Students
Browse
382 results
Search Results
Item EFFECT OF INTEGRATED APPROACH OF YOGA THERAPY ON THE PAIN, DEPRESSION, KOOS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN OSTEOARTHRITIS PARTICIPANTS(S-VYASA, 2025-08-19) Ved Prakash Yadav; Rajesh NairBACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disorder, particularly affecting weight-bearing joints like the knee. Chronic pain, stiffness, reduced joint function, and psychological consequences such as depression and anxiety severely affect the quality of life (QoL) in OA patients. (David J Hunter, 2019) Complementary interventions like yoga therapy are gaining clinical attention due to their holistic effects. Yoga’s mind-body approach integrates physical postures (āsana), controlled breathing (prāṇāyāma), meditation (dhyāna), and lifestyle principles that impact both physical and mental well-being. (Carly M Drzewiecki et.al, 2021). Conventional management strategies, such as pharmacotherapy and surgery, offer limited long-term relief and may cause adverse effects, prompting interest in complementary therapies like yoga(Geoffrey M Currie et.al, 2019). Yoga, which includes gentle movements, breathing exercises, and relaxation, has shown promise in reducing pain and improving mood and physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis there is growing interest in complementary approaches such as yoga which combines physical postures, breathing technique , meditation and lifestyle education (Deepeshwar S et.al, 2018). Yoga may work by lowering inflammation, improving muscle strength and balance, and calming stress responses in the body(Bandita Adhikari et.al, 2022) Yoga, a non pharmacological treatment approach, has been recommended for osteoarthritis by an international osteoarthritis clinical guideline in 2019 and some studies have also proposed yoga as a beneficial practice for people with arthritis AIM: This study was aimed at observing the effect of an integrated approach of yoga therapy on the pain, depression, Koos, and quality of life in osteoarthritis participants OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: To assess the effect of IAYT on; ● Pain associated with the osteo arthritis condition ● Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome Score ● Depression ● Quality of life METHODS: Participiants: Subjects (n = 46) identified with osteoarthritis, meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited from the Arogyadhama (a holistic yoga hospital, practicing integrated yoga therapy, associated with S-VYASA) section treating osteoarithritis. Design: This was a single-group pre–post study involving 46 participants diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Assessments: In this study, we assessed variables like Pain, Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome Score, Depression, Anxiety, Stress and Quality of Life. Intervention: Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy (IAYT) for two weeks with one month follow-up. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in pain levels (p < .001, d = 0.935), depression (p < .001, d = 0.892), anxiety (p < .001), stress (p < .001), and environmental quality of life (p = .024). KOOS subdomains like knee symptoms, sport and recreation function, and daily living activities also showed marked improvement. However, no significant changes were observed in the physical, psychological, and social domains of QoL, or pain-related QoL scores. CONCLUSION: The integrated approach of yoga therapy significantly reduced pain, depression, anxiety, and stress among participants with osteoarthritis, alongside improvements in specific domains of the KOOS and environmental quality of life. However, no significant changes were observed in the physical, psychological, or social domains of overall quality of life. These findings suggest that yoga may serve as an effective complementary therapy in managing osteoarthritis symptoms and improving certain aspects of well-being, although further research with larger samples and control groups is warranted to confirm and extend these results. KEYWORDS: Osteoarthritis, yoga, quality of life, psychological wellbeingItem EFFECT OF MIND SOUND RESONANCE TECHNIQUE (MSRT) ON RELAXATION AMONG SHOTOKAN KARATE PLAYERS(S-VYASA, 2025-08-19) Rutuja Mohan Kachare; Soubhagyalaxmi MohantyItem SHORT TERM EFFECT OF CYCLIC MEDITATION IN REDUCING STRESS, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION IN ORPHANAGE CHILDREN(S-VYASA, 2025-08-19) Muppidi Ravali; Deepsika SrivastavaBACKGROUND An orphan is a child under 18 years of age who has lost one or both parents to any cause of death. Orphans are classified into three categories: paternal orphans (children who have lost their fathers), maternal orphans (children who have lost their mothers), and double orphans (children who have lost both parents). according to statistics by UNICEF, there were 140 million orphans globally by the year 2015.(Unicef Report - Understanding Orphans, n.d.) The loss of one or both parents, coupled with the absence of a caregiver, often places these children in institutional care environments. This significant change can cause immense stress and negatively affect their psychological well-being. Studies have observed that orphans and other vulnerable children living in institutional homes or orphanages are more prone to psychological, behavioural, and emotional problems compared to children raised in a family environment, as they are deprived of familial love, care, and support(Kaur et al., 2018) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This study was aimed at observing whether the practice of cyclic meditation can bring significant change in stress, anxiety, and depression scores in orphan children who are under institutional care. evaluate the short-term effects of Cyclic Meditation (CM) on managing stress, anxiety, and depression among orphans. equip orphans with CM as a tool to manage stress and prevent psychological disorders in the future METHODS An orphanage located in Hyderabad, Telangana region was selected for the study, in which 34 children between the age group of 8 to 16 all-female children who were willing to participate in the study were recruited and intervention of cyclic meditation practice was given for 35 minutes every day for 5 days a week for 2 weeks and data was collected before and after the intervention period using DASS-21 questionnaire. vi RESULTS Statistical analysis revealed a significant reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression scores with p < 0.001, along with a significant increase in the duration of Bhramari time post intervention. CONCLUSION From the findings of the study we can infer that regular practice of cyclic meditation can have significant positive impact in reducing stress, depression and anxiety and increased Bhramari time, and can serve as an effective, low-cost, and non-invasive method to enhance psychological well-being in vulnerable populations like orphans, and the study highlights the potential of yoga based interventions to be integrated into child care programs. KEY WORDS Orphans, Cyclic meditation, Stress, anxiety, DepressionItem EFFECT OF YOGA ON CREATIVE THINKING IN MIDDLE SCHOOL RESIDENTIAL STUDENT(S-VYASA, 2025-08-19) Smita Rani; Rajesh NairBACKGROUND: In today’s fast-changing world, creativity is essential for children to think flexibly, solve problems, and express themselves. However, studies report a decline in creativity during middle school, known as the “fourth-grade slump” (Torrance, 1967), often due to rigid academic routines and social pressures. Yoga, in which practices like asanas, pranayama, and mindful relaxation, and meditation have shown promise in improving focus, emotional balance, and brain function. Emerging research suggests yoga may also enhance creativity by reducing stress and supporting cognitive flexibility in young learners. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the effects of a structured yoga program on divergent thinking and creativity among middle school residential students. METHODS: A single-group pre-post design was employed. Forty healthy students aged 11–15 from PM SHRI Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Godda (Jharkhand, India) participated in a four week intervention comprising daily one-hour sessions of Asanas, Pranayama, Deep Relaxation Techniques, and Krida Yoga. Creativity was assessed using standardized measures evaluating Originality, Fluency, Flexibility, Verbal creativity, Non-verbal creativity, and Total creativity. RESULTS: Post-intervention scores showed statistically significant improvements in originality (P < .001; Cohen’s d = 0.9), verbal creativity (P < .001; d = 0.8), total creativity (P < .001; d = 0.8), fluency (P = .002; d = 0.5), and flexibility (P = .002; d = 0.6). No significant change was found in non-verbal creativity (P = 0.198; d = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that regular yoga practice positively influences divergent thinking and creativity in middle school students. Yoga enhanced verbal creativity and cognitive flexibility, supporting its integration in educational settings. This highlights yoga’s potential as a holistic tool to foster students’ creative abilities, emotional balance, and mental well-being. Keywords: Yoga, Creativity, Divergent Thinking, Creative Thinking, Children, Verbal creativity, Cognitive Flexibility, EducationItem EFFECT OF YOGA ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PARAMETERS RELATED TO OBESE CONDITION AND THE WELLBEING OF PARTICIPANTS AFFECTED BY OBESITY(S-VYASA, 2025-08-19) Jinal Mokariya; Rajesh NairBACKGROUND Obesity, a global health crisis, has tripled since 1975 due to sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, and stress, leading to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and depression. Conventional treatments often neglect psychological roots. This dissertation explores Yoga as a holistic intervention, focusing on the Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy (IAYT). Through structured hospital-based programs, it assesses improvements in BMI, blood pressure, sleep, self-esteem, and emotional well being. Yoga’s mind-body practices offer a low-cost, accessible solution, especially vital for countries like India. The study aims to evaluate yoga’s potential as a sustainable model for both physical and psychological rehabilitation in obesity management. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This study aims to evaluate the impact of the Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy (IAYT) on the physiological and psychological parameters of individuals with obesity. As part of that, this study assessed the effect of IAYT on Body Mass Index (BMI), Blood Pressure, Sleep quality, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in people suffering from obesity. METHODS Participant: A total of 52 participants aged between 25 and 60 years, clinically diagnosed with obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²), were selected using convenient sampling from Aarogyadhama, a yoga therapy hospital under S-VYASA University. Design: This study followed a single-group pre-post design Assessments: In this study, we assessed Body Mass Index (BMI), Blood Pressure (SBP & DBP), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), WHO Quality of Life-BREF (Physical, Psychological, Social, Environmental) 1 Intervention: An integrated approach of yoga therapy (IAYT) program was administered for 2 weeks. The intervention included specific asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), kriyas (cleansing techniques), relaxation methods, and lifestyle modifications, including a special diet. Participants were guided regularly to maintain consistency and adherence to the protocol. Results: Participants showed significant improvements in various physical and psychological parameters, particularly in reduction of body weight, BMI, and improvements in sleep quality, stress levels, and overall well-being. Conclusions: IAYT was found to be effective in reducing obesity and improving physiological and psychological health markers when practiced consistently. It is a safe, holistic, and non pharmacological approach for managing lifestyle disorders like obesity.Item EFFECT OF CYCLIC MEDITATION ON STRESS LEVELS, ANXIETY, AND DEPRESSION IN HIGHER SECONDARY STUDENTS(S-VYASA, 2025-08-19) Tanisha Gupta; Rajesh NairBACKGROUND In the current educational landscape, higher secondary students often grapple with immense academic pressures, peer expectations, and future uncertainties. These stressors have led to an alarming rise in psychological concerns such as stress, anxiety, and depression among adolescents, often compromising their academic performance and overall well-being. Addressing these issues through holistic and accessible practices has become increasingly necessary. One such intervention is Cyclic Meditation (CM), a structured yogic technique that blends physical postures with deep relaxation to regulate mental and emotional health. Though previous research has demonstrated CM’s benefits in adult populations, its application and effectiveness among school-going adolescents remain underexplored. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This study aims to assess the effect of cyclic meditation on the stress, anxiety, and depression of higher secondary students. METHODS Participants and design A total of 62 school Students from VPS High School in Lonavala, Maharashtra, aged 15-18 years. This study will follow a single-group pre-post design. Assessments: Stress: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) Anxiety: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21(DASS-21 Depression: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21(DASS-21 Sleep Quality: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) vi Intervention: Intervention (Cyclic Meditation practice) will be of the duration of 40 minutes and 5 days/week, for one month. CM consists of various steps like IRT (1Min), Centering, Ardhakati chakrasana, QRT (3Min), Vajrasana, Shashankasana, Ustrasana, DRT (14 Min) Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in three of the four targeted domains: Perceived stress levels decreased substantially (p < .001, Cohen’s d = 1.60), Depression scores showed a significant reduction (p < .001, d = 1.01), Anxiety levels dropped significantly (p < .001, d = 1.00), Sleep quality improved markedly (p < .001, d = 0.74). However, the DASS-21 stress subscale did not show statistically significant improvement (p = 0.108), possibly due to the instrument's sensitivity or the intervention duration. Conclusions: The findings suggest that Cyclic Meditation is an effective intervention for reducing perceived stress, anxiety, and depression, while simultaneously enhancing sleep quality among higher secondary students. Given its accessibility and holistic nature, CM can be feasibly integrated into school wellness programs. Future studies with control groups, longer follow-up periods, and diverse populations are recommended to further validate and expand upon these promising outcomes. Keywords: Cyclic Meditation, Yoga, School students, Stress, Sleep quality, Anxiety, DepressionItem MENTAL HEALTH STATUS OF INDIVIDUALS RESIDING IN RELIEF CAMPS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY FROM MANIPUR, INDIA(S-VYASA, 2025-08-19) Lady Thongam; Soubhagyalaxmi Mohanty; Sowjanya M.BACKGROUND Ethnic conflict in Manipur, India, has led to the internal displacement of thousands of individuals, many of whom are now living in relief camps under challenging conditions. Displacement not only disrupts social and economic stability but also exposes individuals to a range of psychological stressors. Previous studies have consistently shown that displaced populations are at increased risk for mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, there remains a gap in research specifically focused on the mental health status of displaced populations within Manipur. Understanding the mental health burden among this vulnerable group is crucial for informing policy and guiding mental health service delivery. This study aims to provide empirical data on the psychological well-being of individuals residing in relief camps and to identify the prevalence and severity of mental health symptoms in this context. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Aims - To investigate the mental health of participants residing in relief camps due to ethnic conflict in Manipur, India. Objectives - To evaluate the mental status (depression, anxiety, stress and PTSD) of participants residing in relief camps. METHODS Participants: N = 221 internally displaced individuals residing in relief camps in Manipur. Design: This study employed a cross-sectional survey design. Assessments: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist – Civilian Version Intervention: No intervention was implemented during the study. However, the findings are intended to inform future intervention planning. RESULTS The results revealed critically high levels of psychological distress among participants. Approximately 71.1% showed severe or extremely severe depression, 93.3% reported extremely severe anxiety, and 76% experienced severe or extremely severe stress. In addition, 65.6% of participants screened positive for post-traumatic stress disorder. Access to healthcare was rated as poor or very poor by over 95% of respondents. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights a mental health crisis among individuals in relief camps. The findings emphasize the need for immediate psychological support and improved healthcare access for displaced populations in conflict-affected areas.Item Immediate effect of Vajrasana maintenance half an hour on concentration, balancing of mind, stress and energy level (A Pre-Post control method with conveniance sampling)(S-VYASA, 2022-11-02) Krupaben Patel; Gangotri PandaItem EFFECT OF INTEGRATED APPROACH OF YOGA THERAPY(IAYT) ON ANTIOXDANT STATUS IN SUBJECTS WITH ARTHRITIS(SVYASA, 2021-04-09) SHUBHI TANEJA; Mithila M. V.Item IMMEDIATE EFFECT OF VAMAN DHAUTI ON SUBTLE ENERGY (AS MEASURED BY GDV) -A PRE POST CONTROL STUDY(SVYASA, 2021-09-04) Davendra Pratap Singh; Padmasri Gudapti1. Background and Introduction: The physical body is consistently throwing off waste materials through its natural mechanisms via four organs. Kidneys eliminate acid and other waste products, which come through the blood. Sweat glands remove waste materials through the skin as perspiration, which contains toxins. Liver and large intestines eliminates toxins in type of undigested food and faeces. Lungs eliminates CO2 other gases. We throw away impurities of the body through various openings by means of perspiration, urine, excretion and breathing. Yet this excretory system of the body is loaded with disease carrying poisons because of modern life style (i.e. lack of exercise, irregular or excessive food intake together with fast food, indulging in habit disorders like smoking, alcohol, etc) which ends up in physical and physiological disorders (Disorders, 2019). All the cleansing techniques are figured out just opposite to natural action of the body. To illustrate, during practice of dhauti, the practitioner controls natural force of vomiting and natural force of cough and sneeze subsequently. These techniques don't seem to be only ‘unnatural’ during this sense but also ‘unnatural’ because the techniques are voluntary performed while controlling natural and involuntary processes. Regular and steady practice of the cleansing techniques ultimately helps not only to stop diseases and keep the body and mind healthy, but also gain voluntary control over involuntary process (autonomous nervous system) of the body (Disorders, 2019). It is an instrument for the measuring energy of the normal person. The GDV (Gas Discharge Visualization) leads main effective rules it indicates a human health problem, better condition of health, stress levels, depression level, altered state of consciousness, chakra measurement, monitoring energy state, energy testing etc (K. Korotkov, 2014). 2. Objectives: The objective of this study is to find out the statistical changes in level of Stress, Energy, Balance, and Chakras in healthy persons before and after Vaman Dhauti practice though GDV. The hypothesis is that Vaman Dhauti may improve overall subtle energy pattern. 3. Material and methods: Thirty four participants both male and female, age range between 20 to 40 years were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Every participant attended the study for 2 times as member of control and experimental group. On the first day, pre-post measurement was done with intervention (Vaman Dhauti followed by Deep Relaxation Technique). On the next day again pre-post measurements were done with same participants without Vaman Dhauti, only Deep Relaxation Technique was given to them. 4. Result: Experiment group showed significant improvement in all the variables (all p-values <0.05) and most of the p-values <0.01 showing very significant improvement, except one variable sahasara ca (p-value =0.103). Whereas control group did not show any significant effect in most of the variables but showed significant improvement in variables stress (p-value =0.002), balance (p value <0.001), svadhisthana ca (p-value =0.002), anahata ca (p-value =0.019) and sahasara ca (p value =0.046). 5. Conclusion: The results of present study demonstrated that there was significant improvement in the participants because of practice of Vaman dhauti followed by DRT in all of the variables except one i.e. sahasara ca. Findings of the study suggested that Vaman Dhauti followed by relaxation can improve energy field of digestive organs, chakra energy and alignment and reduce stress. Also, there was significant improvement in some of the variables in the participants when only DRT practiced.