G. SVYASA Ph. D. Theses
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Yoga Theses by Yoga PhD Students at SVYASA. These pages present some efforts at Scientific Validation of Yoga. You may receive full text of available yoga research papers
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Item Yoga for psycho-spiritual well-being of French professionals(S-VYASA, 2025-01-16) Pascal Papillon; Dr. Rajesh S. K.INTRODUCTION The mental and psychological health of French professionals is a concern, with high rates of conditions such as anxiety, depression, burnout, and stress. While yoga has been shown to have positive effects on physical, mental, and spiritual health, there is a lack of research on its effects specifically among French professionals. Due to cultural differences, it is important to investigate the potential benefits of yoga for this population and develop culturally-appropriate interventions. LITERARY REVIEW The aim of this literature review study was to evaluate the existing scientific literature on Karma Yoga, with a focus on understanding its potential benefits for promoting human excellence. The review of literature suggests that the application of Karma Yoga can be applied in a variety of settings to promote human excellence, including in the areas of business and work, transformational leadership, moral development, and spirituality. Further, literature review study found that spiritual well-being, mindfulness, emotion regulation, stress, and happiness are closely related and can be affected by various factors such as work-life balance, work demands and personal factors. The research suggests that interventions that focus on holistic well-being, including spiritual well-being, mindfulness, emotion regulation, stress, and happiness may be more effective in promoting overall well-being among professionals. AIMS The three studies aimed to provide a comprehensive examination of the relationship between spiritual health and psychological well-being, the presumption of cross-cultural similarity, and the effectiveness of a yoga-based intervention on these factors. The purpose of first study was to investigate the correlation between spiritual well-being, mindfulness, and emotion regulation among a group of young emerging French professionals. Additionally, the second study aimed to compare and contrast the mindfulness, job satisfaction, and happiness levels, as well as the significance of spirituality and religion, among Indian and French professionals. Furthermore, the third study aimed to assess the impact of yoga-based interventions on the psycho-spiritual well-being of French professionals for a period of 8 weeks, with a subsequent evaluation one month later. METHODS SUBJECTS AND DESIGN The first study used an online cross-sectional survey design to observe the relationship between spiritual health and psychological well-being among a sample of 421 participants recruited from universities in Strasbourg, France. The age range of participants in this study was 18 to 28 years with a mean age of 20.77 years (SD=2.22). The second study used a similar design to test the presumption of cross-cultural similarity among a sample of 214 IT professionals from France and India. The sample from France had a mean age of 42.36 years (SD=10.46 years) and the sample from India had a mean age of 38.25 years (SD=8.68 years).The third study used a two group pre/post-intervention design to examine the effectiveness of a yoga-based intervention on spiritual health and psychological well-being among a sample of 67 participants, with 33 in the yoga group and 34 in the control group. The mean age of the control group was 47.8 (9.5) and the mean age of the yoga group was 50.3 (7.2). ASSESSMENT TOOLS The study utilized measures to evaluate the emotional regulation, mindfulness, spiritual well being, stress, happiness, satisfaction at work and importance of spirituality/religion among professionals. The measures that were used in the study were: The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, The Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI), The Spiritual Well-being Questionnaire (SWBQ), The Perceived Stress Scale, The Subjective Fluctuating Happiness Scale, The Subjective Authentic-Durable Happiness Scale, in addition to assessments of satisfaction at work and the importance of spirituality/religion. DATA EXTRACION AND ANALYSIS All statistical analyses were performed using the statistical package JASP and R Software. Pearson correlations were used to examine the association between the variables of interest. Multiple regression was run to predict the outcome variables based on the predictor variables. The independent samples t-test was used to compare differences between groups and two-way mixed ANOVA was used to analyze the interaction effects between the independent variables. RESULTS The results of three different studies can be summarized as: The first study results indicate that there is a strong positive correlation between self-reported spiritual health and mindfulness. Additionally, the results show a significant association between spiritual health and emotional processes. Moreover, the study found that spiritual dissonance is negatively related to spiritual health and mindfulness. The findings of second study revealed that there were no significant differences in levels of mindfulness, satisfaction at work, fluctuating happiness and authentic-durable happiness between Indian and French IT professionals. Furthermore, the study found that there was a similar pattern of intercorrelations between these variables among the two groups, which could be seen as an indication of cross-cultural agreement. However, the study also found that Indian IT professionals had higher levels of importance placed on religion and spirituality when compared to French IT professionals. The results of the third study suggest that after an 8-week yoga-based training intervention, French professionals experienced a significant reduction in stress levels, an improvement in emotion regulation(reappraisal domain), an increase in mindfulness, an enhancement in spiritual well-being, and an improvement in authentic-durable happiness. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the first study suggests that various aspects of spirituality can positively impact the well-being of emerging professionals. The second study emphasizes the need to take into account cross-cultural factors when studying well-being in the workplace, particularly in terms of the significance placed on religion and spirituality. The third study presents evidence for the efficacy of yoga in enhancing psycho-spiritual well-being among French professionals, but additional research is necessary to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and to evaluate other potential methods of measuring well-being.Item Role of Yoga and its possible mechanism behind the psychophysiological outcomes in elderly - A Randomized control trial(SVYASA, 2023-01-07) Shree Ganesh H. R.; Subramanya Pailoor; Raghavendra RaoBACKGROUND The ageing process is a biological reality which has its own dynamic progression, usually associated with degenerative changes, loss of role and functionality and an increasing prevalence for chronic non communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, dementia, Parkinson’s etc. Lifestyle approaches such as yoga would therefore mitigate disability and prevent NCD’s. This study aims to evaluate the effects of yoga in reducing stress and improving performance in elderly. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Aim: To evaluate the effects on possible mechanism behind the integrated yoga practice on psychophysiological outcomes in elderly population. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of yoga on perceived stress, quality of life, sleep, mood, heart rate variability, spinal flexibility, muscle strength in elderly. METHODS Participants Elderly subjects willing to undergo yoga class for three months conducted by Divine Park Trust, Saligrama, Udupi and Kundapura. Subjects will be referred from both primary care physicians and bill board flyers inviting participants to enrol in a lifestyle program to improve their health. Design The proposed study design is a parallel, prospective, waitlisted, randomized controlled trial with 1:1 allocation ratio. Patients will be randomized into intervention arm and control arm. vii Assessments: Primary Outcomes: 1. Quality of Life using older people’s quality of life questionnaire 2. Changes in Heart rate variability Secondary Outcomes 1. Spinal flexibility assessed by Sit and Reach Test 2. Calf muscle strength assessed using and Back and leg dynamometer 3. Hand Grip strength assessed using Hand grip Dynamometer 4. Self-reported depression using Geriatric Depression Scale 5. Insomnia using Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index 6. Stress level using Perceived Stress Scale 7. Constipation using Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Intervention: The Yoga intervention comprises of Physical postures, Pranayama (controlled breathing), Meditation & Relaxation & will be given under the guidance of an institutionally certified Yoga therapist. The physical postures consist of preliminary stretching exercises followed by breathing practices and asana in four categories (standing, sitting, prone, and supine). RESULTS: Yoga group showed significant reduction (expressed as significance) in all the variables of frequency domain of heart rate variability, LF, HF and LF/HF (p<0.05). All the domains of quality of life were depicted to have a significant improvement in yoga group after a 12 week intervention when compared to control group. (p=0.001). viii Also, perceived stress, depression, spinal flexibility and calf muscle strength was improved in when compared with control group in both between and within group analysis (p=0.001). All the domains of sleep quality and constipation related Quality of life, Hand grip strength and VAS scores depicted an improvement in the yoga group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The improvement in the quality of life and autonomic function in elderly was mediated by reduction in stress and improvement in their physical and psychological well-beingItem Psychophysiological changes associated with trataka (Yogic visual concentration)(SVYASA, 2022-11-20) Swathi P. S.; Raghavendra Bhat; Apar Avinash SaojiTräöaka (Yogic Visual Concentration) is one of the six cleansing techniques (Ñaöakarma) explained in Haöha yoga pradépikä. Träöaka means gazing continuously at a small point until tears are shed. This point of concentration activates the inner potential and can absorb the mind. Bahiranga träöaka (external concentrated gazing) is gazing at a candle flame or any other external objects, and antaranga träöaka (internal concentrated gazing) is focusing on the inner visualization of the object (Muktibodhananda, 1999). The practice of träöaka is considered an essential part of Ñaöakarma. Literature suggests that träöaka has many benefits, but there is a lack of clear understanding of the effects of träöaka scientifically. A study assessed the immediate effect of träöaka on critical flicker fusion (CFF) in thirty healthy volunteers. A significant increase in CFF immediately after träöaka sessions indicated better visual perception (Mallick & Kulkarni, 2010). In another study, the effect of träöaka on cognitive functions in the elderly population was assessed. Results showed significant improvements in cognitive functions such as Digit Span Test, Six Letter Cancellation Test, and Trail Making Test-B compared to the control group (Jagannathan et al., 2014). Another study demonstrated better performance on the Stroop colour-word test following träöaka compared to a control session. The research suggests träöaka technique increases selective attention, cognitive flexibility, and response inhibition (Raghavendra & Singh, 2016). Changes in heart rate variability and breath rate were assessed in 30 healthy vii volunteers (Raghavendra & Ramamurthy, 2014). There was a significant reduction in breath rate and an increase in the high-frequency component of HRV after the immediate practice of träöaka, indicating a trend of relaxation and parasympathetic activity. The above mentioned study looked at only frequency domain components of HRV, hence, in this study, we have investigated the time domain, nonlinear components, and association with the psychological task. Thus, the current study was proposed to understand the effects of träöaka on pre, during, and post-intervention. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The present study was proposed to understand the psychophysiological changes associated with träöaka in healthy volunteers. The objectives of the study were to investigate the effects of träöaka and eye exercise on i) Autonomic functions viz. Heart rate variability, Heart rate, Respiratory rate, Skin Conductance, and Simple Visual Reaction Time task (SVRT), ii) Psychological well-being and visual strain, iii) Visuospatial short-term working memory through Corsi block tapping task (CBTT). METHODS Participants: For the Autonomic function and SVRT task, a total of thirty volunteers, for Visual strain and psychological well-being, a total of one hundred and six volunteers, and for CBTT, a total no of forty-one volunteers of both genders with ages ranging from 18 to 30 years participated in the study. They were students of a Yoga University in South India. They had the minimum experience of Yoga practice for six months. Design viii We adapted the self as control trial to assess the autonomic changes and visual reaction time, wherein each participant was assessed twice during experimental and control sessions. The assessments for Autonomic changes were done for the duration of 5 min before, 20 min for during the session, and immediately after the practice of träöaka or control session. For Simple Visual reaction time, the assessments were done for the duration of 5 min before and immediately after the practice of träöaka or control sessions. For the assessment of the performance of Corsi block tapping task, a repeated measures design was adapted. Each participant was assessed thrice, at baseline, following the practice of träöaka and control sessions. We adopted a randomized controlled trial to assess visual strain and psychological well-being, and questionnaires were administered at baseline and at the end of two weeks. Assessments: i. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and respiration were recorded using a 16-channel human physiology system (Power lab 16/35. A.D. Instruments, Australia) ii. Visual Fatigue Scale (VFS), Visual symptoms checklist (VSC), Mind-wandering questionnaire (MWQ), and State mindfulness attention awareness scale (SMAAS) were administered. iii. SVRT task and CBTT were presented using the Inquisit Millisecond software package 4.0 (Millisecond Software, LLC, Seattle, USA) Intervention: The träöaka module consists of 2 distinct stages, which were administered for 20 min. As a preparatory stage of träöaka, eye exercises were performed. The eye exercises were done with eyes open in a well-lit room. The second stage was the practice of träöaka itself. The ix participants were asked to fix their gaze on the candle's flame for about 2 to 3 minutes without blinking their eyes. This process was repeated for three rounds (simple focusing, intense & deep focusing for 5 min each), and practice was ended in silence with the prayer. The second stage consisted of about 15 minutes. During the control session, subjects practiced only eye exercises for 10 minutes, and for the next 10 minutes, they sat quietly with their eyes closed without doing any concentration or meditation exercise. RESULTS: i. Autonomic Functions & Simple visual reaction time task: Enhanced heart rate variability was observed during and following träöaka, indicative of possible parasympathetic activity in the autonomic activity. There was also a reduction noted in Respiratory rate, Skin Conductance, and SVRT task. ii. Visual Strain & Psychological well-being: There was a significant reduction in VFS and VSC scores, MWQ, along with an increase in SMAAS scores in the träöaka group after two weeks of intervention. iii. Performance in Corsi Block Tapping Task: The results demonstrate an enhanced working memory, spatial memory, and spatial attention following the practice of Träöaka in the Cosri Block Tapping Task. CONCLUSION: The practice of träöaka was found to reduce visual strain and mind wandering while improving state mindfulness. The träöaka (yogic visual concentration) leads to increased vagal tone and reduced sympathetic arousal along with reduction observed in SVRT Task. x Also, träöaka enhanced working and spatial memory in the CBTT. The results indicate the practice of träöaka to be safe in healthy volunteers. NEED OF THE STUDY: There is a paucity of scientific studies about the effects of träöakaon autonomic and cognitive functions and visual strain and psychological functions. All these domains could be potentially influenced positively through the practice of träöaka. Thus, we undertook studies to evaluate the effect of träöaka to understand autonomic changes during the träöaka and on Visual Reaction Time; performance in CBTT (for working and spatial memory) and to evaluate the effect of träöaka on the visual strain and promoting psychological well-being.Item Effect of yoga based lifestyle modification in pre-diabetes(SVYASA, 2022-05-13) AMIT SANTOSH MISHRA; Padmini Tekur; Hongasandra R. Nagendravi ABSTRACT BACKGROUND T2DM, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder with significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare spending. Prediabetes is a pre-stage risk factor for the development of T2DM. yoga is a mind-body medicine shown to have several health benefits. There is a lack of evidence for the efficacy of yoga in improving Prediabetes and reducing diabetes incidence. Hence the effect of yoga base Lifestyle (YBL) in prediabetes study is imperative. Stress plays an essential role in the manifestation of several chronic conditions such as Diabetes. Stress-related factors such as stressful workplace or traumatic life events and mental health problems underlie the development of Diabetes. In the present study, we study the association between stress and "prediabetes," the precursor and preventable stage of Diabetes, which needs attention. yoga is an ancient skill set that could aid in attaining optimal physical and mental health and aid in the prevention and combating of several lifestyle disorders and diseases. The study was to understand the perception of people in all zones of India about yoga (not only Äasana or Präëayam) and knowledge-practice of yoga We hypothesized stress as one of the reasons for the progression of people with Prediabetes into T2DM. The present study report on associations between perceived stress and blood glucose markers stratified by T2DM status. The nationwide survey was to understand the benefits and barriers encountered by the community members to accept yoga into the workplace and routine practice. Even though vii yoga helps prevent obesity, Diabetes, and hypertension, not practiced universally. This study explores motivators and barriers to practice by estimating how these elements can help develop and incorporate yoga as a workplace activity and profession. AIMS & OBJECTIVES Aims ▪ To study the effect of yoga-based Lifestyle Modification in Prediabetes. ▪ To study the effect of yoga-based Lifestyle Modification of stress on prediabetes, Diabetes ▪ To reduce and control the growing curve of Diabetes in India Objective ▪ Trial to test the potency of yoga-based lifestyle intervention on prediabetes risk reduction in a large community setting. METHODS A national-level survey was part of a study conducted in rural and urban areas in all zones of India, screening 2,40,000 population in 60 districts selected randomly in all states. Participants (age 20-70 years) were individuals with prediabetes A1C (range, 5.7–6.4%) and Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) ≥ 60. The intervention included practicing yoga-based lifestyle modification protocol (YBL) for nine consecutive days, followed by daily home and weekly supervised practices for three months. Standard care advice was for the control cluster for diabetes prevention. Participants The study's first phase included a survey across all the identified regions (Urban and rural). The participants with consent are recruit to the study. This phase included 1,62,330 participants to recruit for the NMB program with a three-page item questionnaire. viii Design In this nationwide sampling survey, Phase one was to estimate the Prevalence of Diabetes and Prediabetes. Phase two was to assess the efficacy of the structured intervention to prevent the progression of Prediabetes to Diabetes. Assessment 1. Demography (Semi-structured schedule), 2. Anthropometrics 3. Biochemical Blood Test. Intervention yoga group: The intervention group received the specially prepared standardized yoga based lifestyle change protocol and standard T2DM management education for three months. YVDM (yoga Volunteer Trained for T2DM Protocol) trained participants for a 9-day camp (2 h daily) activity. Followed by daily (individual or group) practice using DVDs and included 2-h weekly YVDM-supervised follow-up classes. Standard care advice was for the control cluster for diabetes prevention. Sample size calculated 5320 in Intervention and Control Group. Total 10,640 for two groups. RESULTS In the YBL Group, the conversion rate from Prediabetes to normoglycemia (52.80% in intervention vs. 37.80% in the control group, P = 0.005) over three months. The conversion to normoglycemia after YBL was significantly better in the younger age group (≤4 0 years) than those above 40yrs, with OR=2.20 (95% CI 1.57-3.08) and OR=1.02 (95% CI 0.82- 1.26), respectively). In the study, conversion to normoglycemia was found to be equally effective in both genders. ix Significant reduction in FBS 12.33%, PPBS14.08%, Triglyceride>200 35% reduction, HDL<45 19.46% increase, stress 7.3% reduction. The association between perceived stress scores (PSS) was tested in a large-scale population of 16,368 individuals with Prediabetes and T2DM, aged 47.8 ± 12.5 years. Individuals were recruited from different geographical zones of India under the National Multicentric Diabetes Control Program. Results reported that individuals with Prediabetes had higher perceived stress and depression, may indicate the relevant role of stress underlying the progression towards Diabetes. Interestingly, people with Prediabetes had significantly higher depression scores (patient health questionnaire-9 scores) 6.9 vs. 6.1 than people with T2DM. This draws to the relevance of stress management approaches, including mind-body interventions and yoga, may affect the progression of T2DM.Respondent’s survey revealed that 11.8% practice yoga, the north zone has the highest [4,567/112,735], and the east zone has the lowest [971/112,735]. Out of 101,643 respondents, 94,135 believed that yoga improved their lifestyle (92.6%), and 90,102/98,518(91.4%) believed that yoga prevented T2DM, revealing an immense knowledge–practice gap. General acceptability with knowledge–practice yoga gap has a scope of integration with modern medicine to change conventional healthcare. A standard validated questionnaire perceived stress scale (PSS-10) was used in individuals with Prediabetes (n=649) and T2DM (n=485) and then segregated them into three categories (minimum, moderate, and severe stress levels). Blood glucose markers (Fasting Blood Glucose - FBS, Postprandial Blood Glucose- PPBS, and Glycolate Hemoglobin- HbA1c) were evaluated to report their association with the PSS-10. The study revealed a significantly higher HbA1c level in people with Prediabetes, who had higher perceived stress than other categories. T2DM who had high FBS levels had severe perceived stress. x In the yoga intervention group in the nationwide multi-centered prospective randomized control study, questionnaires for barriers and benefits of yoga practice were asked. Most Participants perceived yoga as a tool to improve physical fitness, relax mind and body, and enhance stamina in all age groups. Barriers reported were urban /rural Lifestyle, Family commitments, Physical exertion. Other reasons across the country came as No Encouragement of family, Occupational commitments, and few places to do yoga. Conclusion The substantial influence of the yoga-based lifestyle intervention was observed against Prediabetes risk reduction on Indian Population. This change was significantly better in the younger age group of less than 40 years. Prediabetes had higher perceived stress and depression, this draws to the relevance of stress management approaches, including mind body interventions and yoga, which may affect the progression of T2DM with integration with modern medicine to change conventional healthcare. People believe in yoga in India, but People Practicing yoga is far less. The reason for barrier in urban and rural yoga Practice is urban /rural Lifestyle, Family commitments, Occupational Commitments, few Place to practice yoga. Tackling barriers and improving yoga based Lifestyle participation would be an effective strategy to combat the epidemic of diabetes from both preventative and treatment perspectives. Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus T2DM, Prediabetes, yoga, Stress, Depression, yoga based Lifestyle.Item Impact of SMET yoga program on organisational citizenship behaviour, positive affectivity, negitive affectivity and occupational stress of employees : A randomised Controlled study(SVYASA, 2022) JYOTHI VASU; Sony Kumari; H. R. Nagendra; K. B. AkhileshBACKGROUND: Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) is a newly emerging concept in the stream of organizational behavior. In today’s global competitive world, any and every organization wants to have excellent employees those who do not only work hard but also display discretionary behaviours, positive traits, good interpersonal relationship, supportive team work, self-motivation to collectively achieve organizational goals and success. Despite an increasing number of studies on OCB, not many unifying works are focused on the improvement of the same. Here we also study about two most important personality traits namely Positive affectivity and Negative affectivity of employees in an organisation. AIMS and OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to investigate the impact of Self-Management of Excessive Tension yoga program on Organisational Citizenship Behaviour, Positive and Negative affectivity and Occupational stress (OS) of the employees. METHODS: Participants: A sample of 240 employees consisting of both male and female, working for a BPO office in Bengaluru, India belonging to an age group of 20-45 years participated in the study. Design: It is a randomised two group (yoga and control group), intervention study with pre and post assessments. Assessment: Organisational Citizenship Behaviour scale, Positive and Negative Affectivity Schedule (PANAS) scale and Occupational Stress Index (OSI) scale were used to administer the study parameters. Data was analysed by using SPSS software version 25.0. Intervention: Self-Management of Excessive Tension module practice is given to employees as Intervention. Results: A considerable increase in mean values (difference in pre and post data) were observed after SMET intervention for various dimensions of OCB, PANAS and OS. The results were found to be significant with p < 0.05.Conclusions: Study showed that SMET helped to improve OCB and to reduce the occupational stress of the employees. Study also proved that SMET helped to increase Positive affectivity and to reduce the Negative affectivity of the employees. Key words: Cyclic Meditation, Negative Affectivity, Occupational Stress, Organisational Citizenship Behaviour, Personality Traits, Positive Affectivity, SMET, Yoga