None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Background: Chronic work-related stress is a significant and independent risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases and associated mortality, particularly when compounded by inactivity. Heart rate variability (HRV) provides an estimate of parasympathetic and sympathetic autonomic control, and can serve as a marker of stress. Hatha yoga is a physically demanding and psychologically relaxing intervention that could mitigate work-related stress, however time constraints including work and family life may limit participation. The purpose of the present study is to determine the effect of a 10-week, worksite yoga program delivered during office hours (i.e. lunch break) on resting HRV and related physical and psychological parameters in a sedentary office workers with limited to no experience with yoga. Methods and design: This is a parallel-arm RCT that will compare the outcomes of participants assigned to the experimental treatment arm (yoga) with those assigned to a non-treatment control group. The yoga intervention will be a progressive, beginners program, emphasize flowing physical postures (vinyasa) with an intention to improve psychological and physical markers of health status. The primary outcome of this study is parasympathetic control of heart function as determined by analysis of HRV. Secondary outcomes include measures of physical functioning and psychological health status, including anxiety, quality of life and job satisfaction. Measures will be collected prior to and following the intervention period, and at 6 months follow-up to determine the effect of withdrawal of the intervention.
Interventions
Hatha Yoga (postures and meditation). Participants randomised to the experimental condition will engage in a 10-week yoga program delivered at their place of work (UWS Campbelltown Campus) three days per week for one hour per session. Sessions will be group-based and will be led by an experienced yoga instructor from Yoga Synergy Pty Ltd (Sydney, Australia). The program will involve teaching beginner students safely and progressively over 10 weeks, a yoga sequence that incorporates asanas (po
Hatha Yoga (postures and meditation). Participants randomised to the experimental condition will engage in a 10-week yoga program delivered at their place of work (UWS Campbelltown Campus) three days per week for one hour per session. Sessions will be group-based and will be led by an experienced yoga instructor from Yoga Synergy Pty Ltd (Sydney, Australia). The program will involve teaching beginner students safely and progressively over 10 weeks, a yoga sequence that incorporates asanas (poses and postures), vinyasa (exercises), pranayama (breathing control) and meditation. The sequence design will be aimed at developing strength, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, increasing energy and the ability to deal with stress. All postures have a simple and a more challenging version so participants will be able to choose the level of difficulty that is appropriate to them on any given day.
Sponsors
University of Western Sydney
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Healthy adults (>18 yr) employed in full-time academic or general staff office positions at the University of Western Sydney Campbelltown campus; not currently engaged in regular yoga practice; no known chronic diseases; available to attend three yoga sessions per week during lunch break, ability to communicate in English; no acute or chronic medical conditions which would make yoga potentially hazardous or primary outcomes impossible to assess as outlined by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM); willingness and cognitive ability to provide written informed consent. Individuals deemed moderate-risk will require the approval of their physician prior to participation.
Exclusion criteria
High-risk individuals will be excluded.
Outcome results
None listed