Examining The Efficacy Of Yogic Practices In Alleviating Pre-Examination Stress: An Investigation Into Cortisol Secretion As A Psycho-Somatic Marker

Abstract

Background: Cortisol, a glucocorticoid hormone, is a critical marker of stress, modulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Elevated cortisol levels, sustained over time, can lead to adverse health outcomes, including immunosuppression, metabolic dysregulation, and cognitive deficits. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as yoga, which integrates physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation, have shown promise in modulating cortisol levels and enhancing psychological well-being.

Purpose: This study investigates the efficacy of an 8-week yoga intervention on cortisol levels and psychological well-being among university students during a pre-examination period, a typically high-stress phase. The research aims to provide empirical evidence on whether yoga can serve as an effective stress management tool, reducing physiological stress markers and improving mental health.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) design was employed, involving twenty male students aged 20-24, who were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=10) or a control group (n=10). The experimental group underwent an 8-week yoga program, comprising three sessions per week, each lasting 45 minutes. The control group received no intervention. Cortisol levels were measured using blood samples collected pre- and post-intervention. Psychological assessments were conducted using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, two-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analyses.

Results: The two-way ANOVA revealed a significant interaction effect between group and time on cortisol levels (F(1, 18) = 13.12, p = 0.001), indicating a specific reduction in cortisol levels in the experimental group. The main effect of the group was also significant (F(1, 18) = 9.47, p = 0.006). Pearson correlation analysis showed a moderate negative correlation between reductions in cortisol levels and perceived stress (r = -0.52, p = 0.03), suggesting that the physiological benefits of yoga were accompanied by psychological improvements. However, the correlation between cortisol reduction and anxiety reduction was not statistically significant (r = -0.35, p = 0.12).

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that an 8-week yoga intervention significantly reduces cortisol levels and perceived stress among university students, supporting its potential as a non-pharmacological intervention for stress management. The study underscores the importance of integrating yoga into stress reduction programs, especially in high-stress environments such as academic settings. Future research should explore the long-term effects and mechanisms underlying yoga's impact on stress and anxiety, incorporating larger, more diverse samples for broader applicability.