Summary and critique by: Kevin Muvunyi
Summary:
A group of researchers conducted a study in 2005 to
determine the effects of practicing yoga, a widely renowned relaxation and
meditation method in the world, on the mood of 113 inpatients at the New Hampshire
Hospital. Prior to the start of the research exercise, inpatients were directed
to answer a Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. This questionnaire
which is a measure of the six major negative emotion factors was also handed out
to be completed by the inpatients at the end of each yoga session and this for
a total period of ten days. The inpatient group used in the study was comprised
of a total of 59 women and 52 men.
As a result of the study, the researchers were able to
observe that practicing yoga demonstrated a positive effect on five of the six
major negative emotion factors on the POMS. Namely the tension-anxiety, depression-dejection,
anger-hostility, fatigue-inertia, and confusion-bewilderment emotional elements.
On the other hand, participating in yoga sessions showcased no positive effect on
the sixth PMOS factor, which is vigor-activity. Moreover, the researchers noted
that the participation of an individual in more yoga classes than his peers had
no substantial consequence on his overall mood.
Globally the
initiators of the research concluded that yoga could prove to be an efficient technique
to reduce stress levels and mental illness symptoms amongst patients in highly
restrictive and controlled areas such as hospitals based on their observations.
Nonetheless, they conceded that due to the uncontrolled nature of the study,
further research was required to validate their findings. The researchers also pointed
to the possibility of their study being inaccurate based on the premise that
the inpatients completed the POMS forms with a prior intent of satisfying the perceived
expectations of those conducting the research.
Critique:
Overall the
study was well designed with a sufficient sample size to make substantial observations.
Nonetheless, the uncontrolled nature of the experiment suggests that the
findings of the research exercise are inaccurate. Further research, should
explore the possibility of introducing a control group in the experiment, and
also seek to explain the reason behind the inefficacy of the yoga technique in
regards to improving the emotional factor of “vigor” in a mentally ill
individual.
Source: http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.mercyhurst.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=8&sid=4a895aa1-22dd-437e-9120-15c811c5272d%40sessionmgr4008
Posts
What was the control group for this experiment? Also, did researchers try to ascertain the yoga experience of participants?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, there was no control group for this study which is why they suggested that this be the case in future studies.Finally, inpatients were given the POMS questionnaire which I believe was more geared towards measuring improvements in their mood, rather than establishing their personal experience with the technique.
ReplyDeleteDid they provide a reason for the yoga sessions not showing a positive effect on vigor-activity?
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that the researchers noted that participation of an individual in more yoga classes than his peers had no substantial consequence on his overall mood. There are definitely interwoven benefits of yoga especially in yielding psychological benefits. Incorporating yoga in any other workout regimen yields exponential results regardless of mental or physical state.
ReplyDeleteI think that this study lacks the validity that the yoga study on stress had. There is no objective monitor included in this study just a subjective mood survey. The mood survey could be influenced by a number of compounding factors like diet, and sleep deprivation.
ReplyDeleteProgressive muscle relaxation is a two-step process in which you systematically tense and relax different muscle groups in the body. With regular practice, it gives you an intimate familiarity with what tension—as well as complete relaxation—feels like in different parts of your body. This can help you react to the first signs of the muscular tension that accompanies stress. And as your body relaxes, so will your mind.
ReplyDeleteProgressive muscle relaxation can be combined with deep breathing for additional stress relief.