Denise Winroth, Peter Hassmen and Christopher J Stevens
Yoga and aerobic exercise have several health benefits. These include improved mood and well-being, and reduced symptoms of depression and stress. Research further suggests that the two modes of exercise have an anxiolytic effect, although these findings are not consistent across the literature. The current study measured the acute effects of yin yoga and aerobic exercise on state anxiety, train anxiety, and trait mindfulness. Thirty participants completed a one-hour yin yoga session, and fourteen returned one week later to complete a one-hour aerobic exercise session. Immediately before and after the sessions, participants completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). No differences in scores on the STAI and MAAS were detected after the aerobic exercise, however there was a significant reduction found in state anxiety and trait anxiety after the yin yoga, with no changes in trait mindfulness. The results indicate that yin yoga has an anxiolytic effect, although the uneven number of participants made comparison difficult. Yin yoga should be considered as a potential treatment option for anxiety.
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