Conclusion
This research supports that yoga participation is associated with lower PSS and BDI-II scores but does not support a relationship with markers of inflammation. Further research is warranted.
Methods
30 participants were categorized as either: 1) "Yoga" engaging in yoga ≥2 times/week for ≥6 months, or 2) "Non-yoga" not engaging in yoga.
Purpose
To compare markers of health associated with chronic diseases between yoga and non-yoga participants.
Results
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores were significantly different between the yoga and non-yoga groups (PSS: 8.0 vs. 17.5, respectively, p < 0.05; BDI-II: 1.0 vs. 5.5, respectively, p < 0.05). No significant differences were evident between groups for inflammatory markers nor Complex V of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate values differed between groups based on clinical cutoffs, with yoga participants categorized as normal (11.0 mm) and non-yoga above normal (21.5 mm).