Effect of an office worksite-based yoga program on heart rate variability: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Cardiovascular Health
• Mind-Body Interventions

Background:

• Chronic work-related stress is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
• Sedentary work environments exacerbate stress-related health risks.
• Heart rate variability (HRV) is a key indicator of physiological stress and autonomic control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a 10-week worksite Hatha yoga program on HRV in sedentary office workers.
• To assess improvements in physical functioning and psychological health status.
• To determine the feasibility of a lunchtime yoga intervention during the workday.

Main Methods:

• A parallel-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing a yoga group to a no-treatment control group.
• The yoga intervention involved 10 weeks of group-based Hatha yoga sessions, including asanas, vinyasa, pranayama, and meditation, delivered during lunch hours.
• Primary outcome: high-frequency (HF) spectral power of HRV; Secondary outcomes: other HRV domains, physical functioning, and psychological health, measured pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• (Study results not yet available as per abstract)

Conclusions:

• Worksite-based yoga interventions have the potential to mitigate workplace stress.
• Implementing yoga in the workplace may enhance employee health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
• Findings may inform practical strategies for stress reduction and health promotion in occupational settings.