Effect of yoga therapy on psychological well being (subjective well being) and quality of life in common medical conditions

Abstract

Yoga is described as comprising a rich treasure of physical and mental techniques that can be effectively used to create physical and mental well-being. Stressors of urban and modern lifestyle have long been postulated to be major contributors to many medical illnesses. Mindfulness-based stress reduction such as yoga has been shown to decrease the average number of visits to the primary care physician. This study aims to evaluate the benefits of a package of yoga therapy on Psychological well being and quality of life in Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Asthma and Obesity. The sample comprised of 40 adults, both sexes 20-60 years. Mean 41.9(S.D.(plus or minus)10.9) Diabetes mellitus (4), Hypertension (8), Asthma (3) and Obesity (25) who was evaluated on subjective well being by - Psychological General Well-Being Schedule (PGWS) and physiological outcome measures - Pulse rate, Blood pressure, and BMI. The yoga package included regular gentle stretching physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation techniques and relaxation which was individually tailored for 45 minutes/day. Baseline assessment and post assessment was conducted at three months of follow up. Dietary habits were also assessed and certain life style modifications were suggested. Significant improvements were reported in all subscales of PGWS, such as Anxiety - 0.001. Depression - 0.032; Well being - 0.001; Self confidence - 0.001; General health - 0.001 and Vitality - 0.001, and also physiological measures such as BMI - 0.001; SBP - 0.001; DBP - 0.001 and PR - 0.001 at three months in all the four groups. Thus this study has convincingly demonstrated the short term benefits of regular practice of yoga on quality of life and other physiological measures in common medical illnesses.