Yoga and Aerobic Exercise Effects on Cognition

Summary

The purpose of this acute randomized control study is to assess the feasibility of a low-to-moderate intensity Yoga intervention (i.e. sun salutations), and examine its effect on cognitive functioning, compared to engaging in aerobic activity or seated rest. Participants will include individuals who are currently experiencing symptoms of psychosocial stress or general anxiety.

Conditions

• Stress, Psychological

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Sun salutations

This group will be asked to participate in 25 minutes of low-to-moderate intensity Yoga. This acute session will include engaging in sun salutations, breathing exercises and relaxation. Sun salutations involves performing 10 postures in a particular sequence, and then repeating that sequence. Some of the positions include bending over and touching one's toes, and lying belly-down on the ground and pushing up from ground while arching backwards. The activity will begin as a low intensity activity for the first 5 minutes, and the intensity will be gradually increased. Participants' heart rate will be measured before and after the intervention. The intervention will be delivered by a video displayed on a tablet device. An orientation session in the beginning will familiarize participants with the activity.

BEHAVIORAL

Aerobic exercise

This group will be asked to walk on the treadmill for the same amount of time (i.e. 25 minutes) at a moderate intensity (50-70% of their maximum heart rate). Participants will receive an initial 5-minute orientation and then begin at a self-selected speed for the first 5 minutes. Heart rate will be measured and monitored by an undergraduate research assistant. Speed will be increased after 5 minutes if participants have not reached the moderate zone. If participants still have not reached the target heart rate zone by the 10-min mark, the incline of the treadmill will be increased by a 5% grade until the zone is reached.

BEHAVIORAL

Seated rest

This group will be watching educational videos for the same amount of time as the intervention groups. An orientation session of 5 minutes will be held in the beginning. Participants will be watching videos on general health related topics, such as healthy eating, while being seated in a quiet room, free of distractions.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Sean P Mullen, PhD · University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Madhura Phansikar, MA · University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

45 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2019-09-01

Primary Completion

2020-03-13

Completion

2020-03-13

Countries

• United States

Study Locations