Abstract
Effect of Hatha Yoga on Stress and Recovery of Female Collegiate Athletes
Sharma, P., Kendrick, K., and Chilek, D.
Department of Health & Kinesiology
Lamar University, Beaumont, TX
PURPOSE: To determine the acute effect of Hatha yoga participation on stress and recovery of collegiate female athletes (cross country, soccer and volleyball). METHOD: Twenty five healthy female athletes were randomly divided into two groups, experimental (Yoga, Y; n=14, age=19.3±1.3 years) and control (No Yoga, C; n=11, age=19.7±3.6 years). Hatha yoga was performed on four consecutive days, at 30-40 minutes per session, and consisted of breathing exercise, meditation, asanas/postures, sun salute, and relaxation. Participants continued usual training with their respective teams. The Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-Sport) was completed 2 days before and one day after four consecutive days of yoga (Y) or no yoga (C). RESULTS: There was a significant decrease (p = .008) in global stress scores (2.58±.94 to 2.01±.68) for Y, but not C (2.60±.55 to 2.41±.85, p = .132). Global recovery scores for Y (2.86±.59 to 2.82±.00, p = .405) and C (2.95±.70 to 2.95±.61, p = .527) were unchanged pre to post. CONCLUSION: Hatha yoga practice appears to decrease stress in collegiate female athletes. Thus, appropriate incorporation in the training program may reduce negative effects of overtraining.
Recommended Citation
SHARMA, PRITHA; kendrick, Kevin; and Chilek, Daniel R. Jr
(2009)
"Effect of Hatha Yoga on Stress and Recovery of Female Collegiate Athletes,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
1, Article 30.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss1/30