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Additional Information

More information is available at carthage.edu/celebration-scholars/. The following are members of the Research, Scholarship, and Creativity Committee who are eager to listen to ideas and answer questions:

  • Thomas Carr
  • Katherin Hilson
  • Kim Instenes
  • John Kirk
  • Sarah Terrill

The effect of a combined yoga and meditation session on self- reported physical and mental Quality of Life

Name: Taylor Sliwa
Major: Exercise and Sports Science
Hometown: Mount Prospect, IL
Faculty Sponsor:
Other Sponsors:  
Type of research: Independent research

Abstract

Purpose: This research was designed to determine if a combined 30 minute yoga and a 30 minute meditation session would decrease physical discomfort, and stress and increase relaxation.

 Methods: Twelve subjects voluntarily participated in this research during a group fitness class at Carthage College. All subjects were between age 19 to 22, with one subject over 60. The subjects were asked to take a three question survey before and after the session. Scores on each question ranged from 0 – 5.

 Results: The physical discomfort score decreased from 3.4 (SD = 0.9) before the session to 1.9 (SD = 0.51) post session. This was a statistically significant difference t(11) 6.5, p < .01. Perceived stress level also significantly decreased from 3.25 (SD = 1.22 ) to 1.6 (SD = 0.79 ), t(11) 5.9, p<.05. The average score on the relaxation question was 2.3 (SD = 0.75 ) prior to the session compared to 4.7 after (SD =0.49 ). A higher score indicated greater relaxation; this difference was also statistically significant t(11) -8.4, p< .01.

 Conclusion: An acute bout of yoga and meditation resulted in a statistically significant improvement in self- perceived stress, physical discomfort and relaxation. This suggests that even one session of yoga and meditation can have an important effect on the physical and emotional states of college- aged persons.

Submit date: April 3, 2020, 11:01 a.m.

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