EFFECT OF A 24-WEEK YOGA INTERVENTION ON PERCEIVED STRESS AMONG COMPETITIVE SPRINTERS, MIDDLE-DISTANCE RUNNERS, AND JUMPERS

K. K. Swathy, R. Mahesh, Chenthamara Dhrisya, Binu George Varghese, Nair R. Harikumaran

Abstract


Yoga is a traditional mind–body practice that integrates physical postures, controlled breathing, and meditative techniques to enhance both physiological and psychological functioning. Athletes are frequently exposed to psychological stress due to intensive training demands, competitive pressure, and performance expectations, which may negatively influence performance outcomes. The present study examined the effect of a 24-week yoga intervention on perceived stress among sprinters, middle-distance runners, and jumpers aged 18–25 years. A total of 120 healthy participants were selected and equally assigned to experimental and control groups, with each category comprising male and female athletes. The experimental group participated in a structured yoga program for one hour per day, five days per week, for 24 weeks, whereas the control group continued their regular training routines without yoga. Perceived stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Statistical analyses included paired samples t-tests, independent samples t-tests, and repeated measures ANOVA. The findings revealed significant reductions in perceived stress among participants in the experimental group across athletic categories, while no meaningful changes were observed in the control group. These results indicate that yoga may serve as an effective intervention for reducing perceived stress and supporting psychological well-being among athletes.

Keywords


yoga, perceived stress scale, athletes, sports psychology, mental health

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejpe.v13i5.6865

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