Effect of one week intergrated yoga program on depression using implicit and explcit measures

Abstract

Background Depression has a negative impact on all aspects of an individual’s life. Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy is known to have a beneficial effect on a range of depressive symptoms. Attempt to understand the effect of Yoga on emotional regulation using implicit and explicit measures in depressed individuals were not made earlier. This information is important to assess stability of an intervention. Materials and Methods In a one-week residential yoga program depressive participants (n=32) were assessed on Implicit Association Test, Emotional Stroop Test, Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS). This Yoga group was also cross-sectional compared with a healthy group (n=26). Results The mean age of yoga group and healthy group was 27.72±6.28 and 21.46±3.46 respectively. Significant improvement was observed only in HADS (p < 0.05). Improvements were seen in all other variables but it was not statically significant. Only explicit domain improved significantly whereas implicit domain was not influenced much indicating that strength of this yoga program needs to be strengthened further to see changes in implicit measures. Conclusions One week IAYT is effective in reducing severity of depressive symptoms. But a longer duration study will be required to assert long lasting changes in implicit domain.