Effects of a yoga protocol in managing depression, anxiety and stress among office workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is known to have caused serious negative effects on the health and mental wellbeing of people. Yoga is an easily available, relatively inexpensive, and safe non-pharmacological form of practice and has been found to have physiological and mental health benefits. Aim: To look into the effects of yoga therapy in the reduction of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among a cohort of office workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among office workers using a yoga protocol developed for this study. The validated DASS-42 scale was used to assess the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress before and after the intervention. Results: A significant reduction was observed in the mean scores for depression (61.36%), anxiety (62.79%), and stress (62.63%) respectively among the 240 participants following the 30-day programme of yoga therapy. Conclusions: Yoga therapy used in the above context appears to have helped in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress among office workers during the pandemic. Randomised controlled trials with larger sample sizes and better clinical method designs are needed to evaluate the level of evidence and effectiveness of yoga therapy in the treatment of above conditions.