Effect of yogic intervention on stress levels among IT professionals: A quasi experimental study

Abstract

Background: The dynamic, targeted, and time-bound working nature of the Information Technology (IT) profession will expose high-stress levels with high prevalence among IT professionals in India. Chronic stress can affect cognitive and emotional functions and can contribute to psychological and physical disorders. Yoga is a holistic intervention that regulates stress, modulates neurochemical pathways, and improves body homeostasis.Objective: To evaluate the effect of a structured yogic intervention on stress levels, blood pressure, and pulse rate among the IT professionals.Methods: This quasi-experimental study recruited 20 IT professionals (12 males, 8 females, mean age 27.25±2.07 years) using convenience sampling. Participants engaged in daily 1-hour yoga protocol for 30 days, including Sukshma Vyayama, asanas, pranayama, meditation, relaxation, and mindfulness practices. Outcomes were measured pre- and post-intervention by Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and pulse rate. Paired t-tests were done for statistical analysis at a significance level of p