Effect of Hatha Yoga on Stress and Recovery of Female Collegiate Athletes

Effect of Hatha Yoga on Stress and Recovery of Female Collegiate Athletes Sharma, P., Kendrick, K., and Chilek, D. Department of Health & Kinesiology Lamar University, Beaumont, TX PURPOSE: To determine the acute effect of Hatha yoga participation on stress and recovery of collegiate female athletes (cross country, soccer and volleyball). METHOD: Twenty five healthy female athletes were randomly divided into two groups, experimental (Yoga, Y; n=14, age=19.3±1.3 years) and control (No Yoga, C; n=11, age=19.7±3.6 years). Hatha yoga was performed on four consecutive days, at 30-40 minutes per session, and consisted of breathing exercise, meditation, asanas/postures, sun salute, and relaxation. Participants continued usual training with their respective teams. The Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-Sport) was completed 2 days before and one day after four consecutive days of yoga (Y) or no yoga (C). RESULTS: There was a significant decrease (p = .008) in global stress scores (2.58±.94 to 2.01±.68) for Y, but not C (2.60±.55 to 2.41±.85, p = .132). Global recovery scores for Y (2.86±.59 to 2.82±.00, p = .405) and C (2.95±.70 to 2.95±.61, p = .527) were unchanged pre to post. CONCLUSION: Hatha yoga practice appears to decrease stress in collegiate female athletes. Thus, appropriate incorporation in the training program may reduce negative effects of overtraining