Media Release
May 3, 2004
Study to authenticate the power of yoga
UniSA’s Division of Health Sciences is about to embark on a new study
to look at the effects of relaxation and yoga on stress and anxiety and
is looking for 100 participants for the 10 week study.
UniSA Associate Professor in Complementary Therapies, Caroline Smith,
says the study will contribute to our understanding of stress and
anxiety relief in a world where these complaints are increasing and
taking their toll.
“Stress has become a characteristic of modern day life in the 21st
century and it is something we all hear a lot about as a core health and
well-being issue for people today,” Assoc Prof Smith said.
“It is not only an occupational hazard but life events - death, divorce,
unemployment - can all contribute to high levels of stress and continued
or ongoing exposure can lead to more serious mental and physical
symptoms including anxiety, depression, indigestion and palpitations.
“At the same time there is a long tradition dating back centuries and
emanating from different cultural traditions that practices such as
yoga, relaxation and meditation can decrease stress and improve health.
“What we hope to do with this study is identify and track the benefits
of yoga specifically in reducing stress and anxiety.”
UniSA is looking for 100 participants aged between 18 and 65 years who
have some experience of stress and anxiety and are fit to undertake yoga
classes. The study will exclude pregnant women and people who are
already yoga practitioners. Anyone unsure about their physical ability
to undertake yoga will be urged to check with their GP.
Potential participants will be required to fill in a questionnaire to
identify stress levels and a group will be chosen on the basis of the
questionnaire. The study will involve one hour yoga or relaxation
sessions every week for 10 weeks and a follow up questionnaire six weeks
after the trial is complete. The yoga sessions will be conducted by a
yoga consultant and certified Hatha yoga teacher. There are no fees or
charges associated with the study.
“We need to better understand the advantages of yoga in treating stress
and we need to be aware of any problems,” Assoc Prof Smith said.
More information
Participants can contact the research trial team to find our more information and register:
- Dr Heather Hancock pager (08) 8273 2460 email heather.hancock@unisa.edu.au
- Dr Caroline Smith office (08) 8302 2082 email caroline.smith@unisa.edu.au
Media contact
- Michèle Nardelli office (08) 8302 0966 mobile 0418 823 673 email michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au