Yoga's impact on risk and protective factors for disordered eating: a pilot prevention trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a yoga intervention in improving risk and protective factors for eating disorders, including mindfulness, in female college students.
Results Summary
The yoga group showed increased positive affect and decreased appearance orientation compared to the control group, but changes in other outcomes, including mindfulness, were not statistically significant.
Population
Female college students (n=52)
Effective Dosage
Three 50-minute yoga classes per week
Duration
10 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
yoga intervention (three 50-minute yoga classes/week for 10 weeks) | decrease | appearance orientation | female college students | - | decreased | #1 |
yoga intervention (three 50-minute yoga classes/week for 10 weeks) | increase | positive affect | female college students | - | increased | #2 |
yoga intervention (three 50-minute yoga classes/week for 10 weeks) | increase | positive affect | female college students | - | had a significantly higher | #3 |
yoga intervention (three 50-minute yoga classes/week for 10 weeks) | no change | body dissatisfaction | female college students | - | were not statistically significant | #4 |
yoga intervention (three 50-minute yoga classes/week for 10 weeks) | no change | negative affect | female college students | - | were not statistically significant | #5 |
yoga intervention (three 50-minute yoga classes/week for 10 weeks) | no change | loneliness | female college students | - | were not statistically significant | #6 |
yoga intervention (three 50-minute yoga classes/week for 10 weeks) | no change | self-compassion | female college students | - | were not statistically significant | #7 |
yoga intervention (three 50-minute yoga classes/week for 10 weeks) | no change | mindfulness | female college students | - | were not statistically significant | #8 |
Yoga has been proposed as a strategy for improving risk and protective factors for eating disorders, but few prevention trials have been conducted. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a yoga series in female college students (n = 52). Participants were randomized to a yoga intervention (three 50-minute yoga classes/week for 10 weeks conducted by certified yoga teachers who received a 3-day intensive training) or a control group. Risk and protective factors, assessed at baseline, 5 and 10 weeks, included body dissatisfaction, negative affect, loneliness, self-compassion, positive affect, and mindfulness. Mixed models controlling for baseline levels of outcome variables were run. On average, participants attended 20 out of 30 yoga classes, and the majority of participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the yoga series. Appearance orientation decreased and positive affect increased in the yoga group relative to the control group. After controlling for baseline levels, the yoga group had a significantly higher positive affect than the control group. Changes in other outcomes were not statistically significant, as compared to the control condition. Future yoga research directions are discussed including education about body image, measure and sample selection, and use of an implementation science framework.