Divulging the Impetus of Yoga on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Its Persona in Alleviating Anxiety Experienced by Youth: A Cohort Interventional Study

Background: Globalization endangers youngsters worldwide with new standards and possibilities. Hereat of being exposed to greater demands and expectations, when it comes to performance review, their life may become more distressed. Yoga with revolutionary methods may assist youngsters in bettering their physical health regarding their maximal oxygen uptake, and also help manage their anxiety. This study ascertains the effect of yoga on youth's anxiety levels and cardio-respiratory fitness. Methods: It was a longitudinal interventional study recruiting 99 medical students wherein VO2 max (maximal oxygen uptake) on the treadmill/ergometer exercise and anxiety scores through Spielberger's anxiety scale was assessed at baseline and evaluated after 6 months of a regular yogic regime. The VO2 max was recorded by the metabolic module of Labchart software (Bella Vista, New South Wales, Australia). Findings: The VO2 max evaluated by incremental exercise to volitional fatigue was found to be 2.64 ± 0.49 L/min in males and 1.51 ± 0.44 L/min in females pre-yoga and 2.81 ± 0.52 L/min in males and 1.69 ± 0.47 L/min in females post yoga. The difference in the endline and baseline VO2 max values of yoga-performing males (t=6.595, p<0.001) and females (t = 2.478, p = 0.017) was found to be significantly higher than non-yoga performers. The METS value obtained in males was 11.96 and in females was 7.68 before yoga. Post-yoga values were 13.44 and 8.37, respectively. The difference in total anxiety scores post-intervention was 34.6 which was statistically significant (t= 4.959, p <0.001). Conclusion: From the viewpoint of a physiologist, higher VO2 max in young adults links to better physical fitness which is the potential outcome of regular yogic practice. As a result of regular yogic practice, initial soaring anxiety levels of subjects culminated in a drastic observable reduction in anxiety, which helped inculcate a judicious acumen in youngsters.