Effects of 12 Weeks Yoga Intervention Program on Perceived Stress and Sleep Quality of Male it Professionals

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of a 12-week yoga intervention program on perceived stress and sleep quality among male IT professionals aged 25 to 40 years in Pune. An Experimental Pre-test Post-test Non-Equivalent Group Research Design was employed. A total of 32 male IT professionals working in an IT company in Baner, Pune, were screened based on the inclusion criteria of using a computer or laptop for more than 6 hours per day and leading a physically inactive lifestyle. From this pool, 24 participants were selected using a non-probability purposive sampling technique, specifically targeting individuals with a sedentary lifestyle. These participants were then divided into two groups using the ABBA method: 12 participants in the experimental group and 12 in the control group. The independent variable was a 12-week yoga intervention program that included a combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and mindfulness practices. The dependent variables were perceived stress and sleep quality. Perceived stress data was collected using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10; Cohen et al., 1983), and sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI; Buysse et al., 1989). Both assessments were conducted for the experimental and control groups before (Pre-Test) and after (Post-Test) the intervention. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics through IBM SPSS software. The calculated mean difference in perceived stress was 5.16, and for sleep quality, it was 1.66. This indicates a significant improvement in both variables among the participants. The calculated t-values for perceived stress and sleep quality were 5.6 and 3.0, respectively. Notably, participants in the experimental group demonstrated a 6-unit greater reduction in perceived stress and a 1.67-point greater improvement in sleep quality compared to the control group. In conclusion, the 12-week yoga intervention program was effective in significantly reducing stress and enhancing sleep quality among male IT professionals.