From Mat to Model - Stress, Inflammation, and Yoga

Chronic stress burdens body and mind and leads to systemic inflammation that, in the long term, increases the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Our research project From Mat to Model investigates for the first time in a large randomized controlled trial how two different yoga stylesVinyasa Yoga and Yin Yogainfluence stress and inflammatory processes. Vinyasa Yoga is a dynamic, vigorous style with flowing transitions that synchronize breath and movement. Yin Yoga, by contrast, relies on long-held, gentle stretches and particularly promotes stimulation of the connective tissue. To this end, we invite 210 chronically stressed adults to participate in supervised classes three times a week for twelve weeks. As comparison groups, we include an active control group performing standardized strength, endurance, and mobility training, as well as a passive control group that does not attend any classes during the intervention period. Before and after the intervention period, participants report their subjective stress levels several times a day via a smartphone app. At the same time, they collect saliva samples for the stress hormone cortisol and for a marker of the autonomic nervous system (alpha-amylase), as well as blood samples for the determination of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, CRP). We also assess, through an experimental stress induction, whether the typically excessive physiological stress response in chronically stressed individuals can be modified by yoga. Three months after the end of the course, we repeat our measurements to determine whether any potential effects persist. Our results aim to show if and how yoga can be integrated into everyday life to break the vicious cycle of chronic stress and inflammation toward a healthier life. Our data analysis using structural equation models allows us to describe precisely the interactions between stress and inflammationand to clarify whether yoga can help to alter these interactions. In doing so, we make an important contribution to the prevention of stress-related diseases and raise awareness of simple, side-effectfree health strategies.