Effect of Aerobic Exercises, Yoga and Mental Imagery on Stress in College Students-A Comparative Study

Stress is a natural physical response to perception of a stimulus. As the body responds in various forms to stress, certain predictable changes occur which may be positive or negative.

To evaluate and compare the effect of aerobic exercises, yoga and mental imagery on stress in college students.

90 participants were randomly allocated to 3 groups. Group A received aerobic exercises, Group B yoga and group C mental imagery. Demographic data of each participant were obtained & intervention was given for 45minutes/day for 4 days/week for 2 week. Hassel's scale, Uplifts scale and Lakaev Academic Stress Response Scale were used as outcome measures for pre and post intervention respectively.

Significant reduction in stress was seen in all 3 groups. When between groups analyses were done, there was statically significant improvement in Group C as compared to other two groups. Significant changes were found in outcomes in mental imagery and aerobic exercises while there was no significant changes in Blood Pressure & respiratory rate in yoga group.

The present study concludes that aerobic exercises, yoga and mental imagery helps in reduction of stress. Mental imagery was proved to be effective as compared other methods.