A 2024 randomised controlled trial investigated yoga as a mental health intervention for university students, a population who often face high stress and anxiety. The study recruited 129 students, assigning half to a 12-week yoga program (two 60-minute sessions weekly) and half to a control group. Outcomes measured with validated tools showed that the yoga group experienced significantly lower stress, reduced anxiety, and improved emotional wellbeing. Though effect sizes were modest, the consistency across measures highlights yoga’s value as a simple, scalable strategy for student mental health. Australian universities may consider integrating physical activity, such as yoga, into campus life to support student wellbeing and academic success.
Citation: Castellote-Caballero, Y., Carcelén-Fraile, M. del C., Aibar-Almazán, A., et. al. Yoga as a therapeutic approach to mental health in university students: A randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Public Health, Volume 12, 2024. (link)