Evaluating the Impact of SKY Breath Meditation on Stress, Well-being, and Connection in College Students

Summary

This pilot study will evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) for university students. Over an eight-week period, 56 students will be randomly assigned to either a SKY breathwork group or a control group engaging in general yoga without breathwork. The SKY group will participate in a three-day in-person retreat, weekly virtual sessions, and independent home practice. The study will assess recruitment, retention, and adherence, as well as changes in physical activity, perceived stress, anxiety, resilience, social connectedness, and cognitive focus. All participants will complete validated wellness questionnaires at baseline and post-intervention. The goal is to determine whether SKY is a feasible, low-risk intervention that may enhance student well-being and inform future research.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants must:

  1. be currently enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students at the university in Alabama;
  2. be at least 18 years old;
  3. speak and read English;
  4. be available to attend a 3-day in-person retreat and twice-weekly online sessions for SKY breath program over 8 weeks;
  5. be able to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants will be excluded if they:

  1. have a serious psychiatric condition (e.g., schizophrenia, psychotic disorders) that could be exacerbated by group-based interventions;
  2. are in acute psychiatric crisis; such as, active suicidal ideation
  3. have acute medical conditions that contraindicate light physical activity or breathwork;
  4. are unable to obtain physician clearance for participation due to chronic conditions (e.g., uncontrolled asthma, severe cardiovascular disease, active psychiatric illness requiring intensive treatment).

Conditions3

Locations1 site

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