Breath of Resilience: Evaluating the Impact of SKY Breath Meditation on Stress, Well-being, and Connection in College Students - A Pilot Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
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.
Description
The investigators are conducting a small pilot study to explore whether a specific type of breath-based meditation-Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY)-can support the well-being of university students. Over the course of eight weeks, 56 undergraduate and graduate students will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will take part in the SKY program, while the other will follow a general online yoga routine that does not include breathwork. Participants in the SKY group will begin with a three-day in-person retreat, followed by weekly virtual sessions and independent home practice. The co…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
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 c…
Interventions
- OtherSKY Breath Meditation
Three day in person retreat, weekly virtual sessions, home practice
- OtherYoga Videos
Pre-recorded yoga videos will be sent to the participants to perform yoga three times per week
Location
- University of AlabamaTuscaloosa, Alabama