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VOLUME 15 , ISSUE 2 ( May-August, 2024 ) > List of Articles

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Effects of 8-week Structured Yoga Program on Anxiety and Depression among Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Neha G Khandekar, Doss P Sundarajan

Keywords : Anxiety, Depression, In vitro fertilization, Yoga therapy

Citation Information : Khandekar NG, Sundarajan DP. Effects of 8-week Structured Yoga Program on Anxiety and Depression among Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2024; 15 (2):77-82.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10016-1340

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 28-10-2024

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2024; The Author(s).


Abstract

Introduction: The approximate 33% likelihood of conception in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy often leads to feelings of anxiety, distress, and depression for many women undergoing IVF treatment. Furthermore, most women's chances of conceiving after IVF treatment decrease due to various factors like late age and associated fertility factors. Yoga is a holistic strategy that could provide a platform for women to manage their emotional reactions during and after the IVF treatment process. This research study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week structured yoga program (SYP) on the level of anxiety and depression in women undergoing IVF treatment. Materials and methods: A total of 102 women undergoing IVF treatment were randomized into two groups—a structured yoga group (SYG) and a home-based walking group (HWG). SYG participants received yoga therapy for a period of 8 weeks, performing 3 days per week lasting for 60 minutes. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were used to evaluate anxiety and depression. Data was analyzed using paired and unpaired t-tests. Results: Women who participated in the summer youth program demonstrated significantly reduced levels of anxiety and depression compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Participation in a SYP can lead to a significant reduction in perceived levels of anxiety and depression in women who are undergoing IVF treatment. Clinical significance: Yoga can be considered an inexpensive and safe therapy that can help women to cater through psychological disturbances faced during and after the IVF procedures.

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