Comparative Analysis of Slow Su _ ryanamaskau _ r with Awareness and Proper Breathing versus Fast Suu _ ryanamaskau _ r on Anxiety and Fatigue Levels in College Students

Abstract

Background: Sūryanamaskār (Sun Salutation) is a dynamic sequence of yoga postures that integrates movement, breath,  and awareness. It is widely practiced for its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. Variations in speed and intensity  can influence its physiological and psychological effects. Anxiety and fatigue are prevalent concerns among college  students due to academic pressure and lifestyle factors while Yoga has been recognized as an effective intervention for  stress reduction, the comparative impact of slow and fast Sūryanamaskār on anxiety and fatigue remains underexplored. Aim: This study aims to compare the effects of slow Sūryanamaskār with awareness and proper breathing versus fast  Sūryanamaskār on anxiety and fatigue levels in college students. Materials and Methods: The study followed an interventional pre-test and post-test design, involving 80 students  from Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee College of Physical Education, Nurpur, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Participants  were randomly assigned to two interventional groups: Group A (Fast Sūryanamaskār) – 40 students and Group B (Slow  Sūryanamaskār) – 40 students. Anxiety levels were assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and fatigue levels were  measured through the Fatigue Severity Scale. Both assessments were conducted before and after the intervention. Intervention: Participants engaged in an 8-week structured yoga program, practicing 6 days a week under the  supervision of a certified Yoga instructor. Group A (fast Sūryanamaskār) performed 36 rounds at a pace of 30 s/ round, emphasizing speed and rhythm rather than awareness. Group B (Slow Sūryanamaskār) performed 36 rounds  at a pace of 1 round/min, focusing on breath awareness and mindfulness. Each session included 10 min of Sukshma  Vyayama (preparatory exercises) and 4 minutes of Shavasana (relaxation) post-practice. Results: The statistical analysis using paired and independent t-tests showed that: Group A exhibited a minor reduction  in anxiety (pre-test mean = 26.99, post-test mean = 25.79; t = 1.0709), but it was not statistically significant. Group B  showed a significant reduction in anxiety (pre-test mean = 26.75, post-test mean = 21.32; t = 3.3837, P < 0.05). Asimilar  pattern was observed for fatigue levels, with GroupB demonstrating a highly significant reduction compared to GroupA. Conclusion: The study highlights that slow-paced Sūryanamaskār is significantly more effective in reducing  anxiety and fatigue compared to its fast-paced counterpart. The intensity and physiological engagement of slow  Sūryanamaskār likely contribute to its superior benefits. Future research should investigate the neurophysiological  mechanisms and long-term impacts of these variations on mental health.