In 2015, a study has revealed that incorporating modified Hatha yoga into industrial rehabilitation programs can significantly improve the physical fitness of injured workers. However, the same intervention does not seem to alleviate stress levels in this population.

The study, conducted by researchers S. Rachiwong, P. Panasiriwong, J. Saosomphop, W. Widjaja, and A. Ajjimaporn, sought to evaluate the effects of an 8-week modified Hatha yoga regimen on both physical fitness and stress among injured workers. The research involved 18 participants, both male and female, aged between 18 and 55 years. These individuals were divided into two groups: one group participated in Hatha yoga training alongside their standard industrial rehabilitation (HYG), while the other group continued their rehabilitation without yoga (CG).

The yoga protocol, designed specifically for this group by certified instructors and approved by a physical therapist, was conducted three times a week for eight weeks. The researchers assessed several physical fitness indicators, including lower back and hamstring flexibility, hand grip strength, and lung capacity. They also measured the participants’ sensitivity to stress at the start of the study and after the 8-week period.

The results were telling. Initially, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of physical fitness or stress levels. However, after the 8-week intervention, the Hatha yoga group showed marked improvements in flexibility, hand grip strength, and lung capacity. These gains were statistically significant, highlighting the potential of yoga as a valuable complement to traditional rehabilitation practices. In contrast, the control group, which did not engage in yoga, saw no notable changes in these areas.

Despite the physical gains, the study found that Hatha yoga did not significantly impact stress levels among the participants. Stress scores remained largely unchanged, suggesting that while yoga can enhance physical recovery, it may not be as effective in addressing psychological stress in this context.

The researchers concluded that an 8-week modified Hatha yoga program could be a beneficial addition to routine physical therapy in industrial rehabilitation, especially in improving key physical fitness parameters. However, further investigation is needed to explore additional methods for managing stress in injured workers.

Reference: Rachiwong, S., Panasiriwong, P., Saosomphop, J., Widjaja, W., & Ajjimaporn, A. (2015). Effects of modified hatha yoga in industrial rehabilitation on physical fitness and stress of injured workers. Journal of occupational rehabilitation, 25, 669-674.