Autonomic regulation through structured yoga intervention in post-COVID anxiety

Title : Autonomic regulation through structured yoga intervention in post-COVID anxiety

Abstract:

Post-COVID anxiety has emerged as a persistent condition associated with autonomic nervous system dysregulation following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Increasing evidence suggests that neuroinflammatory responses, hypoxia, and Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal (HPA) axis imbalance contribute to prolonged sympathetic activation, which underlies many anxiety-related symptoms in post-COVID populations. Therefore, interventions targeting autonomic regulation represent a promising direction in rehabilitation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a structured yoga-based intervention on autonomic balance and anxiety reduction in individuals with post-COVID symptoms. A total of 42 female participants aged 30–40 years, who had recovered from COVID-19 at least 12 weeks prior, were enrolled and divided into an experimental group (n=21) and a control group (n=21).

The intervention consisted of a specifically designed protocol combining interval isometric loading with guided relaxation and controlled breathing techniques. This approach was aimed at alternating sympathetic activation and parasympathetic recovery to restore autonomic balance. The program was conducted over 8 weeks.

Outcome measures included the Spielberger–Hanin State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 2 months. The experimental group demonstrated significant reductions in anxiety levels, with state anxiety decreasing by 37%, trait anxiety by 23.61%, and GAD-7 scores by 35.5% (p < 0.05). No statistically significant improvements were observed in the control group.

The results indicate that structured yoga interventions may serve as an effective non-pharmacological strategy for modulating autonomic function and reducing anxiety symptoms in post-COVID populations. The integration of controlled physical load with relaxation and breathing techniques appears to be a key mechanism underlying therapeutic outcomes.

Biography:

Olena Bakai is the founder of the International Yoga Therapy Center SENSE, a yoga therapist and researcher. She holds degrees in International Business Management and Adaptive Physical Culture and Rehabilitation, and trained at the Institute of Traditional Health Systems. She graduated from Lviv State University of Physical Culture and is currently completing a Master’s degree in Psychology at Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute. Her work focuses on yoga therapy, pathological conditions, and integrative health approaches.