Abstract

EFFECT OF STANDING YOGA POSTURES FOR EXAM INDUCED ANXIETY AMONG FIRST YEAR PHYSIOTHERAPY STUDENTS

*Dr. Priti Ramdhan Raibole, Dr. Pooja Rathod

Abstract

Background: Exam-induced anxiety is a prevalent issue among first-year physiotherapy students and can impair cognitive function, academic performance, and overall wellbeing. Standing yoga postures are known to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety and enhance mind–body awareness, making them a potential non-pharmacological strategy for managing academic stress. This study aimed to examine the effect of standing yoga postures on exam-related anxiety among firstyear physiotherapy students. Methods: Forty physiotherapy students aged 18–21 years were selected through predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained before participation. Baseline anxiety levels were assessed using the Westside Test Anxiety Scale four weeks prior to the terminal examination. Participants then completed a structured four-week program of standing yoga postures. Post-intervention anxiety levels were reassessed after the examination using the same scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, paired sample t-test, and Cohen’s d to evaluate the magnitude of change. Results: The mean test anxiety score decreased from 2.88 at baseline to 2.66 after the intervention. Despite this numerical reduction, the paired ttest indicated that the change was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The effect size was small (Cohen’s d = 0.19), indicating minimal practical impact of the intervention. Conclusion: Standing yoga postures produced a mild reduction in exam-related anxiety but did not result in statistically significant improvements. While potentially beneficial as a supportive strategy, future research with larger samples or longer intervention periods may be required to determine the true effectiveness of this approach.

Keywords: Exam-induced anxiety; Standing yoga postures; Physiotherapy students; Stress reduction; Yoga intervention; Westside Test Anxiety Scale.