Restorative yoga therapy for third year medical students in pediatrics rotation: Working to improve medical student well-being

ABSTRACT

Purpose of Study Medical education is academically rigorous and time-intensive, leading to emotional and physical strain for students throughout their training. Subsequently, many medical students report experiencing anxiety, depression, and other changes in mood in response to sustained stress. These negative effects on psychological well-being may even precipitate burn-out, a major issue among medical providers, as students enter the workforce. During the third year of medical school, students traditionally transition to a more clinical role for education and to choose a field of medicine, while continuing to study for exams. This period is likely pivotal for establishing long-term coping strategies that can be used throughout their career. One strategy is the implementation of a yoga practice, which works to reduce the stress response and lower the likelihood of anxiety and depression development. This study seeeks to measure the effect of a yoga intervention on third-year medical student well-being. Methods Used A restorative yoga practice was offered for third-year medical students on their pediatrics rotation, practicing 45 minutes of yoga once a week for six weeks. 25 students participated over the course of a year, with sessions held virtually due to COVID-19. Screening via the 14-question Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) was done before and after the intervention. Summary of Results All but one statement from the WEMWBS showed a positive increase in average rating post-intervention. The statements, 'I've been feeling more relaxed' and 'I've been thinking clearly' showed the greatest average increase. Following chi-squared testing, p <.05, two statements were found to be significantly different pre- and post-intervention 'I've been feeling more relaxed' and 'I've been feeling good about myself ' Conclusions Although limited due to small sample size, attrition, and social distancing restrictions, these data indicate that restorative yoga could be an effective mitigator against the stresses of medical education. In particular, our results indicate that yoga is correlated with a positive change in relaxation, mental clarity, and self-esteem. Increasing these qualities during a pivotal time of medical education when students are making important, and potentially anxiety-inducing, career choices could hopefully have enduring benefits for well-being.