Does Yoga Nidra Reduce Pre-race Anxiety In Triathletes?

PURPOSE: By using a Yoga Nidra body scan intervention this study investigated the ability of the technique to reduce pre-race anxiety and improve race times among triathletes. METHODS: This study recruited one individual to perform twelve 30-minute Yoga Nidra sessions three times a week for four weeks. The CSAI-2R was used to compare pre-race anxiety levels prior to intervention and after the intervention just prior to a race. The subject provided race finishing times for a previously competed race, and race finishing times for the race that took place the weekend following the final intervention session. RESULTS: The case study subject experienced less anxiety when comparing the intake CSAI-2R and the exit CSAI-2R. The subject also experienced faster swim and bike times when compared to the previous race of the same distance. CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis could not be accepted or rejected due to the lack of statistical analysis. The subject experienced a positive race outcome with reduced anxiety. RECOMMENDATIONS: Further study with more participants is needed to confirm if Yoga Nidra is a valid intervention to improve pre-race anxiety and race times among triathletes.