An exploratory study on the changes in immune and metabolic parameters by 10 weeks of yoga intervention among medical students

High level of stress experienced by medical students can negatively impact their immune and metabolic health, which potentially increases the risk of chronic stress-related illness. Evidence supports that yoga has a significant effects on physiological health in various populations; however impact of yoga intervention among medical student during high stress periods like close to examinations, are limited. The current Exploratory study aims to analyse the effect of a 10-week yoga intervention on the immune markers, and metabolic parameters among medical students. Thirty-seven medical students mean age of 21.84 ± 2.67 years and a BMI of 22.56 ± 3.85 kg/m2, of which 81.1% were female in a 10-week yoga intervention at the University of Pécs, Hungary. Standard laboratory procedures were followed during the collection of fasting blood samples from the participants. After the 10 weeks of yoga intervention, Immunoglobulin A level significantly increased with a strong effect size (p < 0.001, r=-0.702), and HDL significantly increased (p = 0.005, cohen's d -0.474) as well. There were no significant change observed in Total Cholesterol level (p = 0.554, cohen's d 0.101), Triglycerides level (TGC) (p = 0.298, effect size r -0.176), LDL (p = 0.14, cohen's d -0.251), and non-HDL level (p = 0.214, cohen's d 0.214). Biochemical parameters are reported as follows: lipid profile values (total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterol) in mmol/L, and Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in g/L. It is important to note that while interpreting the result that post data was collected during the examination period, which is a known stressor, that possibly influenced the results. To enhance the validity of results, it is recommended that future studies focus on a longer intervention frequency and a larger sample size. Trial Registration: (2024-10-28) NCT06661603.