Decrease in serum cortisol during yoga exercise is correlated with alpha wave activation

Percept Mot Skills. 2000 Jun;90(3 Pt 1):1027-32. doi: 10.2466/pms.2000.90.3.1027.

Abstract

We examined changes in brain waves and blood levels of serum cortisol during yoga exercise in 7 yoga instructors and found that alpha waves increased and serum cortisol decreased. These two measures were negatively correlated (r = -.83). Comparison with a control group of nonpractitioners is desirable.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alpha Rhythm*
  • Exercise / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood*
  • Male
  • Meditation
  • Occipital Lobe / physiology
  • Prefrontal Cortex / physiology
  • Relaxation / physiology
  • Relaxation / psychology
  • Yoga* / psychology

Substances

  • Hydrocortisone