Effect of Yoga Therapy on State and Trait Anxiety in Perimenopausal Women: A Non-Randomized Controlled Study

High rates of anxiety symptoms have been reported in early or late perimenopausal women. The objective\r\nof this study was to determine the efficacy of 12-week Hatha yoga on state and trait anxiety score in\r\nperimenopausal women and to compare it with physical exercise (control) group. 247 women aged between\r\n40 and 60 years experiencing perimenopausal symptoms were recruited, after 12.5 % loss to follow up, 216\r\nwomen participated either in a yoga group (n=111) or a physical exercise group (n=105). The intervention in\r\nthe yoga or control group consisted of a lecture, demonstration and practice session of 45 minutes each day\r\nfor 12 weeks. State and trait anxiety was assessed using STAI inventory. State and trait anxiety was reduced\r\nsignificantly in the yoga group but not in the control group. Yoga intervention is effective in reducing state\r\nand trait anxiety than the physical exercise in women experiencing perimenopausal symptoms.