Brinsley, J.Smout, M.Girard, D.Davison, K.2025-12-182025-12-182022Mental Health and Physical Activity, 2022; 22(100450):1-111755-29661878-0199https://hdl.handle.net/11541.2/31454Introduction: Due to the multi-composite, mind-body features of yoga, it is of interest to determine what effect exercise plays as a component of modern yoga in providing psychological and physiological health benefits, and whether benefits are enhanced with a combination of components. Furthermore, although the effects of regular, long-term yoga practice are well documented, the acute effects have received less empirical investigation. Method: A within-subjects, repeated measures randomised controlled crossover trial with five conditions was conducted (trial registration: ACTRN12620000983909). Participants (N = 41, mean age = 32 years) with Depressive and/or Anxiety Disorders completed 1) yin yoga, 2) aerobic exercise, 3) vinyasa yoga, 4) stretching (sham) control and 5) no-intervention control. Acute changes in mood and cardiovascular tone were assessed. Results: A significant main effect of condition on mood was observed (N = 38; F4,127.193 = 7.507, p = <.001). Participants receiving yin, vinyasa, aerobic exercise and stretching achieved comparable improvements in mood symptoms compared to no-intervention control. Cardiovascular changes were observed for aerobic exercise and vinyasa yoga. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: The acute mood benefits of a single initial session of yoga are not significantly greater than those derived from other forms of movement. Moderate-intensity styles of yoga can provide a sufficient and equivalent acute cardiovascular exercise effect to that of traditional exercise options (i.e., cycling).enCopyright 2022depressionexerciseexperimentalphysical activityyogaJournal article10.1016/j.mhpa.2022.1004502-s2.0-85129492565Smout, M. [0000-0002-6952-6014]Girard, D. [0000-0001-7680-5604]