Yogic Breathing as a Modality to Reduce Stress in Anesthesia Professionals as Measured by Hair Cortisol: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Introduction:

Many health care professionals are struggling to cope with high stress and burnout in the workplace. To support these professionals, several strategies have been proposed, including meditation and breathing exercises. This pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility of yogic breathing as a strategy for managing stress and burnout for anesthesia professionals. Feasibility was assessed as recruitment rate, retention rate, and adherence. Secondary efficacy outcomes included changes in stress using validated questionnaires and measures of hair cortisol concentration.

Methods:

A total of 57 out of 300 eligible anesthesia professionals at the Medical University of South Carolina were recruited. Participants attended a class on yogic breathing practices and were given access to the recorded class and other pre-recorded modules on yogic breathing during the study. At baseline and every 3 months, participants completed a one-question Mini Z survey and the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory. At those time points, a 3-cm clipping of 50–100 strands of hair was collected for cortisol analysis. Participants reported their time spent meditating each week.

Results:

This study had poor feasibility, with only 63.2% of participants still reporting on yogic breathing at week 52, including those who recorded no practice of yogic breathing. The median percentage of weeks that participants engaged in some form of yogic breathing was only 13.5% (7/52 weeks), likely due to 31.5% of participants (18/57) who performed no yogic breathing during the study period.

Discussion:

Although this approach of self-guided yogic breathing was not feasible, these findings can influence future programs that aim to reduce stress in anesthesia professionals.