Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: The purpose of the present study was the evaluate the effect of 12 weeks of yoga exercise on serum cortisol values, stress, anxiety and depression in women with diabetes type 2.
Methods: A total of 45 people were selected from diabetic women residing in Semnan city with an average age of (46.85 ± 3.35 years), weight of (69.79±17.18 kg), height (155.03±5.00 cm), Body Mass Index-BMI (29.64±5.00 kg per square meter) and with 6.46±2.69 years history of being diabetic and randomly divided into three groups of yoga exercise (N=15), aerobic exercise (N=14) and control group (N=12). Exercise program was performed for 12 weeks, three sessions per week and each session 90 minutes. Blood was collected to measure the cortisol level 48 hours before starting the exercise and 48 hours after completing the exercise program. DASS-21 questionnaire was used to measure the stress, anxiety and depression. Data was performed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey statistical methods and t-tests at a significance level of p<0.05 by using the SPSS software version 20.
Results: The results of present study showed that 12 weeks of yoga exercise can reduce the cortisol hormone, as well as improve stress, anxiety and depression in women with diabetes type 2. Also 12 weeks of aerobic exercise reduces cortisol hormone and improves stress in women with diabetes type 2.
Conclusion: In general, we can say that the effects of yoga and aerobic exercise – both-can have beneficial effects on endocrine and stress in diabetic women, but these effects are greater and more useful after the yoga exercise.