Interoception, defined as the perception of internal bodily sensations, is considered integral to regulating the autonomic nervous system and managing emotional states, thereby contributing to mind-body homeostasis. This study investigated the immediate effects of interoception-focused yoga on physiological, psychological, and physical indicators in university students who tend to experience stress from academic assignments and job-hunting activities. Forty-three students (mean age: 19.98 ± 1.99 years; 24 males, 19 females) with no prior experience of interoception-focused yoga participated, and assessments were conducted before and after the program. The 30-minute intervention, designed to enhance interoception using isometric yoga exercises (a registered trademark of the Japan Yoga Therapy Association), involved mindful attention to and continuous objective monitoring of changing interoceptive sensations while repetitively tensing and relaxing muscles in synchrony with breathing. The results showed significant improvements in internal awareness (t(42) = 8.47, p < .001, g = 1.28) and concentration (t(42) = 10.43, p < .001, g = 1.58), indicating that even first-time participants could enhance these abilities through the program. Concurrently, heart rate (g = 0.59) and STAI anxiety scores (g = 1.09) decreased. On the POMS, negative mood scores—except for vitality and friendliness—declined with medium-to-large effects, and Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) also decreased (g = 0.63). Interoception-focused yoga may enhance attentional stabilization, calm the mind, and immediately impact the mind-body connection through the autonomic nervous system. This supports the mediating role of interoception and suggests potential for mental health interventions.

Authors:
Yoko Kamada, Toyo University, Japan
Koshiro Ishimura, Toyo University, Japan
Chieko Kato, Toyo University, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Ms. Yoko Kamada is a student at the Graduate School of Information Science and Arts, Toyo University in Japan. She is also a yoga therapist certified by the Japan Yoga Therapy Society and The Society for Integrative Medicine in Japan.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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