Effect of Common Yoga Protocol on Stress, Anxiety, and Sleep Quality among Adolescent students (16-19 Years) in a University of Haryana: An Interventional Study

Title: Effect of Common Yoga Protocol on Stress, Anxiety, and Sleep Quality among Adolescent students (16-19 Years) in a University of Haryana: An Interventional Study Background and Rationale Adolescence is a critical developmental stage characterized by rapid physical, psychological, and social changes. Increasing academic pressure, lifestyle changes, and psychosocial stressors have contributed to a rising prevalence of stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances among adolescents. Poor mental health during this period can negatively affect academic performance, emotional well-being, and long-term health outcomes. Yoga is a holistic mind–body practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, relaxation, and meditation. The Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) developed by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, provides a standardized yoga module designed to promote physical and mental well-being. Previous studies have suggested that yoga may help reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance sleep quality. However, limited prospective research has evaluated the impact of a structured yoga protocol among adolescent students. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Common Yoga Protocol in improving stress levels, anxiety symptoms, and sleep quality among adolescents aged 16–19 years. Aim To evaluate the effect of the Common Yoga Protocol on stress, anxiety, and sleep quality among adolescent students aged 16–19 years. Objectives Primary Objective To determine the effect of the Common Yoga Protocol on stress, anxiety, and sleep quality among adolescents at baseline and after completion of the intervention. Secondary Objective To assess changes in physiological stress response through the measurement of serum cortisol levels among a subset of participants before and after the intervention. Study Design Prospective interventional study. Study Setting The study will be conducted among adolescent students aged 16–19 years in selected educational institutions. Study Population Adolescent students aged between 16–19 years who are enrolled in the selected institutions and are willing to participate in the study. Sample Size A total of 220 participants will be included in the study. The sample size has been calculated using statistical power analysis considering an expected moderate effect size, 95% confidence level, and adequate statistical power. Inclusion Criteria * Students aged 16–19 years. * Students willing to participate in the study. * Students who provide written informed consent (and parental consent where applicable). Exclusion Criteria * Students undergoing treatment for severe psychiatric disorders. * Students with medical conditions that contraindicate participation in yoga practice. * Students unwilling to participate or unable to attend the intervention sessions. Study Intervention Participants will undergo the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), a standardized yoga module developed by the Ministry of AYUSH. The intervention will include: * Loosening exercises * Yoga asanas (postures) * Pranayama (breathing practices) * Meditation and relaxation techniques Each session will last approximately 40–45 minutes and will be conducted three times per week for 12 weeks under the supervision of certified yoga instructors. Data Collection Data will be collected using validated standardized questionnaires and biological assessment. Psychological Assessment Tools * Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) – to assess stress levels * Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) – to assess anxiety symptoms * Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) – to assess sleep quality Assessments will be conducted at: * Baseline (before intervention) * Post-intervention (12 weeks) * Follow-up (24 weeks) Physiological Assessment Serum cortisol levels will be measured in a subset of participants to evaluate biological stress response. Data Analysis Data will be entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using statistical software (SPSS). Descriptive statistics and appropriate statistical tests will be used to compare baseline and post-intervention outcomes. A p-value of less than 0.05 will be considered statistically significant. Ethical Considerations * Ethical approval will be obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee before initiation of the study. * Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. For participants below 18 years, parental consent will also be obtained. * Participation will be entirely voluntary, and participants may withdraw from the study at any time without consequences. * Confidentiality and privacy of all participants will be strictly maintained. * The yoga intervention is non-invasive and poses minimal risk to participants. Expected Outcome The study is expected to demonstrate that regular practice of the Common Yoga Protocol can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels while improving sleep quality among adolescents. The findings may support the integration of structured yoga-based wellness programs in educational institutions to promote adolescent mental health.