Effect of yoga therapy on state and trait anxiety in perimenopausal women: A non-randomized controlled study

High rates of anxiety symptoms have been reported in early or late perimenopausal women. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of 12-week Hatha yoga on state and trait anxiety score in perimenopausal women and to compare it with physical exercise (control) group. 247 women aged between 40 and 60 years experiencing perimenopausal symptoms were recruited, after 12.5 % loss to follow up, 216 women participated either in a yoga group (n=111) or a physical exercise group (n=105). The intervention in the yoga or control group consisted of a lecture, demonstration and practice session of 45 minutes each day for 12 weeks. State and trait anxiety was assessed using STAI inventory. State and trait anxiety was reduced significantly in the yoga group but not in the control group. Yoga intervention is effective in reducing state and trait anxiety than the physical exercise in women experiencing perimenopausal symptoms.