Yoga exercise increased alpha brain waves and decreased serum cortisol levels, demonstrating a strong negative correlation between these measures (r = -0.83).
Does yoga exercise affect alpha wave activation and serum cortisol levels in yoga instructors?
Yoga exercise is associated with an increase in alpha brain waves and a correlated decrease in serum cortisol levels among yoga instructors.
We examined changes in brain waves and blood levels of serum cortisol during yoga exercise in 7 yoga instructors and found that alpha waves increased and serum cortisol decreased. These two measures were negatively correlated (r = -.83). Comparison with a control group of nonpractitioners is desirable.
Kamei et al. (2000) studied this question. Yoga exercise increased alpha brain waves and decreased serum cortisol levels, demonstrating a strong negative correlation between these measures (r = -0.83).