Mood change and perceptions of vitality: a comparison of the effects of relaxation, visualization and yoga

Seventy-one normal volunteers were taught three different procedures in order to study differences in perceptions of physical and mental energy and positive and negative mood states in this controlled clinical trial. The group that practiced yoga breathing and stretching (pranayama) showed a significantly greater increase in perceptions of mental and physical energy and feelings of alertness and enthusiasm compared with the relaxation and visualization groups. Further studies will look at long term results.