Surya Namaskar as a Gender-sensitive Intervention: Addressing Social Physique Anxiety (SPA) Issues in Women with PCOS.

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common, lifelong condition affecting about 20% of women, characterised by symptoms such as infertility, obesity, acne and excess facial hair, which can negatively impact both physical and mental health.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effect of Surya Namaskar on reducing social physique anxiety (SPA) in women diagnosed with PCOS.

Methods: The study applied a pre- and post-test design with 60 women diagnosed with PCOS; there were 100 participants in the study. Out of these 100, only 70 participants had high levels of SPA. Out of these 70 participants, only 60 responded and agreed to participate in the study. The participants were selected from colleges in Dehradun, India, and were between the ages of 18 and 30 years. Split into intervention and control groups. The intervention group practiced Surya Namaskar for 12 weeks, while the control group did not participate in any structured physical activity. SPA and body dissatisfaction were measured using established scales at the beginning and end of the study. Statistical analyses, including paired and independent samples t-tests, were conducted to assess changes within and between the groups.

Results: The results indicated that Surya Namaskar significantly improved overall health and well-being, with the intervention group showing notable reductions in SPA and body dissatisfaction compared to the control group. Statistical analyses confirmed significant differences in psychological outcomes, supporting the effectiveness of Surya Namaskar in this context.

Conclusion: Surya Namaskar significantly alleviates SPA and body dissatisfaction, enhancing the psychological health of women with PCOS. Given its accessibility and low cost, Surya Namaskar shows potential as an effective complementary treatment to improve the quality of life for women with PCOS. Further research is needed to explore its long-term effects and the mechanisms behind these improvements.