Stress monitoring through non-invasive instrumental analysis of skin conductivity.

BACKGROUND

This paper envelops the notion of yogic breathing and its applications as one of the techniques for stress management through regulation of skin conductivity among Indian engineering students. Stress perturbs the normal physiological or psychological functioning of an individual. Thus, it is extremely vital to manage stress.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the consequence of yogic breathing on skin conductivity using galvanic skin response sensor meter (GSRSM) on engineering students, of different universities.

METHODS

The study uses stratified random sampling technique for the experimental study undertaken to measure skin conductivity. 471 Engineering students, in the age group of 18-22 years who gave informed written consent were screened, of which 71 (15%) dropped out and 400 students (84.9%) completed the study. The GSRSM was used to record skin conductivity (pre and post) among experimental (n = 200) and Control group (n = 200) each comprising of 52 females (26%) and 148 males (74%). The Experimental group underwent yogic breathing whereas the Control group did not do so.

RESULTS

The experimental group reported reduction in mean value in skin conductivity after deep breathing for the time period (t = 300 sec) as compared to the control group, and this was significant (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

It is recommended that, this uncomplicated and yet extremely effectual ancient technique of yogic breathing could be included in core curriculum to reduce and manage stress among engineering students. The paper thus highlights the use of yogic technique as an effective mode for Stress Management amongst Indian Engineering students.