March 14, 2014

Grace Hauge '14Abstract:

Emotional distress, a crucial measure of one’s health and well-being, is an increasing public health concern. Iyengar yoga has been proven to improve conditions of various chronic health illnesses, such as hypertension and obesity. This form of yoga has been claimed to create positive mentality and overall sense of well-being, however, little research has been conducted to confirm effects. The aim of this study is to investigate potential benefits of Iyengar yoga on perceived stress of distressed women. A controlled, nonrandomized study was conducted in 24 women who claimed to be emotionally distressed. Women partook in one of the two sequential 3-month yoga programs. Group 1 (n=16) was a part of the first session consisting of two weekly 90 minute Iyengar classes. Group 2 (n=8) was on a waiting list, serving as a control to eventually partake in the second session. Participants were assessed by Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Profile of Moods States, CESD-Depression Scale, Bf-S/Bf-S’ Well-Being Scales, Freiburg Complaint List and ratings of physical well being upon entry and outcome of the study. Salivary cortisol levels were taken before and after evening yoga session. Results indicated significant improvements in the Group 1 (as compared to Group 2) in perceived stress (P<0.02), State and Trait Anxiety (P<0.02, P<0.01), well-being (P<0.01), fatigue (P<0.02), vigor (P<0.02), depression (P<0.05), physical well-being (P<0.01), and salivary cortisol levels (P<0.05). This study supports the claim that participation in 3-month Iyengar yoga significantly improves psychological conditions of distressed women participants.

Context Dependency of Xenopus laevis Anti-Predator Behavior

Jordan Sayers '14Abstract:

Fitness of many animals is often impeded and regulated by the risk of predation. As a result of this animals face trade-offs in which they implement anti-predator behavior, allowing them to maximize energy while reducing the chance of being consumed. Direct predator attacks are associated with high levels of perceived risk and often cause organisms to react using anti-predator behaviors. Little is known about animals with multiple actions patterns and whether or not these patterns vary with situation. Xenopus laevis have two anti-predator behaviors (tucks and darts) and it is suspected that these behaviors will vary with different shelter types and availability. Environmental, surface, and deep shelters were examined under both relaxed and scared conditions. Scared conditions are defined by a simulated egret attack occurring. Durations of tucks and darts were measured by means of video recording and represented as “Intensity” scores. The results of both the environmental and surface shelters were not significant, meaning the duration of tucks and darts was not shelter dependent. Darting in the deep shelter was also not shelter dependent. With no PVC (deep shelter) present, Xenopus tucked less, and this result was marginally significant likely due to small sample size.