ABSTRACT
Introduction: Abounding physical and mental exhaustion among the health care workers (HCW) during COVID-19 pandemic rekindled the need to acknowledge the psychological impact of this unprecedented stressful situation on the first-line warriors. The rising stress among the HCW during COVID duties for many months could have long-term effects on their personal and professional life. The situation necessitated presenting a feasible solution which can positively impact mental health. Patanjali's 'Kriya yoga' amalgamates several relaxation techniques, inclusively breath modulation, pranayama, mantra chanting, and asana holding, with a potential for stress management. The effects of 'Kriya Yoga' on EEG and perceived stress among the HCW were investigated. Method(s): Participants were recruited through digital advertisements. Those meeting the eligibility criteria were enrolled in either intervention or control groups. The complete set of 'Kriya yoga' was taught to the subjects in the intervention group by a yoga expert. It included a set of six techniques comprising Breath awareness (Ana pana), Complete breath, Anulom Vilom (Alternate nostril breathing), Om chanting, Gayatri Mantra, and Shavasan (Deep Relaxation). The participants were required to practice it for a period of 6 weeks. Result(s): Data for EEG, electrodermal activity (EDA), perceived stress scale (PSS) scores and depression, anxiety and stress scores were collected at different time points. EEG was quantitatively (QEEG) analyzed for delta, theta, alpha, and beta power over several regions. We found improvement in the DASS-21 and PSS scores at the end of the practice sessions. The mean power for alpha frequency was increased in the frontal, central, and parietal regions, and for delta range was raised over the central and parietal areas. The tonic skin conductance level revealed a reduction in stress among the practitioners. The participants reported a subjective feeling of calmness, well-being, and ease of practice. Conclusion(s): 'Kriya yoga' is an easily deliverable intervention for stress mitigation among the HCW. It leads to relaxation, a decrease in anxiety, and a reduction in perceived stress. The long-term psychophysiological effects of Kriya yoga practice are depicted by the changes in the power of brain waves and EDA. The proposed intervention can be a model for the mental health well-being of the HCW in stressful circumstances. Copyright © 2022
ABSTRACT
In the world of digitalization and automation, there were astonishing myths coexistent that were not only surprising, but also incredible. Whilst the move is on to usher into the world of automation, where even the manufacturing units are devising the methods to automate their functions, it is only ironic to note that people have also developed several myths on using a robot. For one, robots have been associated with a device that would take away one job. For another, a robot is considered risky as if it will start ruling the very person that made it. Apparently, a research gap exists that needs to be plugged along with the understanding gaps to demystify the use of robots. COVID-19 has brought the world to such a stage where companies are now rethinking about the use of robots. This paper is written to explain the use of robots, clarify the need of robots in the society and present the growing demand of this technology. A research was also conducted to present the availability and state-of-art robot technology. It was also shown in the paper as to how some domains like health care are in dire need of robots, as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on society. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.