Short Term Effects of Inner Engineering Completion Online Program on Stress and Wellbeing Measures

ABSTRACT

Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled consenting participants registered for the Inner Engineering Completion Online (IECO) courses, which for the first time were delivered remotely. Participants learned a 21-minute breathing and meditation practice called Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya. Each enrolled participant was asked to complete self-reported electronic surveys at three key time points baseline, immediate post-IECO completion and six weeks after IECO completion. Effects of IECO practice were assessed using four well-validated neuropsychological scales Perceived Stress Score (PSS), PERMA Profiler, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). A Signed Rank test was used to analyze the survey data and P values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 375 participants interested in participation, 164 participants were eligible. Sixty-eight participants completed surveys at all time points and were identified as compliant participants. The baseline median score for perceived stress score (PSS) in compliant participants was 13 (IQR 9, 18);immediate post-IECO median PSS score was 11.5 (IQR 8, 16) demonstrating a 1.5 unit decrease in PSS scores (p-value = 0.0023). Similarly, comparing PSS scores for immediate Post IECO [11.5 (IQR 8, 15.5)] to PSS scores at six weeks [8 (IQR 4.5, 12.5)] showed a statistically significant 3.5-unit decrease, indicating a reduction in stress upon routine practice of the intervention (p<0.0001). Background: Feelings of stress, anxiety and hopelessness have skyrocketed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is common knowledge that mind-body interventions (MBI) improve emotional balance an enhanced sense of productivity, and self-confidence. Therefore, we hypothesized that exposure to a digitally delivered MBI 'Inner Engineering Completion Online', would reduce stress and promote wellbeing. Conclusion: Incorporating the remotely delivered mind-body intervention Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya into daily life via the IECO program over as few as six weeks produced a significant stress reduction, improvement in sleep quality & mindfulness.