Effects of Pre-exam Yoga Sessions on Stress Levels and Exam Performance in Occupational Therapy Education

Presenter(s): BridgetHahn, OTR/L, OTD; LamisAlnatafgi, OTS; AmandaBarbour, OTS; SamanthaBenak, OTS; LeahDowney, OTS; EmilyServin, OTS

Content Areas: Academic Education / Fieldwork; General

Target Audience: Entry-level

Course Description: This poster presentation examines the impact of a single-session yoga intervention on stress and exam performance in first-year OTD students. Using a mixed-methods design, anxiety levels were measured pre/post-session and exam scores were compared to historical data. Qualitative feedback highlighted student experiences. Findings support yoga as a brief, meaningful intervention to reduce acute stress and promote wellness, aligning with OT’s holistic, occupation-based approach.