Gentle Yoga Research Articles

Mind–Body Therapy for Military Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review

About one-third of service members returning from post-9/11 deployment in Afghanistan and Iraq report combat-related mental health conditions, but many do not seek conventional treatment. Mind-body therapies have been offered as alternative approaches to decreasing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but no review of studies with veterans of post-9/11 operations was found. The objective of this study was to fill that gap. A systematic literature review was conducted following the preferred items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed MeSH terms were used to capture articles reporting on the military population (veteran and veterans) with PTSD who received a portable mind-body intervention (e.g., mindfulness, mind-body therapy, and yoga). PubMed/MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched. Studies were included if participants were a mixed group of war veterans, as long as some post-9/11 veterans were included. In addition, participants must have had a diagnosis of PTSD or subthreshold PTSD, and the PTSD must have been attributable to combat, rather than another event, such as sexual trauma or natural disaster. Of 175 records identified, 15 met inclusion criteria. Studies reported on seated or gentle yoga that included breath work, meditation, mantra repetition, or breathing exercises. For 14 of the 15 studies, study retention was 70% or higher. Overall, studies reported significant improvements in PTSD symptoms in participants in these interventions. Although each study included post-9/11 veterans, about 85% of participants were from other conflicts, predominantly Vietnam. Although findings were positive, future studies are needed to evaluate the short- and long-term impact of mind-body therapies on larger samples of post-9/11 veterans and to address research questions related to broadening service member and veteran participation in these therapies.

Mindfulness Training, Yoga, or Both? Dismantling the Active Components of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Intervention

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can help college students cope effectively with stress, reducing negative affect in the short term and resulting in higher (more adaptive) heart rate variability (HRV). However, HRV is a measure of cardiovascular fitness, as well as parasympathetic control of the stress response. MBSR is a multicomponent intervention and it is unclear to what extent movement, including gentle yoga, mindfulness training, or the synergy between the two, has an impact on emotional and physiological outcomes. The current study dismantled yoga and explicit mindfulness training in a brief stress reduction intervention in college students. Participants were randomly assigned to either mindfulness training and meditation alone (no movement); yoga alone (no explicit mindfulness training); combined yoga and mindfulness training and meditation; an active placebo control consisting of study breaks with party games, access to a therapy dog, and healthful snacks; or a no-treatment control. All active treatments resulted in decreases in anxiety and dysphoria over the 4 weeks of treatment relative to the no-treatment control, although by week 4, only the combined and yoga groups were significantly different from the control group on both measures. The no-treatment control group showed the lowest HRV at rest and during the challenge. The combined and yoga groups showed the highest HRV at rest, followed by moderate declines in HRV during the challenge, suggesting adaptive vagal withdrawal. The mindfulness training alone group was the only group to show no decrease in HRV during the challenge, suggesting that they were the least stressed by the challenge.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Pediatrics with Leukemia: A Narrative Review Study

BackgroundFor using of complementary and alternative medicine methods (CAM) in the leukemia pediatrics than other types of cancer, we have two great challenges; first challenge is their safety and risks and second challenge is study gaps in this field. Regarding to these challenges, this study is a narrative review of some CAM methods in the leukemia pediatrics from the perspective of their safety, risks and study gaps.Materials and MethodsIn this narrative review study searched both international electronic databases including ISI Web of science, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ISC, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar and also, Iranian electronic databases including Magiran, Medlib and SID. Also, searches were performed separately in the specialized journals in the field of leukemia pediatrics and complementary and alternative medicine research.ResultsMusic therapy, gentle yoga movements, gentle massage types are quite safe for leukemia pediatrics. But, use of heavy yoga movements, massages with deep pressure, acupressure and acupuncture can be dangerous for leukemia pediatrics (risks of bleeding and or infection). Also, this study showed that, the number of investigations about the use of CAM in the leukemia pediatrics is very limited; especially in the field of yoga and acupuncture.ConclusionThe results of this study can be a basis both for chose of safe CAM method in these children and a basis for future studies on the basis of identified study gaps in this review study.

Hubungan Senam Yoga Dengan Kesiapan Fisik Dan Psikologis Ibu Hamil Dalam Menghadapi Persalinan Di Kelas Antepartum Gentle Yoga Yogyakarta

Abstract: Yoga in Pregnant, Physical and Psychological Of Preparation. During pregnancy will change physically and psychologically that will be experienced by a mother. These changes may cause discomfort, especially in the third trimester. Therefore pregnant women should receive care in pregnancy to be able to adapt to changes both physical and psychological. The purpose of care during pregnancy to prepare for childbirth which is physiological with the aim of mother and fetus will be born in a healthy state. One of the alternative ways to prepare for the physical and psychological mother in the face of labor is a pregnancy yoga exercises. The design of this study was a quantitative research with a cross-sectional study design. Population in this study were all pregnant women who do yoga exercises in Antepartum Gentle Yoga class at Hotel of Puri Artha Yogyakarta. The population in this study of 24 respondents. the instruments used questionnaires. The data were analyzed by bivariate. There was a significant correlation (p<0.001)between yoga exercise on physical and psychological preparation of pregnant women during labor. Yoga of pregnancy can help pregnant to prepare physically and psychology during labor

Holistic Wellness Intervention for Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) Patients and Caregivers: Mayo Clinic Rochester (MCR) Pilot

Patients treated for HNC experience a high burden of long-term treatment-related toxicity and medical comorbidities, yet few programs have included interventions for healthy living, which have the potential to improve overall survival and reduce treatment-related side effects. This is a report of a pilot wellness program for patients with HNC and their caregivers. The program was developed and implemented through collaboration with physicians specializing in HNC and the staff of the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Program (DAHLP), a state-of-the-art wellness center at MCR. The multidisciplinary team consisted of medical oncologists, HNC surgeons, internists, dietitians, physical therapists, health psychologists, and certified wellness coaches. The 1-day program took place in the wellness facilities of the DAHLP at no cost to participants. Pre- and postintervention surveys were conducted to assess the needs of the population and the overall satisfaction with the program. The pilot program took place on May 18, 2015. Target enrollment was 30 patients and caregivers; 30 people registered and 28 attended (15 men, 13 women; 20 survivors, 8 caregivers). Most of the HNC survivors were >2 years from diagnosis and >1 year from their last cancer treatment. The key components of the program included (1) motivational welcome by physician staff; (2) physical activity programs including gentle yoga, NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis), and a physical therapy session entitled “Open & Release Your Neck & Shoulders”; (3) resiliency participatory group sessions for both survivors and caregivers; and (4) a hands-on nutrition/cooking session demonstrating strategies to increase consumption of vegetables and fruits by making whole food smoothies and soup. Twenty-one participants responded to the preintervention survey. The top 2 reasons for participation were to improve overall health and increase energy. Other common reasons included to increase strength, increase flexibility, improve quality of life or longevity, and reduce weight or improve body composition. Twenty-six of the 28 participants responded to the postintervention survey. Sixty-one percent and 33% of patients were very satisfied and satisfied, respectively, and 1 person (6%) was neutral. Eighty-eight percent and 12% of caregivers were very satisfied and satisfied, respectively. No participants were dissatisfied. On the postintervention survey, the following components were rated most valuable: gentle yoga, NEAT, and the nutrition session. Physician referral was cited as an important motivator to participation. A comprehensive HNC-specific wellness intervention is feasible in this underserved patient population, and further programs for HNC patients should be developed.

Promoting Stress Management and Wellbeing in Educators: Feasibility and Efficacy of a School-Based Yoga and Mindfulness Intervention

We evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of the Community Approach to Learning Mindfully (CALM) program for educators. CALM is a brief daily school-based intervention to promote educator social-emotional competencies, stress management, and wellbeing. Two middle schools were randomly assigned to waitlist control condition or the CALM program. Participants included 64 educators. Intervention sessions included gentle yoga and mindfulness practices and were offered 4 days per week for 16 weeks. Pre- and posttest measurements included self-report surveys of social-emotional functioning and wellbeing, blood pressure readings, and diurnal assays of cortisol. Compared to the control condition, CALM had significant benefits for educators’ mindfulness, positive affect, classroom management, distress tolerance, physical symptoms, blood pressure, and cortisol awakening response. There were trend-level effects for two measures related to stress and burnout. No impacts were observed for relational trust, perceived stress, or sleep. Effect sizes for significant impacts ranged from 0.52 to 0.80. Educators found the intervention feasible and beneficial as a method for managing stress and promoting wellbeing. Initial evidence suggests that CALM has potential as a strategy to improve educators’ social-emotional competence and wellbeing, prevent stress-related problems, and support classroom functioning.

<em>Mindfulness in Motion</em> (MIM): An Onsite Mindfulness Based Intervention (MBI) for Chronically High Stress Work Environments to Increase Resiliency and Work Engagement

A pragmatic mindfulness intervention to benefit personnel working in chronically high-stress environments, delivered onsite during the workday, is timely and valuable to employee and employer alike. Mindfulness in Motion (MIM) is a Mindfulness Based Intervention (MBI) offered as a modified, less time intensive method (compared to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), delivered onsite, during work, and intends to enable busy working adults to experience the benefits of mindfulness. It teaches mindful awareness principles, rehearses mindfulness as a group, emphasizes the use of gentle yoga stretches, and utilizes relaxing music in the background of both the group sessions and individual mindfulness practice. MIM is delivered in a group format, for 1 hr/week/8 weeks. CDs and a DVD are provided to facilitate individual practice. The yoga movement is emphasized in the protocol to facilitate a quieting of the mind. The music is included for participants to associate the relaxed state experienced in the group session with their individual practice. To determine the intervention feasibility/efficacy we conducted a randomized wait-list control group in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). ICUs represent a high-stress work environment where personnel experience chronic exposure to catastrophic situations as they care for seriously injured/ill patients. Despite high levels of work-related stress, few interventions have been developed and delivered onsite for such environments. The intervention is delivered on site in the ICU, during work hours, with participants receiving time release to attend sessions. The intervention is well received with 97% retention rate. Work engagement and resiliency increase significantly in the intervention group, compared to the wait-list control group, while participant respiration rates decrease significantly pre-post in 6/8 of the weekly sessions. Participants value institutional support, relaxing music, and the instructor as pivotal to program success. This provides evidence that MIM is feasible, well accepted, and can be effectively implemented in a chronically high-stress work environment.

Mindfulness in Motion (MIM): An Onsite Mindfulness Based Intervention (MBI) for Chronically High Stress Work Environments to Increase Resiliency and Work Engagement.

A pragmatic mindfulness intervention to benefit personnel working in chronically high-stress environments, delivered onsite during the workday, is timely and valuable to employee and employer alike. Mindfulness in Motion (MIM) is a Mindfulness Based Intervention (MBI) offered as a modified, less time intensive method (compared to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), delivered onsite, during work, and intends to enable busy working adults to experience the benefits of mindfulness. It teaches mindful awareness principles, rehearses mindfulness as a group, emphasizes the use of gentle yoga stretches, and utilizes relaxing music in the background of both the group sessions and individual mindfulness practice. MIM is delivered in a group format, for 1 hr/week/8 weeks. CDs and a DVD are provided to facilitate individual practice. The yoga movement is emphasized in the protocol to facilitate a quieting of the mind. The music is included for participants to associate the relaxed state experienced in the group session with their individual practice. To determine the intervention feasibility/efficacy we conducted a randomized wait-list control group in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). ICUs represent a high-stress work environment where personnel experience chronic exposure to catastrophic situations as they care for seriously injured/ill patients. Despite high levels of work-related stress, few interventions have been developed and delivered onsite for such environments. The intervention is delivered on site in the ICU, during work hours, with participants receiving time release to attend sessions. The intervention is well received with 97% retention rate. Work engagement and resiliency increase significantly in the intervention group, compared to the wait-list control group, while participant respiration rates decrease significantly pre-post in 6/8 of the weekly sessions. Participants value institutional support, relaxing music, and the instructor as pivotal to program success. This provides evidence that MIM is feasible, well accepted, and can be effectively implemented in a chronically high-stress work environment.

A small randomized pilot study of a workplace mindfulness-based intervention for surgical intensive care unit personnel: effects on salivary α-amylase levels.

To determine whether a workplace stress-reduction intervention decreases reactivity to stress among personnel exposed to a highly stressful occupational environment. Personnel from a surgical intensive care unit were randomized to a stress-reduction intervention or a waitlist control group. The 8-week group mindfulness-based intervention included mindfulness, gentle yoga, and music. Psychological and biological markers of stress were measured 1 week before and 1 week after the intervention. Levels of salivary α-amylase, an index of sympathetic activation, were significantly decreased between the first and second assessments in the intervention group with no changes in the control group. There was a positive correlation between salivary α-amylase levels and burnout scores. These data suggest that this type of intervention could decrease not only reactivity to stress but also the risk of burnout.

Feasibility of implementing a community-based randomized trial of yoga for women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Treatment-related symptoms and decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL) frequently occur during chemotherapy for breast cancer. Although research findings suggest that yoga can reduce symptoms and Improve HRQoL after treatment, potential benefits of yoga during chemotherapy have received minimal attention. To estimate accrual, adherence, study retention, and preliminary efficacy of a yoga intervention compared with an active control group for breast cancer patients during chemotherapy. Women with stage I-III breast cancer were recruited from 3 community cancer clinics and randomized to 10 weeks of gentle yoga or wellness education. Depressive symptoms, fatigue, sleep, and HRQoL were assessed at baseline, mid-intervention (Week 5), and after intervention (Week 10). 40 women aged 29-83 years (median, 48 years; 88% white) were randomized to yoga (n = 22) or wellness education (n = 18). The groups did not differ significantly on baseline characteristics, adherence, or study retention. Participant feedback was positive and comparable between groups. Meaningful within-group differences were identified For sleep adequacy and quantity in yoga participants and for somnolence in wellness-education participants. Small sample size and lack of a usual-care control group. This study established Feasibility of a community-based randomized trial of yoga and an active comparison group for women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Preliminary efficacy estimates suggest that yoga improves sleep adequacy Symptom severity and interference remained stable during chemotherapy for the yoga group and snowed a trend toward increasing in the control group. The study highlighted obstacles to multisite yoga research during cancer treatment. National Cancer Institute (3U10 CA081851, PI; Shaw; R25 CA122061, PI: Avis); Translational Science Institute, Wake Forest School of Medicine.

Grounding the Human Body during Yoga Exercise with a Grounded Yoga Mat Reduces Blood Viscosity

Objective: Research continues to show that being connected to the earth can increase the potential of the body to scavenge free radicals. This study examined the effect of just one hour of grounding on blood viscosity while subjects participated in gentle yoga exercises designed to initiate minor inflammation. Design: In this double blind model, twenty-eight (28) subjects met at the Bowerman Sports Medicine Clinic on the campus of the University of Oregon and were grounded to the earth via contact with a grounded yoga mat or were sham-grounded. Ten yoga exercises were repeated five times over a one-hour period. Blood was taken pre and post exercise and analyzed for blood viscosity using a scanning capillary viscometer. Results: Subjects connected to the earth significantly reduced their post exercise systolic blood viscosity (p = 0.03) and diastolic blood viscosity (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Grounding has the ability to affect exercise induced inflammation, thereby reducing blood viscosity.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) reduces anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in veterans.

Anxiety, depression, and pain are major problems among veterans, despite the availability of standard medical options within the Veterans Health Administration. Complementary and alternative approaches for these symptoms have been shown to be appealing to veterans. One such complementary and alternative approach is mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a brief course that teaches mindfulness meditation with demonstrated benefits for mood disorders and pain. We prospectively collected data on MBSR's effectiveness among 79 veterans at an urban Veterans Health Administration medical facility. The MBSR course had 9 weekly sessions that included seated and walking meditations, gentle yoga, body scans, and discussions of pain, stress, and mindfulness. Pre-MBSR and post-MBSR questionnaires investigating pain, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and physical and mental health functioning were obtained and compared for individuals. We also conducted a mediation analysis to determine whether changes in mindfulness were related to changes in the other outcomes. Significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation were observed after MBSR training. Mental health functioning scores were improved. Also, mindfulness interacted with other outcomes such that increases in mindfulness were related to improvements in anxiety, depression, and mental health functionality. Pain intensity and physical health functionality did not show improvements. This naturalistic study in veterans shows that completing an MBSR program can improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, in addition to reducing suicidal ideations, all of which are of critical importance to the overall health of the patients.

Abstract 5041: The effect of YOCAS©® Yoga on prescription sleep medication and over-the-counter sleep medication usage in cancer survivors with impaired sleep quality

Abstract Background: Impaired sleep quality (ISQ) is highly prevalent among cancer survivors; 30-90% of cancer survivors report some form of ISQ following treatment. Cancer survivors with ISQ are often provided with sleep medications, which fall into two classes: prescription sleep medications (PSM) or over-the-counter sleep medications (OSM). The most common PSM are non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (NBH), benzodiazepines (BENZO), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCA). PSM have an uncertain efficacy, carry a risk of dependency, and may cause deleterious side effects. OSM (usually diphenhydramine and doxylamine) are believed to be safer, but the user can develop tolerance and often report a “groggy” feeling the next day. The aim of this secondary data analysis is to examine the effect of YOCAS©® Yoga for ISQ in cancer survivors on PSM and OSM usage. We also examined the baseline association between PSM, sleep quality, and side effects. Methods: We previously conducted a RCT among 410 cancer survivors suffering from moderate to severe ISQ between 2 and 24 months after treatment. The YOCAS©® program consisted of breathing exercises, 16 Gentle Hatha and Restorative yoga postures, and meditation. Participants attended two 75-minute sessions per week for four weeks. At baseline, participants listed all current prescription sleep medications while also completing questionnaires on sleep quality and side effects commonly experienced by cancer survivors. ANCOVA models were used to calculate the difference between groups while controlling for age, gender, race, and baseline values (where appropriate). Results: Previously published results showed YOCAS©® Yoga significantly improved ISQ compared to the control group. At baseline, 26% and 13% of participants reported using PSM and OSM, respectively. PSM users had significantly worse sleep quality (PSQI score: PSM=10.5 vs. No PSM=8.6; p<0.001) and insomnia scores (ISI score: PSM=14.7 vs. No PSM=13.3; p<0.01) than non-PSM users at baseline. PSM users reported higher levels of fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory: PSM=28.9 vs. No PSM=21.2; p<0.01) and memory problems (0-10 scale: PSM=3.7 vs. No-PSM=2.8; p<0.01). Yoga participants significantly reduced the weekly quantity of NBH (NBH: Yoga = -0.85 vs. Control = 0.26; p=0.047) and there was a significant trend for a reduction in the weekly quantity of OSM use in yoga participants compared to the control participants (OSM: Yoga = -1.46 vs. Control = -0.41; p=0.092). Conclusion: PSM use was associated with ISQ along with side effects such as fatigue and memory problems at baseline. YOCAS©® yoga significantly reduced the use of NBH, which is currently the most used PSM. There was also a trend towards the reduction of OSM use with yoga. Clinicians may consider prescribing alternative therapies for ISQ such as YOCAS©® yoga, which improve ISQ and reduce the dependency on certain sleep medications. Citation Format: Luke J. Peppone, Michelle Janelsins, Jonathan Friedberg, Mohamed Tejani, Charles Kamen, Marie Flannery, Anita Peoples, James Atkins, Marianne Melnik, Karen Mustian. The effect of YOCAS©® Yoga on prescription sleep medication and over-the-counter sleep medication usage in cancer survivors with impaired sleep quality. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5041. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5041

Randomized Controlled Trial of Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery Versus Supportive Expressive Group Therapy for Distressed Survivors of Breast Cancer (MINDSET)

To compare the efficacy of the following two empirically supported group interventions to help distressed survivors of breast cancer cope: mindfulness-based cancer recovery (MBCR) and supportive-expressive group therapy (SET). This multisite, randomized controlled trial assigned 271 distressed survivors of stage I to III breast cancer to MBCR, SET, or a 1-day stress management control condition. MBCR focused on training in mindfulness meditation and gentle yoga, whereas SET focused on emotional expression and group support. Both intervention groups included 18 hours of professional contact. Measures were collected at baseline and after intervention by assessors blind to study condition. Primary outcome measures were mood and diurnal salivary cortisol slopes. Secondary outcomes were stress symptoms, quality of life, and social support. Using linear mixed-effects models, in intent-to-treat analyses, cortisol slopes were maintained over time in both SET (P = .002) and MBCR (P = .011) groups relative to the control group, whose cortisol slopes became flatter. Women in MBCR improved more over time on stress symptoms compared with women in both the SET (P = .009) and control (P = .024) groups. Per-protocol analyses showed greater improvements in the MBCR group in quality of life compared with the control group (P = .005) and in social support compared with the SET group (P = .012). In the largest trial to date, MBCR was superior for improving stress levels, quality of life and social support [CORRECTED] for distressed survivors of breast cancer. Both SET and MBCR also resulted in more normative diurnal cortisol profiles than the control condition. The clinical implications of this finding require further investigation.

Perceptions About Using Mindfulness Therapy

Patients with lung cancer are in need of effective strategies to modify symptom burden and improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL). One promising approach to symptom management is an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention, which incorporates meditation, breathing, and gentle yoga exercises. It requires few resources to implement, but has not been adequately tested with lung cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to obtain lung cancer patient perceptions of a mindfulness-based intervention. Eleven lung cancer patients participated in audio-taped focus group sessions led by the investigator. Discussion questions probed patient perceptions of mindfulness in terms of symptom management, including benefits and barriers to this therapy and ways the intervention may need to be adapted to accommodate them. Three primary themes from the qualitative analysis include (1) awareness and interest, (2) perceived barriers and benefits, and (3) recommended adaptations. Specific perceptions included the importance of targeting key symptoms such as dyspnea, worry, and insomnia, whereas recommendations pointed out the need for a shorter duration than the standard 8-week protocol and a home-based approach for greater accessibility. The design of mindfulness-based intervention protocols must consider unique characteristics of this vulnerable group, such as targeting specific symptoms, reducing the 8-week protocol, and a home-based offering. Nurses are integral to optimizing HRQOL and independent functioning for lung cancer patients. As lung cancer survivorship is extended, it becomes increasingly imperative that a range of supportive resources is available for patients to manage symptoms and improve HRQOL.

“A Feeling of Connectedness”: Perspectives on a Gentle Yoga Intervention for Women with Major Depression

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common and debilitating health conditions in women in the United States and worldwide. Many women with MDD seek out complementary therapies for their depressive symptoms, either as an adjunct or alternative to the usual care. The purpose of this study is to understand the experiences of women who participated in a yoga intervention for their depression. The findings from this interpretive phenomenological study are derived from interviews with and daily logs by 12 women with MDD who took part in an 8-week gentle yoga intervention as part of a larger parent randomized, controlled trial. Results show that the women's experience of depression involved stress, ruminations, and isolation. In addition, their experiences of yoga were that it served as a self-care technique for the stress and ruminative aspects of depression and that it served as a relational technique, facilitating connectedness and shared experiences in a safe environment. Future long-term research is warranted to evaluate these concepts as potential mechanisms for the effects of yoga for depression.

Rapid Gene Expression Changes in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes upon Practice of a Comprehensive Yoga Program

One of the most common integrative medicine (IM) modalities is yoga and related practices. Previous work has shown that yoga may improve wellness in healthy people and have benefits for patients. However, the mechanisms of how yoga may positively affect the mind-body system are largely unknown. Here we have assessed possible rapid changes in global gene expression profiles in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in healthy people that practiced either a comprehensive yoga program or a control regimen. The experimental sessions included gentle yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditation (Sudarshan Kriya and Related Practices – SK&P) compared with a control regimen of a nature walk and listening to relaxing music. We show that the SK&P program has a rapid and significantly greater effect on gene expression in PBMCs compared with the control regimen. These data suggest that yoga and related practices result in rapid gene expression alterations which may be the basis for their longer term cell biological and higher level health effects.

Effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction on sleep quality: Results of a randomized trial among Danish breast cancer patients

The prevalence of sleep disturbance is high among cancer patients, and the sleep problems tend to last for years after the end of treatment. As part of a large randomized controlled clinical trial (the MICA trial, NCT00990977) of the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on psychological and somatic symptoms among breast cancer patients, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of MBSR on the secondary outcome, ‘sleep quality’. Material and methods. A total of 336 women operated on for breast cancer stage I–III 3–18 months previously were randomized to MBSR (n = 168) or treatment as usual (n = 168); both groups received standard clinical care. The intervention consisted of an eight-week MBSR program (psycho-education, meditation and gentle yoga). Sleep quality was assessed on the Medical Outcome Study sleep scale at baseline, after the intervention and at six- and 12-months’ follow-up. Results. The mean sleep problem scores were significantly lower in the MBSR group than in controls immediately after the intervention. Quantile regression analyses showed that the effect was statistically significant only for the participants represented by the lower percentile of change between baseline and post-intervention, i.e. those who had more sleep problems; the MBSR group had a significantly smaller increase in sleep problems than the control group. After the 12-month follow-up, there was no significant between-group effect of MBSR on sleep quality in intention-to-treat analyses. Conclusion. MBSR had a statistically significant effect on sleep quality just after the intervention but no long-term effect among breast cancer patients. Future trials in which participation is restricted to patients with significant sleep problems are recommended for evaluating the effect of MBSR on sleep quality.

Using Yoga Interventions to Enhance Clinical Social Work Practices with Young Women with Cancer

It is widely published that physical, psychological, and social stressors adversely affect many individuals who are diagnosed with cancer, influencing their experience of treatment and perhaps, the quality of life after treatment is complete. No one is prepared for this battle, yet most patients are forced to make split-second decisions that are critical to their care. This case study highlights the mindfulness approach taken by one social worker to help a young woman during her journey with cancer. By guiding her through gentle yoga postures, yoga breathing, and meditation this patient learned how to take back some measure of control in her recovery, address her illness-related stress, and possibly enhance the quality of her life during treatment. As more clinicians combine conventional best practices with complementary healing therapies, they may provide tools any patient can use to instill hope and promote wellness during this most challenging time and beyond.

A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study Assessing Feasibility and Impact of Yoga Practice on Quality of Life, Mood, and Perceived Stress in Women With Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer.

Background:A breast cancer diagnosis can entail numerous physical and psychosocial challenges. Yoga practice (YP) may contribute to improved well-being for these patients.Primary Study Objective:Investigate feasibility and impact of YP on quality of life (QoL), mood, fatigue, and perceived stress immediately after breast cancer diagnosis.Methods:Thirty women were randomly assigned to a yoga group (YG) or control group (CG) immediately after cancer diagnosis.Setting:Pilot study conducted at an academic medical center breast clinic.Participant(s):Females (N = 30) who received a biopsy-proven breast cancer diagnosis without metastatic disease.Intervention (YG):One individual YP session at baseline, then 2 individual and 8 weekly group sessions followed by weekly gentle yoga at home (DVD). Questionnaires and saliva samples (ie, cortisol) completed at baseline and 12 weeks postdiagnosis.Results:Both groups reported significant improvements in QoL postintervention but with no significant difference between groups. Emotional well-being, mood-related tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, and confusion-bewilderment scores improved for both groups, and cortisol and cortisone levels decreased. Lumpectomies were prevalent with YG (67%) and CG (47%). YP was rated as “very effective,” providing relaxation (85%), stress relief (69%), and reduced muscle tension/general feeling of wellness (each 62%).Conclusion:Feasibility of YP immediately after breast cancer diagnosis was good. Improvement in emotional well-being, anxiety, depression, and levels of confusion was found in both groups. To our knowledge, this is the first study examining the impact of YP immediately after breast cancer diagnosis. Further research in this area is warranted.