Hatha Research Articles

Testing the impact of hatha yoga on task switching: a randomized controlled trial

Switching attention between or within tasks is part of the implementation and maintenance of executive control processes and plays an indispensable role in our daily lives: It allows us to perform on distinct tasks and with variable objects, enabling us to adapt to and respond in dynamically changing environments. Here, we tested if yoga could benefit switching of attention between distinct objects of one’s focus (e.g., through practicing switching between one’s own body, feelings, and different postures) in particular and executive control in general. We therefore conducted a randomized controlled trial with 98 participants and a waitlisted control group. In the intervention group, healthy yoga novices practiced Hatha yoga 3x a week, for 8 weeks. We conducted two experiments: A purely behavioral task investigating changes in behavioral costs during switching between attentional control sets (74 participants analyzed), and a modality-switching task focusing on electrophysiology (EEG data of 47 participants analyzed). At the electrophysiological level, frequency-tagging indicated no interventional effect on participants’ ability to switch between the auditory and visual modalities. However, increases in task-related frontocentral theta activity, resulting from the intervention, indicated an ability to increasingly deploy executive resources to the prioritized task when needed. At the behavioral level, our intervention resulted in more efficient holding of target representations in working memory, indicated by decreased mixing costs. Again, however, intervention effects on switching costs were missing. We, thus, conclude that Hatha yoga has a positive influence on executive control, potentially through improvements in working memory rather than directly on switching.Clinical trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov, identifier [NCT05232422].

Effectiveness of Virtual Yoga for Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common condition with substantial impact on patients, in the form of physical and emotional suffering; health care costs; productivity; and health care professional burden. Although clinical guidelines recommend use of nonpharmacologic treatments first, such as yoga, there is a gap between guidelines and implementation in clinical practice. To compare the effects of virtual yoga classes vs a wait-list control on CLBP intensity, back-related function, sleep quality, and pain medication use. Single-blinded, 24-week, 2-arm, randomized clinical trial conducted from May 3, 2022, through May 23, 2023, comparing live streamed yoga classes (the yoga now group) with a wait-list control (the yoga later group, in which participants were offered the virtual intervention after the study but without assessments) among adults with CLBP. Adults 18 to 64 years of age with CLBP were recruited from the Cleveland Clinic Employee Health Plan, a large health system self-insured health plan. Inclusion criteria included a mean LBP intensity score of at least 4 on an 11-point numerical rating scale (scores ranged from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating worse pain) and daily back pain interference about half or more of the days. Twelve consecutive weekly, 60-minute, virtual, live streamed hatha yoga group classes. Coprimary outcomes were mean pain intensity in the previous week on the 11-point numerical rating scale and back-related function as assessed using the 23-point modified Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire ([RMDQ], with higher scores reflecting poorer function) at 12 weeks. Secondary and exploratory outcomes included these measures at 24 weeks, pain medication use, and PROMIS sleep quality assessed using the Sleep Disturbance Short Form 8a, item 1 (scores ranged from 0 to 4, with higher scores reflecting better sleep quality). Analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle. Among 140 participants enrolled (yoga now = 71; yoga later = 69), the mean (SD) age was 47.8 (11.7) years and most were female (113 [80.7%]) and college-educated (103 [73.5%]). Mean (SD) baseline pain intensity (5.7 [1.5]) and RMDQ ([12.1 [4.4]) scores reflected moderate back pain and impairment. At week 12, yoga now compared with yoga later had greater reductions in mean pain intensity (-1.5 [95% CI, -2.2 to -0.7] points; P < .001) and mean RMDQ (-2.8 [95% CI, -4.3 to -1.3] points; P < .001) scores. At 24 weeks, the improvements in pain (mean change, -2.3 [95% CI, -3.1 to -1.6] points; P < .001) and RMDQ (mean change, -4.6 [95% CI, -6.1 to -3.1] points; P < .001) scores were sustained. At 12 weeks, yoga now participants reported 21.4 (95% CI, 5.2-37.6) absolute percentage points less use of any analgesic medication during the past week than yoga later participants and at 24 weeks, 21.2 absolute percentage points (95% CI, 5.2%-37.3%). Improvements in sleep quality were greater for participants in yoga now than among participants in yoga later at 12 weeks (mean change, 0.4 [95% CI, 0.1-0.7] points; P = .008) and 24 weeks (mean change, 0.4 [95% CI, 0.1-0.7] points; P = .005). Results of this randomized clinical trial of 140 adults with CLBP who were members of a large health system self-insured health plan suggest that virtual yoga classes may be a feasible, safe, and effective treatment option. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05319691.

Impact of Hatha and Iyengar Yoga on Physical Function and Quality of Life in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disorder that primarily affects the articular cartilage of synovial joints. This condition leads to pain, joint stiffness, decreased muscle performance, and decreased aerobic capacity, which can negatively impact a patient's quality of life (QOL) and increase their risk of disability. This systematic review aims to investigate the effectiveness of two non-pharmacological treatment regimens, Hatha yoga, and Iyengar yoga, on QOL, physical function, and mental health in patients with knee OA. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A comprehensive search was performed across three electronic databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, to identify eligible studies that examined the beneficial effects of Hatha Yoga and Iyengar Yoga on improving physical function, mental health, and QOL in patients with knee OA. Results: Out of 61 reports initially identified, 51 were excluded based on the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results of this systematic review suggest that the combination of Hatha Yoga and Iyengar Yoga can enhance physical function, mental health, and QOL in patients with knee OA. Conclusion: Both Hatha Yoga and Iyengar Yoga can serve as effective complementary treatments alongside conventional treatment to improve the overall well-being of individuals with knee OA.

The effect of YOCAS©® yoga on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in older (60+) vs. younger (≤ 59) cancer survivors: Secondary analysis of a nationwide, multicenter, phase 3 randomized controlled trial

IntroductionOlder cancer survivors consistently express the need for interventions to reduce cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and maintain quality of life (QOL). Yoga is a promising treatment to address CRF and QOL. However, research comparing the efficacy of yoga for improving fatigue and QOL in older survivors (60+) vs. younger adult survivors (≤59)is limited. Our objective was to examine the effects of yoga on CRF and QOL in older survivors vs. younger survivors. Materials and MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of a nationwide, multicenter, phase 3 randomized controlled trial. For this study, participants who provided evaluable pre- and post-intervention data on the Functional Assessment for Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) and the Functional Assessment for Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) were eligible. The yoga intervention comprises gentle Hatha and Restorative Yoga and includes breathing exercises, physical alignment postures, and mindfulness. ResultsOf the 177 participants included in the study, 30.1 % were aged 60+ and 69.9 % were aged ≤59. More younger participants had breast cancer (82.0 % vs. 59.2 %. p = 0.009), surgery (98.9 % vs. 77.8 %, p < 0.001), and chemotherapy (80.5 % vs. 55.6 %, p = 0.001). There were no differences in the cancer stage (66.1 % stage I or II). There were statistically significant and clinically meaningful within-group improvements from baseline to post-intervention in CRF for participants aged ≤59 and participants aged 60+ (4.0 ± 0.7, p < 0.001 vs. 3.1 ± 1.0, p = 0.003). Both age groups also demonstrated improvements in QOL (3.2 ± 0.8, p < 0.001 vs. 2.1 ± 1.2, p = 0.078), physical (1.6 ± 0.3, p < 0.001 vs. 0.8 ± 0.5, p = 0.084), functional (0.7 ± 0.3, p = 0.048 vs. 1.0 ± 0.5, p = 0.037), and emotional well-being. There were no significant between-group differences between the age groups. Most younger and older participants reported that yoga helped improve their sleep quality (92.8 % vs 88.5 %) and they would recommend it to other survivors (98.2 % vs 90.4 %). DiscussionOlder cancer survivors who undergo gentle Hatha and restorative yoga performed two to three times per week for four weeks at a low to moderate level of intensity have similar improvements in CRF and QOL compared to participants aged ≤59. For older survivors experiencing these toxicities, it is reasonable for clinicians to prescribe yoga.ClinicalTrials.govidentifier: NCT00397930

Benefits and Mode of Action of Various Hasta Mudra

Introduction: In this modern era, our lifestyle is changed and become sedentary. Lack of physical exercise, faulty dietary habits, increased stress, and environment changes lead to many diseases. Everybody is fed up by taking so many medicines. Hence, people are showing interest in drugless therapies. Practicing Hasta mudra is totally drugless and cost less. Aim: The aim of this article is to describe the preventive and curative benefits of Various Hasta Mudra and to explain the mode of action of Various Hasta Mudra. Materials and Methods: Various benefits and modes of action of Hasta Mudra have been explained on the basis of classical texts and literature. Results: With regular practice of Hasta mudra, various diseases can be prevented and cured. Discussion: Mudra should be performed for at least 45 min in a day. Conclusion: Hasta Mudra is helpful in Mudhra therapy can control stress, depression, anxiety, fear and promotion of mental health and happiness prevention and cure of many diseases. in Mudra.[3] In Shiva Samhita, it is mentioned that just by practicing The word mudra is a Sanskrit word which has the meaning “gesture” or “attitude.” Mudra can be described as emotional, psychic, devotional, and esthetic gestures or attitudes. Mudra are attitudes of energy flow, which help in linking person’s pranic force with universal or cosmic force.[1] The literal meaning of mudra is the expression of internal feelings by way of different postures of fingers, palms, hands feet, and or body. This is an integral part of yoga and a scientific knowledge of spirituality and physical well. There are different types of Mudra, but in this article, we are discussing only about Hasta Mudra. By doing Hasta mudra, subtle hand and finger movements make important connections in the nervous system and stimulate specific energy pathways. In Hatha Yoga, there are 10 mudra which are mentioned as Jaramarananashaka.[2] In Gheranda Samhita, there are 25 Mudra and according to it, various eye and body positions (Asana) and Locks (Bandha) are also included

Hatha yoga reduces momentary stress but does not impact diurnal profiles of salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase: A randomized controlled trial

Does the practice of yoga impact stress? Various studies have suggested that yoga may reduce both self-reported stress and stress biomarkers, but the evidence for such claims remains inconclusive, especially for yoga styles with a focus on physical postures. In a randomized controlled trial with 98 participants, we therefore examined whether an eight-week Hatha yoga intervention (60 min, 3×/week or more) led to reduced levels of diurnal salivary cortisol (sCort), salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), and subjective momentary stress as compared to a waitlist control group. To ensure the concomitant assessment of self-report and biological measures in an ecologically valid setting, and to capture the diurnal profile of cortisol and alpha-amylase, we employed an ecological momentary assessment approach. Five times per day, participants reported their momentary stress levels on a visual analogue scale and collected saliva samples for the assessment of salivary biomarkers. The intervention led to a significant reduction of subjective momentary stress but there was no change in diurnal sCort or sAA levels. There are several potential explanations for these findings: The intervention may have helped participants to cope better with stress while leaving diurnal levels of stress biomarkers unaffected, or the change may at least not have been reflected in sCort and sAA. Alternatively, there may have been a self-report bias, insofar as a favorable disposition towards yoga may have led participants to report reductions in stress in order to indicate positive effects of the intervention. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the effects of distinct yoga interventions, demonstrating their potential to serve as low-risk stress relief tools.

Can You Stop Your Mind and Your Daily Activities?

The paper investigates meditation as a state of consciousness that isolates an individual from the attitude of everyday life and the perspective of practical actions. It is an “ethnography of the mind” instead of the place. The paper analyses self-reports from meditators’ self-observations as part of hatha yoga practice and data from semi-structured interviews with hatha yoga teachers. Elements that distract or help people meditate were analysed and interpreted. The features of the meditative state during the practice of sitting meditation are also reconstructed. Attention is paid to three essential aspects that are related to each other when entering the meditative state: emerging thoughts, body sensations, and emotions. The analysis focuses on how practitioners deal with these obstacles; what tactics do they employ to eliminate barriers or redirect attention and include them in the background of the concentration point? What is the role of teaching meditation? What are the effects of meditation from a practitioner’s point of view? Empirical materials obtained from the first-person perspective of the researcher, the author of this article, and his collaborators in the study were also analysed.

Co-creating a yoga program for women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer: a consensus study

PurposeYoga may be uniquely suited to address bio-psycho-social concerns among adults with gynecologic cancer because it can be tailored to individuals’ needs and can help shift focus inward towards self-reflection, body appreciation, and gratitude. This study describes the collaborative process guided by the Knowledge-to-Action framework used to develop a yoga program for adults diagnosed with gynecologic cancer and inform a feasibility trial.MethodsIn 3 collaborative phases, yoga instructors and women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer formulated recommendations for a yoga program and evaluated the co-created program.ResultsThe program proposed is 12 weeks in length and offers two 60-min group-based Hatha yoga classes/week to five to seven participants/class, online or in person, with optional supplemental features. Overall, participants deemed the co-created program and instructor guidebook to be reflective of their needs and preferences, though they provided feedback to refine the compatibility, performability, accessibility, risk precautions, and value of the program as well as the instructor guidebook.ConclusionThe feasibility, acceptability, and benefits of the program are being assessed in an ongoing feasibility trial. If deemed feasible and acceptable, and the potential for enhancing patient-reported outcomes is observed, further investigation will focus on larger-scale trials to determine its value for broader implementation.

Effects of prenatal yoga exercise on hepcidin and ferritin levels in pregnant women

Prenatal yoga is a modification of hatha yoga tailored for pregnant women. This exercise is recommended throughout pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the effect of prenatal yoga exercise on the serum levels of hepcidin and ferritin in pregnant women. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre- and post-test. A total of 134 second-trimester pregnant women participated and were divided into two groups (intervention group = 62, control group = 72). The intervention group received prenatal yoga exercises for 8 weeks (twice a week), while the control group attended only the standard pregnancy class. Each group was further divided into subgroups: anemic pregnant women, normal pregnant women, and overweight pregnant women. Demographic data were obtained through a basic questionnaire, while pre-pregnancy BMI data, obstetric history, and pregnancy examinations were sourced from the KIA book. Serum hepcidin levels significantly decreased in pregnant women who participated in prenatal yoga exercises (p=0.002), with the highest significance observed in overweight pregnant women (p=0.001). The average serum ferritin levels increased in all groups but were not statistically significant (p=0.759). Regular prenatal yoga exercises can reduce serum hepcidin levels in pregnant women, with a significant reduction noted in overweight pregnant women. Ferritin levels might be influenced by iron supplementation.

Yoga intervention for colorectal cancer survivors: a qualitative study exploring participants’ expectations and experiences

Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors often struggle with side effects following treatment such as reduced quality of life, fatigue and psychological distress and need therefore efficient comprehensive interventions. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore CRC survivors’ expectations before the yoga intervention as well as their unique experiences beyond those reported with standard questionnaires. Methods Interpretative phenomenological approach was used in this qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted before and after a 10-week yoga program (90 min once a week, Hatha Yoga) with CRC survivors enrolled in a randomized controlled trial. Thematic analysis was used to uncover themes present in participants’ accounts. Results Nine patients participated in the interviews, mean interview duration was 27.49 min (SD = 7.71) before and 38.41 min (SD = 15.93) after the intervention. Our analysis identified following themes: (1) representations and expectations from the yoga intervention; (2) course structure and implementation; (3) perceptions and effects of the intervention; (4) differences between the study yoga intervention and other physical activities. The superordinate theme regarding effects of intervention included aspects of intervention at multiple levels such as emotional, physical, behavioral and spiritual. Conclusions This qualitative study provides valuable insight regarding CRC survivors’ expectations and experiences following a 10-week yoga intervention. While expectations varied from skepticism to specific symptom improvement, the majority of participants had a positive, open attitude towards yoga. Consistent with participants’ experiences, yoga may represent a promising intervention for CRC survivors if the groups’ specific concerns are taken into account.

Efficacy of a Therapeutic Pelvic Yoga Program Versus a Physical Conditioning Program on Urinary Incontinence in Women : A Randomized Trial.

Pelvic floor yoga has been recommended as a complementary treatment strategy for urinary incontinence (UI) in women, but evidence of its efficacy is lacking. To evaluate the effects of a therapeutic pelvic floor yoga program versus a nonspecific physical conditioning program on UI in women. Randomized trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03672461). Three study sites in California, United States. Ambulatory women aged 45 years or older reporting daily urgency-, stress-, or mixed-type UI. Twelve-week program of twice-weekly group instruction and once-weekly self-directed practice of pelvic floor-specific Hatha yoga techniques (pelvic yoga) versus equivalent-time instruction and practice of general skeletal muscle stretching and strengthening exercises (physical conditioning). Total and type-specific UI frequency assessed by 3-day voiding diaries. Among the 240 randomly assigned women (age range, 45 to 90 years), mean baseline UI frequency was 3.4 episodes per day (SD, 2.2), including 1.9 urgency-type episodes per day (SD, 1.9) and 1.4 stress-type episodes per day (SD, 1.7). Over a 12-week time period, total UI frequency (primary outcome) decreased by an average of 2.3 episodes per day with pelvic yoga and 1.9 episodes per day with physical conditioning (between-group difference of -0.3 episodes per day [95% CI, -0.7 to 0.0]). Urgency-type UI frequency decreased by 1.2 episodes per day in the pelvic yoga group and 1.0 episode per day in the physical conditioning group (between-group difference of -0.3 episodes per day [CI, -0.5 to 0.0]). Reductions in stress-type UI frequency did not differ between groups (-0.1 episodes per day [CI, -0.3 to 0.3]). No comparison to no treatment or other clinical UI treatments; conversion to videoconference-based intervention instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 12-week pelvic yoga program was not superior to a general muscle stretching and strengthening program in reducing clinically important UI in midlife and older women with daily UI. National Institutes of Health.

Impact of Yoga beyond Physical Training on the Cardiovascular System: An Updated Review

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses a significant health challenge in both developing and developed nations, with unparalleled morbidity, mortality, and economic tolls. Primary prevention of CVD through lifestyle modifications has been emphasized to address this issue. Yoga, an ancient practice dating back thousands of years with roots in the Harappan and Mohenjo-Daro civilizations, offers a potential solution. Hatha yoga, which includes physical movements and breathing techniques, is the most commonly practiced form today. The health benefits of yoga have recently gained attention and are being researched globally. Yoga is beneficial in both primary and secondary prevention of diseases, particularly CVD and its risk factors. This review aims to explore the physiology of yoga, recent studies on its effect on the prevention and control of CVD, and the clinical implications of these findings.

Effect of hatha yoga and aerobic dance practice on selected vital capacity variable of adolescent boys”

Effect of hatha yoga and aerobic dance practice on selected vital capacity variable of adolescent boys”

Effect of Hatha Yoga in the management of Kitibha vis-a-vis Psoriasis

Yoga is an ancient way of living that provides physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Yoga cures many chronic diseases and bring a state of relaxation for overall well-being. In today’s scenario diseases start due to a sedentary lifestyle, wrong behavior, negative thoughts and attitudes. All this creates an imbalance in the human body, according to Ayurveda these habits vitiate Tridosha that is Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These three humor of human existence governs bodily function. In Ayurvedic classical text, all the skin diseases have described under the common heading ‘Kushtha’. Kitibha is one of the types of Kushtha and considered under category of Kshudra Kushtha is correlated with Psoriasis due to close resemblance of their clinical features. The mental and physical pain involved in the psoriasis affect the health of patients. The Ayurveda text elaborates the symptoms, causes and diagnosis of vitiated Dosha while the Yoga text explains the techniques which purify Dosha from the body and provide balance among three Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These three Dosha are essential constitutions of the living being. A balanced functioning of these three Dosha in living being considered a healthy individual and disharmony of these three Dosha could lead to many chronic illnesses. According to Ayurveda, no disease manifests without the Vaisamya of Dosha. Yoga provides a holistic approach to managing skin conditions.

A Semester of Hatha Yoga Has Comparable Effects to Physical Education for Children in Terms of Physical Activity and Psychosocial Indicators.

As research on yoga with school children is growing, this study investigated the effects a semester of yoga versus physical education on children's physical activity and psychosocial indicators. Physical activity and psychosocial variables were assessed at Time 1 (January/February) and Time 2 (April/May) through self-report surveys (n = 157; 63% female, age: m = 10.38, sd = 0.81 years) for the intervention (Hatha yoga classes) and control groups (standard physical education classes). The intervention group was also observed regarding pedometer and System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time data. The results revealed a trend towards an increase for the control and a decrease for the intervention group in stress levels. The pedometer results showed a trend towards an increasing number of steps/min. Skill practice had the greatest increase with time dedicated to that activity. The observation results revealed a significant difference in activity from Time 1 to Time 2. The major differences were decreases in sitting and being very active, and an increase in walking. Given the observation data and our study design limitations, the study results showed similarities between Hatha yoga and physical education in terms of increasing physical activity levels and psychosocial variables; thus, yoga may be a viable alternative to children's physical education in this regard.

Yoga for Promoting Physical and Mental Health in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing global public health burden with significant physical and mental health challenges. This study aimed to systematically review the available evidence on the effects of yoga interventions on improving the physical and mental health of patients with CKD. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The systematic search was conducted in January 2023 using Scopus and PubMed, resulting in 99 documents, of which 9 met the selection criteria. The studies explored the effects of different types of yoga interventions on various health aspects in hemodialysis and CKD patients. The durations ranged from 15 days to 6 months. The types of yoga used varied, including Hatha Yoga, Pranayama, and yoga therapy. Outcome measures included dialysis adequacy, fatigue, insomnia, lipid profile, oxidative stress, renal function, blood pressure, and quality of life. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of the yoga intervention and the positive effects of the intervention on health outcomes, such as improved dialysis adequacy, reduced fatigue and insomnia, better lipid profiles, decreased oxidative stress, enhanced renal function, lowered blood pressure, and improved quality of life. Yoga interventions show promise as a complementary approach for managing CKD. The positive effects observed on multiple health outcomes suggest the potential benefits of incorporating yoga into CKD care. However, further well-designed trials are needed to strengthen the evidence base. Healthcare providers should consider including yoga as part of a comprehensive approach to improve the well-being of CKD patients.

Does Practicing Only Yoga Asanas Impact Executive Functioning, Emotion Regulation, and Emotional Well-Being Among College Students with Anxiety and Depression? An Exploratory Study in India

The current study aimed to document the psychological benefits (if any) of hatha yoga on emotion regulation, emotional well-being and executive functioning in college students with depression and anxiety disorders. 83 participants (31 Males and 52 Females), 19 in Clinical Experimental (yoga practitioners with anxiety and depression), 21 in Clinical Control (non-yoga practitioners with anxiety and depression), 19 in Non-Clinical Experimental (yoga practitioners without anxiety and depression) and 24 in Non-Clinical Control (non-yoga practitioners of yoga without anxiety and depression) were recruited in the present study. Participants were assessed on emotional regulation, emotional well-being and executive functioning. The one-way ANOVA analysis on the four groups for different variables showed no significant differences. The results could be because practicing yoga asanas only as a fitness regime do not suffice to bring about changes in psychological processes as Hatha yoga focuses only on physical asanas (Csala et al., 2021). Conclusively, an inclusive approach of yoga, meditation and positive practices are important to bring about affective changes in participants’ emotional well-being and emotion regulation (Bhide et al., 2021).

Yoga Meningkatkan Kualitas Hidup Wanita Menopause: Scoping Review Berbasis MENQOL

Background: Menopause have a significant impact on a woman's quality of life. Yoga has been proposed as a non-pharmacological intervention to improve the quality of life of postmenopausal women. This scoping review aims to identify and analyze existing literature regarding the effectiveness of yoga interventions on the quality of life of menopausal women as measured by the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQoL). Methods: A literature search was conducted on electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published up to 2024. Inclusion criteria included yoga intervention studies in menopausal women with measurements using MENQoL. Data were extracted regarding study characteristics, type of yoga intervention, duration, frequency, and MENQoL outcomes. Results: Of a total of 245 articles identified, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies reported significant improvements in total MENQoL scores and subdomains after yoga intervention. The most commonly used type of yoga is Hatha yoga which is adapted for menopause. The duration of the intervention varied from 4 to 16 weeks, with a frequency of 2–3 sessions per week. Conclusion: This scoping review shows that yoga can improve the quality of life of menopausal women as measured by MENQoL. Further research with more rigorous designs is needed to determine the optimal yoga protocol and its long-term effects.

Bibliometric Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on Yoga Interventions for Cancer Patients: A Decade in Review.

This literature review presents a bibliometric analysis of the randomized controlled trials conducted between 2014 and 2023 on the potential benefits of yoga as a complementary therapy for cancer patients. To conduct this analysis, we searched medical and scientific databases, such as Scopus, Cochrane, and PubMed, using relevant keywords. Our search yielded 58 clinical trials involving 4,762 patients, which indicates a growing trend in this field of research. The studies we reviewed mainly focused on breast cancer patients and demonstrated the adaptability and versatility of yoga, offering a ray of hope and optimism. Among the various styles of yoga, Hatha yoga was the most frequently practiced style in these clinical trials. The analysis we conducted reveals that yoga interventions have a promising role in cancer care and can be a valuable complementary therapy for cancer patients. However, significant gaps and limitations still need to be addressed in this area of research. For instance, more rigorous and diverse investigations are needed to further establish the potential benefits of yoga interventions for cancer patients. Additionally, the standardization of yoga interventions is crucial to optimize therapeutic benefits. By addressing these gaps and limitations, we can further enhance the potential of yoga as a complementary therapy for cancer patients.

Efficacy and Importance of the Techniques of Hatha Yoga in the Modern Therapeutic World

Efficacy and Importance of the Techniques of Hatha Yoga in the Modern Therapeutic World