Hatha Research Articles

Yoga’s effect on falls in rural, older adults

BackgroundUnintentional falls affect 30% of people over age 65 years. Yoga has been shown to improve balance. We designed this study to examine if yoga reduces falls. MethodsWe conducted 16 sessions of Hatha yoga over 8 weeks. Participants were randomly assigned to practice 10min of yoga daily at home in addition to 5-min relaxation exercises or relaxation exercises only (control group). ResultsOf the 38 participants completing the intervention, 15 participants reported a total of 27 falls in the 6-months before the study, compared to 13 participants sustaining 14 falls in the 6 months from the start of the study (p<0.047), without difference between yoga home-exercise and home relaxation-only groups.Compared to baseline scores, all participants improved on the Berg Balance Scale (53–54 out of 56, p=0.002), the Functional Gait Assessment (22.9–25.8 out of 30 points, p<0.001), and the Dynamic Gait Index (20.6–22.4 out of 24 points, p<0.001). Right leg stand time improved from a mean of 13.3s to 17.1s (p=0.020) and standing forward reach distance from 26.0cm to 29.6cm (p<0.001). Without difference between groups.Confidence, with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, increased in the yoga home-exercise group (88%–93%, p=0.037) compared to 90% unchanged from pre-intervention in the home relaxation-only group. ConclusionYoga classes reduce self-reported falls and improve balance measures. The addition of home yoga exercises did not enhance benefit over relaxation exercise only.

HATHA YOGA LEBIH EFEKTIF DALAM MENURUNKAN PERSENTASE LEMAK TUBUH DAN MENINGKATKAN FLEKSIBILITAS DIBANDINGKAN DENGAN SENAM AEROBIK LOW IMPACT PADA REMAJA PUTRI OVERWEIGHT DI DENPASAR

Overweight was one of the adolescent health problem in Indonesia. Aerobic exercise can reduce body fat, prevent overweight and increase flexibility. The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of Hatha Yoga and low impact aerobic exercise to the percentage of body fat and flexibility of adolescent girl in Denpasar. Research used randomized pre-test and post-test design involved 26 subject. Group 1 treated hatha yoga and Group 2 treated low impact aerobic. This intervention was given for 6 weeks, frequency 3 times a week, for 45 minute in Sanggar Senam Studio 88 Denpasar. The result shown that hatha yoga reduced the percentage of body fat with mean decrease of 4.91% and low impact aerobic exercise with a mean decrease of 1.41%. Increasing of flexibility hatha yoga with a mean 12.58 cm and low impact aerobic exercise with a mean 8.54 cm. The result from different test used independent t test found that mean decreased for the percentage of body fat after intervention equal to 4.28% with value of p = 0.032 and mean increased flexibility by 5 cm with value of p = 0.035. That result shown that there is a significant difference of body fat percentage and flexibility after intervention during 6 weeks (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: hatha yoga more effective in reducing the percentage of body fat and increasing flexibility than low impact aerobic exercise of adolescent girl in Denpasar. It is suggested to individuals with overweight in order to do sports activities regularly and continuously. Hatha yoga as an alternative sport activities that can be used to reduce the percentage of body fat, increase flexibility and physical fitness.

Yoga in Mental Health

Yogic techniques, such as asana and pranayama of Hatha Yoga, and various meditations, have been trailed through clinical and other scientific procedures...

Hatha Yoga Effect on Airway Resistances of Tobacco Smokers with Allergic Rhinitis

Hatha Yoga Effect on Airway Resistances of Tobacco Smokers with Allergic Rhinitis

Sacrifices at the altar of self-transformation

Within both cultural and academic understandings, conceptions of what pain is and the ways it is experienced are complicated by moral and medical pathologisation. Pain is often defined in a tautological fashion, as physical suffering or discomfort caused by illness or injury. Both the experience of pain and responses to that experience are shaped by context and are subject to forces of ideology. On the edges of religious experience there have always been those who explored pain and suffering as a ritual means or end. This paper examines how some people have negotiated the moral context and medicalisation of pain-filled experience, and why: from the physical alchemy of hatha yoga to body modification, BDSM and other complex behaviours often labelled as ‘self-harming’. Using personal accounts of encounters with pain as a guide, we will discuss how physical pain and stress are transformed by context and culture, to either enable or deny personal agency and mind–body integration.

MiYoga: a randomised controlled trial of a mindfulness movement programme based on hatha yoga principles for children with cerebral palsy: a study protocol

IntroductionCerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood physical disability, with life-long impacts for 1.77 in 1000 children. Although CP is primarily a physical disability, children with CP have an...

The Efficacy of Yoga as a Form of Treatment for Depression.

The purpose of this article was to systematically review yoga interventions aimed at improving depressive symptoms. A total of 23 interventions published between 2011 and May 2016 were evaluated in this review. Three study designs were used: randomized control trials, quasi-experimental, and pretest/posttest, with majority being randomized control trials. Most of the studies were in the United States. Various yoga schools were used, with the most common being Hatha yoga. The number of participants participating in the studies ranged from 14 to 136, implying that most studies had a small sample. The duration of the intervention period varied greatly, with the majority being 6 weeks or longer. Limitations of the interventions involved the small sample sizes used by the majority of the studies, most studies examining the short-term effect of yoga for depression, and the nonutilization of behavioral theories. Despite the limitations, it can be concluded that the yoga interventions were effective in reducing depression.

The Role of Mindfulness in Enhancing Self-Care for Nurses

The Role of Mindfulness in Enhancing Self-Care for Nurses

Hatha Yoga as a Form of Physical Activity in the Context of Lifestyle Disease Prevention

Abstract Physical activity is interrelated with health, physical fitness, and quality of life. The role physical activity plays in the context of lifestyle disease prevention is indisputable. Physical exercises of yoga (hatha yoga) are a type of recreational physical activity classified as a form of body and mind fitness. Hatha yoga training consists of slow or fast and smooth entering into, holding, and exiting yoga postures called “asanas”. Besides asanas, a yoga class may also include breathing exercises (pranayama) and relaxation exercises. The aim of this paper is to analyse the benefits of regular hatha yoga training in the light of scientific studies in regard to primary and secondary prevention of lifestyle diseases (cardiovascular diseases, respiratory system diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and diseases of the musculoskeletal system in particular). The results of the analysis revealed that regular hatha yoga training including pranayama (breathing exercises) produced a reduction in blood pressure and heart rate, improved respiratory functions, decreased blood glucose levels and body mass, as well as improving functional fitness and self-perceived quality of life. Therefore, hatha yoga as a form of physical activity can be a useful intervention for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases, respiratory system diseases, metabolic diseases, and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including back pain.

Perceptions of hatha yoga amongst persistently depressed individuals enrolled in a trial of yoga for depression

ObjectivesTo understand depressed individuals’ experiences in a 10-week hatha yoga program. DesignIn a randomized controlled trial, participants were assigned to either 10 weeks of hatha yoga classes or a health education control group. This report includes responses from participants in yoga classes. At the start of classes, average depression symptom severity level was moderate. Main outcome measuresAfter 10 weeks of yoga classes, we asked participants (n=50) to provide written responses to open-ended questions about what they liked about classes, what they did not like or did not find helpful, and what they learned. We analyzed qualitative data using thematic analysis. Results and conclusionsElements of yoga classes that may increase acceptability for depressed individuals include having instructors who promote a non-competitive and non-judgmental atmosphere, who are knowledgeable and able to provide individualized attention, and who are kind and warm. Including depression-related themes in classes, teaching mindfulness, teaching breathing exercises, and providing guidance for translating class into home practice may help to make yoga effective for targeting depression. Participants’ comments reinforced the importance of aspects of mindfulness, such as attention to the present moment and acceptance of one’s self and one’s experience, as potential mechanisms of action. Other potential mechanisms include use of breathing practices in everyday life and the biological mechanisms that underlie the positive impact of yogic breathing. The most serious concern highlighted by a few participants was the concern that the yoga classes were too difficult given their physical abilities.

Greater Cortical Thickness in Elderly Female Yoga Practitioners-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Yoga, a mind-body activity that requires attentional engagement, has been associated with positive changes in brain structure and function, especially in areas related to awareness, attention, executive functions and memory. Normal aging, on the other hand, has also been associated with structural and functional brain changes, but these generally involve decreased cognitive functions. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare brain cortical thickness (CT) in elderly yoga practitioners and a group of age-matched healthy non-practitioners. We tested 21 older women who had practiced hatha yoga for at least 8 years and 21 women naive to yoga, meditation or any mind-body interventions who were matched to the first group in age, years of formal education and physical activity level. A T1-weighted MPRAGE sequence was acquired for each participant. Yoga practitioners showed significantly greater CT in a left prefrontal lobe cluster, which included portions of the lateral middle frontal gyrus, anterior superior frontal gyrus and dorsal superior frontal gyrus. We found greater CT in the left prefrontal cortex of healthy elderly women who trained yoga for a minimum of 8 years compared with women in the control group.

A qualitative examination of physiotherapist led community-based yoga for individuals with Huntington's disease

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine community-based yoga, led by a physiotherapist, for individuals affected by Huntington's disease (HD). MethodsQualitative case study methodology was used to examine the Hatha yoga led by a certified yoga instructor who was a neurologic physiotherapist. Data collection included participant observations, semi-structured interviews with the instructor, and structured participant surveys. Data were coded and thematically analyzed. Strategies for rigor included field engagement, triangulation, member checks, and reflexivity. OutcomesFive major themes emerged regarding the value and role of yoga for individuals affected by HD: [1] Emphasis on mindfulness, [2] Yoga is modifiable and accessible, [3] Precise communication, [4] Yoga fosters a sense of community, and [5] Poses tailored to HD-specific deficits. ConclusionsYoga led by a physiotherapist can be tailored to enable participation by those affected by HD, addresses HD-specific deficits, and promotes a sense of community to supplement traditional physiotherapy.

Toward a Sustainable Sense of Self in Teaching and Teacher Education: Sustainable Happiness and Well-Being Through Mindfulness

This paper examines the effects of mindfulness practice throughpranayama,hatha yoga, and meditation on practicing teachers in an inner city school to determine if practices of this nature could contribute to sustainable sense of self, sustainable happiness, and well-being for practicing teachers and pre-service teachers. Furthermore, mindfulness practice is discussed in the context of new pedagogies that are contributing to the transformation of teachers, students, and education. This inquiry has demonstrated that this process not only offers the practitioner serenity, awareness, peace, and well-being: but the benefits of the practice move far beyond the personal environment of those practicing teachers and into the classroom and school community providing opportunities for transformation; growing sustainable happiness and well-being.

Trauma Sensitive Yoga as a complementary treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: A Qualitative Descriptive analysis.

Research on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and chronic childhood abuse has revealed that traditional trauma treatments often fail to fully address the complicated symptom presentation, including the somatic complaints, loss of awareness of one's emotional and physical being in the present moment, and overall lack of integration between the self and the body. The mindfulness-based intervention of hatha yoga shows promise as a complementary treatment, and focuses on personal growth in addition to symptom reduction. This qualitative study explored the experiences of thirty-one adult women with PTSD related to chronic childhood trauma who participated in a 10-week Trauma Sensitive Yoga class, specifically examining perceived changes in symptoms and personal growth. Five themes were identified that reflect participants' feelings of Gratitude and compassion, Relatedness, Acceptance, Centeredness, and Empowerment. Results and implications for research and clinical work are presented.

Joga i rehabilitacja kardiologiczna (Yoga-CaRe) u osób po przebyciu ostrego epizodu wieńcowego

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death and disability in Asian Indians with huge psychological and economic impact as it affects population in thirty- and forty-year-olds, previously healthy adults and most productive social group. Successful transcatheter therapeutics has opened a new vista for its management; however, it cannot prevent its recurrence. Therefore, secondary prevention is cornerstone of management. Yoga-based Cardiac Rehabilitation (Yoga-CaRe) is a multifaceted approach targeting patient’s physical, psychological, social and occupational status, preventing or delaying the progression of underlying disease and reducing the risk of recurrent rehospitalization and death as well as enabling the patients to live a comfortable and active life. Yoga is an ancient Indian system of philosophy; a mind-body discipline encompassing an array of philosophical precepts, mental attitudes and physical practice. Of seven major branches of yoga, Hatha yoga , which itself includes many different styles (e.g. Iyenger, Ashtanga, etc. ), is probably the most commonly recognized, and incorporates elements of physical poses, breath control and meditation, and self-restraint (including that of diet, smoking, alcohol intake and sleep patterns). A Cochrane review reported a 27% reduction in total mortality and 19% reduction in total mortality and non-fatal cardiac events with cardiac rehabilitation (CR), comparing favorably to effective pharmacological treatments (e.g. antiplatelets, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, statins and beta-blockers). Yoga, therefore, could provide a useful frame work on which to develop an economical CR program, with additional advantages of being culturally appropriate to Indians and potentially be appealing to global population.

Adjunctive yoga v. health education for persistent major depression: a randomized controlled trial.

The objective of this study was to determine whether hatha yoga is an efficacious adjunctive intervention for individuals with continued depressive symptoms despite antidepressant treatment. We conducted a randomized controlled trial of weekly yoga classes (n = 63) v. health education classes (Healthy Living Workshop; HLW; n = 59) in individuals with elevated depression symptoms and antidepressant medication use. HLW served as an attention-control group. The intervention period was 10 weeks, with follow-up assessments 3 and 6 months afterwards. The primary outcome was depression symptom severity assessed by blind rater at 10 weeks. Secondary outcomes included depression symptoms over the entire intervention and follow-up periods, social and role functioning, general health perceptions, pain, and physical functioning. At 10 weeks, we did not find a statistically significant difference between groups in depression symptoms (b = -0.82, s.e. = 0.88, p = 0.36). However, over the entire intervention and follow-up period, when controlling for baseline, yoga participants showed lower levels of depression than HLW participants (b = -1.38, s.e. = 0.57, p = 0.02). At 6-month follow-up, 51% of yoga participants demonstrated a response (⩾50% reduction in depression symptoms) compared with 31% of HLW participants (odds ratio = 2.31; p = 0.04). Yoga participants showed significantly better social and role functioning and general health perceptions over time. Although we did not see a difference in depression symptoms at the end of the intervention period, yoga participants showed fewer depression symptoms over the entire follow-up period. Benefits of yoga may accumulate over time.

Treating major depression with yoga: A prospective, randomized, controlled pilot trial.

BackgroundConventional pharmacotherapies and psychotherapies for major depression are associated with limited adherence to care and relatively low remission rates. Yoga may offer an alternative treatment option, but rigorous studies are few. This randomized controlled trial with blinded outcome assessors examined an 8-week hatha yoga intervention as mono-therapy for mild-to-moderate major depression.MethodsInvestigators recruited 38 adults in San Francisco meeting criteria for major depression of mild-to-moderate severity, per structured psychiatric interview and scores of 14–28 on Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI). At screening, individuals engaged in psychotherapy, antidepressant pharmacotherapy, herbal or nutraceutical mood therapies, or mind-body practices were excluded. Participants were 68% female, with mean age 43.4 years (SD = 14.8, range = 22–72), and mean BDI score 22.4 (SD = 4.5). Twenty participants were randomized to 90-minute hatha yoga practice groups twice weekly for 8 weeks. Eighteen participants were randomized to 90-minute attention control education groups twice weekly for 8 weeks. Certified yoga instructors delivered both interventions at a university clinic. Primary outcome was depression severity, measured by BDI scores every 2 weeks from baseline to 8 weeks. Secondary outcomes were self-efficacy and self-esteem, measured by scores on the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) at baseline and at 8 weeks.ResultsIn intent-to-treat analysis, yoga participants exhibited significantly greater 8-week decline in BDI scores than controls (p-value = 0.034). In sub-analyses of participants completing final 8-week measures, yoga participants were more likely to achieve remission, defined per final BDI score ≤ 9 (p-value = 0.018). Effect size of yoga in reducing BDI scores was large, per Cohen’s d = -0.96 [95%CI, -1.81 to -0.12]. Intervention groups did not differ significantly in 8-week change scores for either the GSES or RSES.ConclusionIn adults with mild-to-moderate major depression, an 8-week hatha yoga intervention resulted in statistically and clinically significant reductions in depression severity.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01210651

Impact of Hatha Yoga on the Airway Resistances in Healthy Individuals and Allergic Rhinitis Patients.

There have been limited studies on Hatha yoga training as a complementary therapy to manage the symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis. The main Aim of the study was to check the impact of Hatha yogasanas on the Airway resistances in Healthy volunteers, a baseline data can be established and also to study the impact of Hatha yogasanas on the Airway resistances in Allergic Rhinitis patients in Bangalore, India. This is a prospective case series of 51 healthy volunteers (18 Males and 33 Females) Group 1 and 51 Allergic Rhinitis patients (18 Males and 33 Females) Group 2. The Objective analysis of the upper airway resistance was measured using a rhinomanometer and the lower airway resistance was measured using a spirometer. Then the subjects practiced specific Hatha yogasanas for three months. Then the airway resistance tests were again done at 3months interval. The subjective analysis was done pre yoga and post yoga using the Short form-12 (SF-12) and Sino Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT) Questionnaires to assess the quality of life. The data was analyzed by doing a Paired (2-tailed) T Test, using SPSS (Software Package for Social Sciences) version 16. Total Nasal Airway Resistance pre yoga and post yoga in 51 healthy volunteers had significantly reduced at 150Pa and the Forced Vital Capacity(FVC) pre yoga and post yoga had significantly increased,Forced Expiratory volume (FEV1) & % Residual standard deviation (%RSD) had increased but not significant. The Physical component score (PCS) and Mental component score (MCS) of the SF-12 health survey questionnaire had significantly improved with and the SNOT questionnaire score had significantly reduced. The Total Nasal Airway Resistance in 51 Allergic Rhinitis had significantly reduced at 150Pa and the FVC pre yoga and post yoga showed increase but change was not significant, FEV1 pre yoga and post yoga had significantly increased, %RSD pre yoga and post yoga had significantly increased. The PCS and MCS of the SF-12 health survey questionnaire had significantly increased and the SNOT questionnaire score had significantly decreased. The scientific documentation of the impact of Hatha Yoga on the airway resistances can be an eye opener in the management of several other diseases of the airways.

Development of a falls reduction yoga program for older adults—A pilot study

ObjectivesWork with local rural organizations to develop an evidence-based hatha yoga program intended to improve core strength and balance to reduce falls risk. Feasibility determined by successful recruiting, intervention and evaluation of participants and acceptable frequency of adverse events. DesignSingle-arm pilot study. SettingRural Wisconsin town of 4200 people. InterventionEight week yoga program with weekly group classes and home yoga practice three times per week. Main outcome measuresThe primary outcomes were (1) ability to enroll at least 20 participants, (2) participant completion of intervention and post-intervention evaluation, and (3) adverse event description and frequency. ResultsA convenience sample of 20 adults over age 59 was enrolled and started the program with one drop out. Participants attended a mean of 7.1 (SD 1.47) of the 8 classes and a total of 141 out of 160 (88.1%) classes. Nineteen (95%) completed follow up evaluation. Participants reported 4 falls in the month before the intervention and 1 fall the month before the post-intervention evaluation (p=0.34). No other serious adverse events occurred. ConclusionsThis project suggests an evidence-based yoga program designed to improve core strength and balance is feasible and acceptable to participants. Future research will include a randomized trial to assess impact on falls risk.

The Ottawa panel clinical practice guidelines for the management of knee osteoarthritis. Part one: introduction, and mind-body exercise programs*

Objective: To identify effective mind-body exercise programs and provide clinicians and patients with updated, high-quality recommendations concerning non-traditional land-based exercises for knee osteoarthritis. Methods: A systematic search and adapted selection criteria included comparative controlled trials with mind-body exercise programs for patients with knee osteoarthritis. A panel of experts reached consensus on the recommendations using a Delphi survey. A hierarchical alphabetical grading system (A, B, C+, C, D, D+, D-) was used, based on statistical significance (P < 0.5) and clinical importance (⩾15% improvement). Results: The four high-quality studies identified demonstrated that various mind-body exercise programs are promising for improving the management of knee osteoarthritis. Hatha Yoga demonstrated significant improvement for pain relief (Grade B) and physical function (Grade C+). Tai Chi Qigong demonstrated significant improvement for quality of life (Grade B), pain relief (Grade C+) and physical function (Grade C+). Sun style Tai Chi gave significant improvement for pain relief (Grade B) and physical function (Grade B). Conclusion: Mind-body exercises are promising approaches to reduce pain, as well as to improve physical function and quality of life for individuals with knee osteoarthritis.