Iyengar Yoga Research Articles

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.

Conceptualizing Motherhood in Yoga

Prenatal yoga classes have become widespread worldwide. Still, while scientific studies examined the benefits of such practices, the conceptual and sociocultural meanings still need to be studied. This paper focuses on pregnancy-oriented Iyengar yoga, which includes pre-conception, prenatal and postnatal yoga practices developed in the Iyengar Yoga school. Interestingly, while these practices are seen as ideal for pregnant and postpartum women, they contrast with what is perceived as an ideal yoga practice. Thus, pregnancy-oriented Iyengar Yoga reveals a shift in purpose from achieving an excellent and advanced yoga practice to the health of female yoga practitioners and their children in a modern lifestyle setting. The findings of this paper are based on my doctoral research, and draw on textual analysis of over fifty relevant Iyengar yoga publications, and qualitative interviews with thirty-seven Iyengar Yoga teachers and four members of the Iyengar family between 2015 and 2019.

Intervensi Non Farmakologi untuk Menurunkan Kecemasan dan Ketakutan Persalinan pada Trimester III Kehamilan

This study aims to identify non-pharmacological interventions that can reduce anxiety and fear during childbirth in the third trimester of pregnancy. Using the PRISMA method, the research method used is a systematic review through searching 6 (six) databases, namely ProQuest, Scopus, Pubmed, Science Direct, and Taylor & Francis. The results of research from 11 articles included in the analysis show that non-pharmacological interventions that can reduce pregnant women's anxiety levels regarding pregnancy and childbirth are providing education and training in preparation for childbirth carried out face to face (P < 0.001), Iyengar yoga (P < 0 .05), and the application of lavender oil as aromatherapy (P<0.001) as well as mindfulness-based antenatal education (P<0.001). Meanwhile, non-pharmacological interventions that can reduce the level of fear during childbirth are simulation-based childbirth preparation education combined with mindfulness (P<0.01), online-based antenatal education about childbirth preparation (P<0.05), Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) with a partner (P< 0.05), simulation-based childbirth education (P< 0.05), psychodrama (P< 0.001) and psychotherapy (P< 0.001). In conclusion, non-pharmacological interventions given to pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy can reduce the level of anxiety and fear of childbirth. Keywords: Non-Pharmacological Intervention, Anxiety, Pregnancy, Fear of Childbirth

Perceived delivery of essential yoga properties within in-person and remote weight loss maintenance interventions.

While previous research has utilized remote delivery of yoga interventions, no research has specifically interrogated the effectiveness of remote yoga intervention delivery. In this secondary analysis of weight-maintenance trial data, we examined participant perceptions of essential yoga properties across in-person and remote formats, hypothesizing that perceptions would not differ following remote delivery. 24 women with overweight or obesity (34.6±4.1 kg/m2, 48.2±9.9 years) received a 12-week Iyengar yoga intervention (2x/week) following a 3-month behavioral weight loss program. Of 23 participants who completed follow-up questionnaires, 12 received the planned in-person intervention and 11 received a remote intervention (delivered live) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Essential Properties of Yoga Questionnaire (EPYQ) was completed online by participants and by the instructors to measure the perceptions of the relative emphasis placed on the essential components of the yoga intervention via 14 subscales. Linear regression models were used to compare perceptions of each EPYQ dimension across in-person and remote delivery methods, as well as between participants and instructors, independent of delivery method. 13 of the 14 subscales did not differ between delivery modalities (p>0.05). Participants perceived more individual attention within in-person yoga (p = 0.003). For both delivery methods, instructors perceived breathwork, restorative postures, and body locks to be incorporated to a lesser degree compared to participants (β = -1.28, p = 0.003; β = -1.57, p = 0.019; β = -1.39, p = 0.036; respectively). No other significant differences across the participant and instructor scores were observed. Findings provide preliminary support for the use of live remote delivery of yoga, effectively communicating most essential yoga properties when compared to in-person classes. However, participants perceived more individual attention with in-person versus remote delivery; thus, future remote-based yoga interventions may benefit from providing additional individualized feedback.

Pilot study of musculoskeletal pain in ophthalmologists following participation in a fifteen-minute online Iyengar yoga program.

To evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints in ophthalmologists and to assess whether participation in an online Iyengar yoga video program improves the baseline pain scores and awareness of proper posture in the clinic and operating room. Ophthalmologists were recruited from online professional forums for this nonrandomized, prospective study. A pre-intervention survey, including demographics, office and procedure volumes, wellness activities, and baseline MSK pain scores, was completed. A fifteen-minute instructional video focusing on simple yoga poses for the neck, shoulder, and lower back created by one of the authors, who is both an ophthalmologist and a certified Iyengar yoga teacher, was provided to participants to complete three times weekly for a total of 4 weeks. A post-intervention survey collecting MSK pain scores and information about ergonomics and compliance was completed. Fifty ophthalmologists completed the pre-intervention survey, of whom 49 (98%) reported at least 1 episode of MSK discomfort in the preceding year. Of those, discomfort was cervical in 36 (72%), in the shoulder(s) in 15 (29%), thoracic spinal in 23 (46%), lumbar spinal in 23 (46%), and centered in the wrist, hand, or finger in 22 (44%). Of the 50 ophthalmologists, 22 submitted the post-intervention surveys. The post-intervention pain scores were decreased compared to baseline for cervical spine (P < 0.01), shoulder (P < 0.01), thoracic spine (P < 0.01), lumbar spine (P < 0.01) and wrist, hand, or finger (P < 0.01). 20 respondents (91%) reported improved awareness of their posture in the clinic and operating room, and 19 (86%) felt that this awareness would decrease their MSK symptoms. Among our small group of survey respondents, a fifteen-minute Iyengar yoga video program specifically designed for ophthalmologists reduced MSK pain and improving awareness of proper ergonomics for practicing ophthalmologists.

No effects were found in favor of Hatha or Iyengar yoga exercises for improving cancer-related fatigue, depression symptoms, or quality of life: a systematic review with meta-analysis and metaregression.

To summarize the evidence on the effectiveness of Hatha or Iyengar yoga exercises on cancer-related fatigue, depression symptoms, and the overall quality of life in adults with cancer. A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted. The CINAHL (via EBSCOhost), Embase, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus (via EBSCOhost) databases were searched from inception to 7th November 2022. Clinical trials evaluating cancer-related fatigue, depression symptoms, and the overall quality of life were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist was used to check if the interventions reviewed were described in detail to be implemented in the clinical setting. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach was used to rate the certainty of evidence. Meta-regressions, sensitivity analyses, and subgroup meta-analyses were conducted to explore sources of heterogeneity. Eleven studies were included (N = 777 participants). Overall, Hatha, Iyengar, and the combination of both yoga styles did not improve any of the outcomes of interest. In addition, five studies had a high risk of bias, and six studies had some concerns about biases. Weaknesses in reporting modifications during the development of the study were observed (TIDieR item 10). The certainty of evidence ranged from low to very low across the outcomes. We could not make sound clinical recommendations with the current quality of the findings.

아헹가 요가 수련이 골프 스윙에 미치는 영향

아헹가 요가 수련이 골프 스윙에 미치는 영향

Exploring the impact of yogic intervention on cognitive abilities in visually impaired children: A systematic review

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effect of yogic intervention on cognitive abilities in visually impaired children through a secondary analysis of existing studies. The selected studies encompassed various designs and intervention durations, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the topic. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2002 and 2023. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. These studies employed different yogic practices, including Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and Iyengar Yoga, and utilized standardized cognitive assessment tools to evaluate cognitive domains such as attention, memory, problem-solving, and executive functions. The sample sizes ranged from single case studies to randomized controlled trials, and the intervention durations varied from 4 weeks to 6 months. Results: The analysis revealed promising findings regarding the effect of yogic intervention on cognitive abilities in visually impaired children. Ten out of the fifteen selected studies reported significant improvements in cognitive domains following the interventions. These improvements were observed in attention span, working memory, information processing speed, cognitive flexibility, and problem-solving skills. The modifications made to the yogic practices for visually impaired children, such as audio cues, tactile cues, and Braille instructions, were found to enhance their engagement and participation in the interventions. Conclusion: The results suggest that yogic intervention holds promise as a potential intervention for enhancing cognitive abilities in visually impaired children. The mindful and meditative nature of yogic practices, combined with the physical aspects, may contribute to the observed improvements in cognitive functioning. However, the heterogeneity of the selected studies and the limited number of high-quality randomized controlled trials highlight the need for further research to establish the efficacy and optimal implementation strategies of yogic interventions in this population. Integrating yogic practices into educational and therapeutic programs may provide additional tools to support cognitive development and overall well-being in visually impaired children.

A comparative study to find the effectiveness of Iyengar Yoga versus Pilates on the anterior pelvic tilt of young females with mechanical low back pain

CONTEXT: Pelvic tilt is one of the root causes behind low back pain (LBP). There are many causes behind LBP and anterior pelvic tilt is one of the leading causes which results in LBP, especially in young females. Interventions activating the core musculature can aid in decreasing the tilting, thereby alleviating the LBP. Iyengar Yoga and Pilates have been proved to be effective in the activation of core musculature in many researches. But no research has been done to prove the effect of both interventions on pelvic tilt, which in turn helps to alleviate LBP. AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Iyengar Yoga versus Pilates on the anterior pelvic tilt of females with LBP. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: college, PG, randomized controlled trial. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Questionnaire, digital inclinometer, and clamps. Forty LBP subjects were selected based on inclusion criteria and randomly divided into two groups. Group A (n = 20) Iyengar Yoga and Group B (n = 20) Pilates. Protocol lasted for 45–60 min 3 days/week for 4 weeks. Angulation of tilt (using digital inclinometer, inclinometer was placed on the clamps) and Modified Oswestry LBP Disability Questionnaire-outcome measures. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: SPSS version 2.0 (software used for statistical analysis). Paired, unpaired t-test-outcome 1 and Wilcoxon, Mann–Whitney U-test-outcome 2. RESULTS: Pre-and posttest difference for outcome 1 in Group A was 1.34 ± 0.23 and for Group B was 1.55 ± 0.2. For outcome 2, prepost difference in Group A was 3 ± 0.33, Group B was 3.8 ± 0.49. CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that there is no significant difference between both groups on anterior pelvic tilt.

Reduction of anxiety and pain in primigravida mothers with modified Iyengar yoga: A clinical study

BackgroundIn primigravidas, childbirth, although physiological can be a frightening event. Two factors that accompany labor are anxiety and pain. This study aims to investigate the benefits of Iyengar yoga for anxiety and labor pain in primigravida women. Material and methodsThe study involved 59 female primigravida subjects, which were divided into 29 controls (without the provision of yoga exercises) and 30 people who received Iyengar yoga exercise. Anxiety and the degree of labor pain will be measured using the Hamilton Scale Rating for Anxiety (HSRA) and visual analog scale (VAS), respectively. ResultsIyengar yoga significantly reduced VAS and HARS values compared to controls (p < 0.05). ConclusionIt was concluded that Iyengar yoga in primigravida women was beneficial in reducing labor pain and anxiety. Thus, the Iyengar yoga technique can be a method for supporting the success and safety of labor.

Effects of Iyengar Yoga on Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength and Endurance among Young Females with Stress Urinary Incontinence

Objectives: To determine the effects of yoga therapy on pelvic floor muscle strength, endurance, and health-related quality of life in young women with stress urinary incontinence.&#x0D; Study Design: Interventional study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04428853).&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Rehabilitation Department, Secondary Care Hospital, Karachi Pakistan, from Aug 2020 and Mar 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 44 young married females aged between 17 and 40 years, diagnosed with stress urinary incontinence due to pelvic floor muscle weakness, were included. Perineometer was used to assess the strength and endurance of pelvic floor muscles. In addition, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) was used to assess the impact of incontinence symptoms on quality of life and the outcome of treatment at baseline and after eight weeks of intervention.&#x0D; Results: Iyengar yoga significantly improved pelvic floor strength and endurance. There was statistically significance the impact of Iyengar yoga on pelvic floor muscle strength for the endurance of pelvic floor musculature (p &lt; 0.001). Similarly,Iyengar yoga was also found significantly effective in decreasing frequency, severity and overall quality of life (QoL) by improving scores of ICIQ-UI-SF questionnaires showing a pre-post mean difference of 10 (p &lt; 0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: The current study indicated the important role of yoga in improving pelvic muscle strength and endurance and decreasing urinary incontinence symptoms and distress hence improving the quality of life.

A pedagogical examination of the potential of Iyengar yoga for trauma

ABSTRACT In recent years, interest in the therapeutic potential of yoga for people recovering from trauma has flourished. To date, much of this research on yoga for trauma adopts a quantitative methodology that positions yoga as a medicalised intervention to understand if yoga is ‘effective’ for trauma recovery for adults. This paper seeks to contribute to an emerging body of qualitative literature by drawing on the voices of eight Iyengar yoga teachers with experience teaching adult students with trauma. It reveals that the teachers do not hold themselves out to be specialists in trauma, nor do they rely on formulistic principles or knowing a person’s trauma narrative. Rather, they draw on the pedagogic skills they have developed more generally through their considerable experience of teaching yoga as an embodied practice to tailor their approach for their students. Of central interest is the way the teachers use their own bodies, particularly their sensory perceptions, to ‘read’ the bodies and emotional capacities of their students within each teaching session. The teachers also reflect on the way they use adjustments as part of their embodied pedagogic skills in nuanced ways that challenge the dominant no-touch discourse on teaching students with trauma. These pedagogic approaches offer important insights for movement teachers more generally, particularly those teaching vulnerable students.

Stress Reduction by Yoga versus Mindfulness Training in Adults Suffering from Distress: A Three-Armed Randomized Controlled Trial including Qualitative Interviews (RELAX Study).

Distress is a growing public health concern. In this three-armed randomized controlled trial, n = 102 adults with elevated stress levels and stress-related symptoms were randomly assigned to (1) “integrative” yoga classes which combined physical exercises, mindfulness training, and ethical/philosophical aspects of traditional yoga; to (2) Iyengar yoga classes which entailed primarily physical exercises; or to (3) mindfulness training without physical training. We hypothesized the synergistic effects of physical yoga exercises, mindfulness, and ethical/philosophical aspects. The primary outcome was the group difference on Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) after 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included burnout, quality of life, physical complaints, depression, anxiety, mindfulness, interoceptive awareness, self-regulation, spirituality, mysticism, and posttraumatic stress. All outcomes were evaluated at baseline (V0), after 12 weeks (V1), and after 24 weeks (V2). A subset of participants took part in qualitative interviews. A lasting and clinically relevant stress reduction was observed within all groups (PSS ΔV0–V1Integrative Yoga = −6.69 ± 6.19; ΔV0–V1Iyengar Yoga = −6.00 ± 7.37; ΔV0–V1Mindfulness = −9.74 ± 7.80; all p < 0.00). Effect sizes were also statistically large at the end of the follow-up period (Cohen’s d Integrative Yoga = 1.41; d Iyengar Yoga = 1.37; d Mindfulness = 1.23). There were no significant group differences or evidence of relevant synergistic effects from combining mindfulness and physical yoga exercises. All three interventions were found to be equally effective methods of stress reduction. Their use in practice should be based on availability and patient preference.

Delivery Of Yoga Properties Across In-person And Remote Formats In A Weight Loss Maintenance Intervention

We previously reported that yoga can be feasibly implemented with high acceptability following behavioral weight loss treatment, however, it is unknown whether participant perceptions of yoga class properties differ when delivered in-person vs. remotely. PURPOSE: To compare participant perceived delivery of essential yoga properties across in-person and remote formats in a weight loss maintenance intervention. METHODS: 24 women with overweight or obesity (34.6 ± 4.1 kg/m2, 48.2 ± 9.9 years) received a 12-week Iyengar yoga intervention (2x/week) following a 3-month behavioral weight loss program. Of 23 participants who completed follow-up questionnaires, 12 received the planned in-person intervention and 11 received a remote intervention (delivered live) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Essential Properties of Yoga Questionnaire (EPYQ), a psychometric tool validated for use by trained raters, was administered online to participants (a non-validated use) to measure their perceptions of the relative emphasis placed on the essential components of the yoga intervention via 14 subscales. RESULTS: 13 of the 14 EPYQ subscales were not significantly different between in-person versus remote groups: acceptance/compassion (4.1 ± 0.6 vs. 3.6 ± 1.2), breathwork (4.7 ± 0.6 vs. 4.5 ± 0.4), physicality (3.5 ± 0.6 vs. 3.3 ± 0.9), active postures (4.1 ± 0.7 vs. 3.9 ± 0.9), restorative postures (4.1 ± 0.8 vs. 3.9 ± 0.9), body locks (3.6 ± 0.6 vs. 3.0 ± 1.0), body awareness (4.3 ± 0.8 vs. 4.3 ± 0.5), mental/emotional awareness (3.8 ± 0.8 vs. 3.9 ± 0.7), health benefits (4.2 ± 0.6 vs. 3.5 ± 1.2), social aspects (2.3 ± 0.7 vs. 2.5 ± 0.7), spirituality (2.3 ± 0.6 vs. 2.0 ± 0.8), meditation/mindfulness (3.7 ± 0.1 vs. 3.5 ± 0.9), and yoga philosophy (2.3 ± 0.1 vs. 2.2 ± 1.4) (p > 0.05 for all). Scores from the individual attention subscale were higher for in-person compared to remote delivery (3.3 ± 0.8 vs. 2.3 ± 0.6, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide preliminary support for the use of live remote delivery of yoga, effectively communicating most essential yoga properties when compared to in-person classes. However, participants perceived more individual attention with in-person vs. remote delivery; thus, future remote-based yoga interventions may benefit from providing additional individualized feedback.

An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial of a 12-Week Yoga Versus Educational Film Program for the Management of Restless Legs Syndrome: Feasibility and Acceptability.

Objectives: The primary objectives of this pilot trial were to assess the study feasibility and acceptability of the 12-week yoga and educational film programs for the management of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in preparation for a future randomized controlled trial (RCT). Materials and Methods: This pilot, parallel-arm, randomized feasibility trial was conducted at two sites, Morgantown, WV and Columbus, OH. Yoga group participants attended 75-min Iyengar yoga classes, twice weekly for 4 weeks, then once a week for 8 weeks (16 total classes), and completed a 30-min homework routine on nonclass days. Educational film group participants attended once weekly, 75-min classes (12 total classes), which included information on RLS and other sleep disorders, RLS management including sleep hygiene practices, and complementary therapies. Feasibility and acceptability outcomes included program satisfaction and recruitment, retention, and adherence rates. In addition, participants were asked their preferences regarding three yoga class schedule scenarios for a future study. Attendance, yoga, and treatment logs were collected weekly. Program evaluation and yoga scheduling questionnaires were collected at week 12. Results: Forty-one adults with moderate to severe RLS were randomized to a 12-week yoga (n = 19) or educational film (n = 22) program. Thirty participants (73%) completed the program. Yoga and education group participants attended an average of 13.0 ± 0.84 (81%) and 10.3 ± 0.3 classes (85%), respectively. Participants from both groups indicated satisfaction with the study. All yoga group respondents to the program evaluation reported they would likely (n = 6) or very likely (n = 7) continue yoga practice; 86.7% of education group respondents (13 of 15) indicated that they were likely (n = 7) or very likely (n = 6) to make lasting changes based on what they had learned. The preferred schedule for a future study was a 16-week study with once-weekly yoga classes. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that a larger RCT comparing yoga with an educational film group for the management of RLS is feasible. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03570515; 02/01/2017.

Об онтологическом статусе эстетического отношения (на примере сопоставления «штуковин» из коллекции Владимира Архипова и поз йоги Айенгара

The article is devoted to the comparison of “folk things” from the collection of Vladimir Arkhipov presented at the exhibition “Objects of Pride and Shame. The Vladimir Arkhipov`s Collection – Things, Authors, Transformations”, with the performance of asanas (postures) in the Iyengar yoga. The goal of the article is to demonstrate that the forming of folk things collected by the artist Arkhipov and the performance of asanas in the Iyengar yoga are an exemplification of the same ontological structure that is found (or not found) in practices again and again. The methodological basis of the work is the approach proposed by the American philosopher Steven Shaviro in his work “Without Criteria: Kant, Whitehead, Deleuze and Aesthetics”, in which the aesthetics of I. Kant and the ontology of A.N. Whitehead and J. Deleuze are outlined. As a result of the work done, Shaviro shows how the transcendental subject loses its exclusivity and turns into an assembly of actual entities on the ontological plane. According to S. Shaviro, such an assembly is possible only in an aesthetic way, and therefore, aesthetics becomes the first philosophy. Appeal to sensual practices (in our case, to the Iyengar yoga and to the collection of folk things by the artist) makes it possible to discover in these practices the aesthetic attitude of actual entities, the general ontological structure. “Folk Things” from the collection of Vladimir Arkhipov, understood as communities of actual entities, at the moment of reassembly manifest themselves and the specifics of the aesthetic relationship according to which these communities are formed. A broken suitcase, which has restored its functionality thanks to a metal bar, rope and sticks, displaces a suitcase that is accustomed to use. But at the same time, it shows the connections of communities of actual entities with each other and is “museumified” by the artist precisely as a demonstration of such connections that have become visible. In the practice of Iyengar yoga, in the process of performing asanas (poses) and integrating the body with various props, the moment of rebuilding the connections of actual entities also becomes visible. At this moment, the yogi's body is felt as part of the system of sending one thing to another – it becomes "reassembled". The constellation of bodies and things is in the process of restructuring, in which harmonious moments of beauty are captured.

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Iyengar Yoga With an Emphasis on Spine and Shoulder Exercises on the Upper Cross Syndrome in Middle-aged Women

Introduction: Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is a combination of forward head, rounded shoulder, and hyperkyphosis deformities. Yoga is a non-competitive physical exercise with the potential to correct postural imbalances in the human body. Iyengar yoga is a form of Hatha yoga. Materials and Methods: The purpose of present study was to evaluate the effect of Iyengar yoga with an emphasis on spine and shoulder exercises on the UCS in middle-aged women. In this quasi-experimental applied research, 15 subjects were purposefully recruited out of middle- aged women affected with UCS. The participants performed Iyengar yoga exercises with an emphasis on the spine and shoulder. The photogrammetry method was used to measure UCS. Results: At the end of 8 weeks exercises, there was a significant increase in the cervical (P&lt;0.001) and shoulder angles (P&lt;0.005), and a significant decrease in thoracic flexion angle (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: All relevant coaches and therapists are recommended considering Iyengar yoga as an alternative for training programs in middle-aged women affected by UCS.

Comparisons of tai chi and Iyengar yoga intervention effects on muscle strength, balance, and confidence in balance.

The aim of the study is to compare a 16-week tai chi and Iyengar yoga program effects on muscle strength, static and dynamic balance, and balance confidence in elderly people. A total of 48 participants (≥60 years old) without mobility-impairing neurological disease, dementia, cardiovascular disease/symptoms during moderate exercise, poorly controlled hypertension, or balance-impairing drug use. Participants were divided into a tai chi group, an Iyengar yoga group, and a control group (eight males and eight females per group), using a restricted randomization scheme generated by software. While the former two undertook 16-week exercise programs, the control group received general education. Maximum concentric strength was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. The one-legged stand with eyes closed, "8 feet up and go," and Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale were used to assess static balance, dynamic balance, and balance confidence in daily activities, respectively. Both programs improved all measures significantly with tai chi being more effective for increasing knee flexor strength (P=0.045) and extensor strength (P=0.032) and ABC score (P=0.034); Iyengar yoga was more effective for improving static balance (P=0.014) and dynamic balance (P=0.025; all P values here vs. the other program). Tai chi and Iyengar yoga can improve strength, balance, and balance confidence among older people. Both are suitable exercise choices for older adults.

Yoga Balance: Decreasing Fall Risk in Seniors

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To investigate the effect of yoga in decreasing fall risk for activities of daily living and community mobility in the senior population thru occupational therapy. <h3>Design</h3> Basic yoga poses related to primal movement were selected/ executed with NDT techniques; 1 year. <h3>Setting</h3> Continuing Care Retirement Community(CCRC). <h3>Participants</h3> 10 clients with inclusion criteria of age 80+, live in the CCRC, can include co-morbidities, joint replacements accepted. <h3>Interventions</h3> Example of pose: horse stance was selected because as children we have a wide base of support with hips in external rotation and equine stance. Overtime this integrates to a narrower base of support, external/ internal rotation equalizes, and equine stance becomes plantar. Utilizing poses that follow typical patterns allows for neuro plasticity to engage in a way it has before enhancing the progression of decreased fall risk as it relates to ADL's. Alignment is key when addressing posture and fall risk in occupational therapy as well as in Iyengar yoga. Used handling techniques, visual work (mirror), and verbal cueing. Cues were a combination of OT and yogic cues to create proper alignment. Handling promoted neck retraction, scapular depression/ stabilization, shoulder/ pelvic girdle anterior alignment, and knee/ ankle alignment. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Tinetti: scores increased by an average of 11 points. <h3>Results</h3> When used as an individual therapeutic intervention yoga postures with NDT regressive handling techniques increases the Tinetti score by an average of 11 points; proving a marked decrease of fall risk for ADL's in seniors. Secondary outcomes that were reported by patients included scoliosis curvature decrease, bladder control improvement, and an increased ability to orgasm. <h3>Conclusions</h3> With an average number of Tinetti score improvement by 11 for the total of 10 clients with no regression this study does prove that yoga is effective in decreasing fall risk in seniors. Due to our results we believe expanded studies utilizing yoga as an individualized intervention during therapy sessions is necessary to promote decreased fall risk in elderly patients. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> N/A.

A literature review on behavioral attributes of yoga postures and cognition

Background: Hatha Yoga is the science of training one's mind and body through the practice of shatkarma, asana, pranayama, mudra, and samadhi. The objective of this literature review is to provide a theoretical rationale to identify (a) the specific attribute of the yoga poses which have been used in yoga protocol of various studies but not explicitly explored and (b) the minimum time required to hold a posture to bring the corresponding change in the performance among aforesaid cognitive function(s). Materials and Methods: Keywords such as yoga and cognition, yoga and working memory, yoga posture and cognition, and yoga and attention have been used to retrieve 24 empirical studies from Google Scholar. Those studies which have included only the yoga poses (asanas) as part of the yoga intervention in improving the cognitive functions were included in the review. Results: Traditions of Yoga such as Hatha and Iyengar Yoga emphasizes on postural alignment and accuracy, these asanas improve a variety of psychological, physiological, and cognitive functions. One study showed an improvement in cognitive functions and in another study, yoga practitioners showed improved reaction time. Conclusion: Due to inadequate empirical studies on yoga posture and cognition, it is not recommended to definitively conclude about the role of said attributes in improving cognitive performance. Future studies should involve longitudinal and randomized designs, large sample size, and homogeneous sample in terms of age-, gender-, and disease-specific population. The details of the studies are described in the manuscript.