Breathing Practices Research Articles

The combined effect of physical exercise, pranayama, and diet on fatigue in adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: a randomized controlled trial.

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy continue to experience significant fatigue, which affects their quality of life. The present study aims to evaluate the combined effect of comprehensive physical exercise, pranayama (regulated breathing practices of yoga), and dietary support intervention on fatigue in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Non-advanced adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (N = 52) were randomized into the intervention group (N = 26) or control group (N = 26). Fatigue assessment was done using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) Fatigue Scale (version 4) at baseline and after 3 months. The intervention group participants practiced physical exercise, slow-paced pranayama and supplemented their diet with an intake of 100 g of millet protein powder (MPP), commonly known as "Sattu" in India. The control group received standard medical care. A total of 39 patients (N = 13 in the intervention and N = 26 in the control group) were included in the statistical analysis. Within the intervention group, a statistically significant reduction in fatigue (p = 0.002) with a large effect size (d = 2.1) was observed. There was no statistically significant reduction in fatigue within the control group (p = 0.36). The group comparison showed a statistically significant reduction in post-scores of fatigue (p < 0.0001) in the intervention group as compared to the control group with a moderate effect size (R = 0.1). No unintended adverse effects related to the intervention were observed. The results suggest the potential role of integrated physical exercise, pranayama, and dietary support in reducing fatigue in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Further validation with a larger sample size is required. CTRI/2022/04/041717 [Registered prospectively on 07/04/2022].

Yoga-based counselling module as an integrated yoga therapy to manage substance use disorder: A developmental and feasibility study

Objective: To develop, validate, and assess the feasibility of an Integrated Yoga Module for Substance Use Disorder (IYMSUD) which includes Yoga-Based Counselling (YBC). Method: Phase 1 involves developing IYMSUD through a systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Several databases were searched using relevant keywords. Studies were coded and qualitatively analyzed using the inductive thematic approach. Additionally, Yoga experts were interviewed, their input was recorded, transcribed, coded, and qualitatively analyzed to identify themes related to YBC and Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Phase 2 utilized the Delphi method with three iterations involving 17 experts to validate IYMSUD. Items with a Content Validity Ratio (CVR) score of 0.99 and above were retained. In Phase 3, IYMSUD was administered for 8 weeks on 12 participants following a residential 12 step program. Findings: After reviewing 24 articles and expert interviews in Phase 1, YBC themes were identified to develop IYMSUD. In Phase 2, IYMSUD, incorporating yoga theory, postures, breathing practices, relaxation, advanced techniques, and YBC, met high-quality standards and was deemed feasible for implementation by the experts. In Phase 3, all yoga participants perceived IYMSUD to be satisfactory, feasible, and culturally appropriate and reported no adverse effects. Significant improvements post-intervention were observed in Body Mass Index (p&lt;0.001), Vedic personality traits (p=0.014), global health (p=0.008), psychological domain (p=0.002), and environmental domain (p=0.011) of quality of life. Novelty: This pioneering study empirically integrates yogic counselling into a systematic approach, and shows its validity and feasibility. It could serve as an adjunct treatment for SUD. Keywords: Addiction, Yoga, Psychology, Yoga-based counseling, Feasibility study

Multi-resolution assessment of heart rate variability signals during yogic and normal breathing using machine learning modules

In recent times, yoga has gained global prominence due to its wide-ranging health benefits. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis has become a widely embraced tool to assess the impact of yoga and meditation on individuals. The effects of yoga can vary significantly among individuals based on their prior expertise, skills, and the interplay of external and internal dynamics. This variability complicates the task of extracting distinctive characteristics from raw data to categorize yogic and pre-yogic states. This paper introduces a new approach that enhances the screening of yogic states through multi-resolution analysis of HRV data combined with a machine learning module. The empirical Fourier decomposition (EFD) technique is harnessed to decompose input data into distinct multi-resolution modes. Various statistical characteristics are then extracted from these modes, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the immediate effects of yoga breathing on HRV signals. To discern between yogic and pre-yogic HRV signals, a selection of significant features is ranked using a chi-square score and subsequently inputted into machine-learning modules. Notably, employing normalized features with the decision medium tree classifier yields an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.99, while using direct features with an ensemble bagged tree classifier results in an AUC value of 0.82. Furthermore, this research underscores the importance of assessing outcomes from various metrics to compute the underlying dynamics of HRV data during breathing practices. This approach facilitates precise monitoring, personalized feedback, and intervention in yoga machine interfacing systems, ultimately enriching the overall experience and well-being of yoga practitioners.

Erratum: Breath characteristics in four volitional yoga breathing practices

Erratum: Breath characteristics in four volitional yoga breathing practices

Mindfulness in nursing students: enhancing well-being through breath practices

The present study aimed to assess focus/concentration, perception of quality of life, class attention, and anxiety, as well as class attendance and academic performance of nursing undergraduates from a Higher Education Institution before and after the application of breathing and mindfulness meditation techniques. Forty-five seventh-semester (fourth-year) students of both genders, aged 18 and above, participated in the study. The technique was applied for three months through breathing and meditation practices in the classroom. For data collection, a structured questionnaire with four closed-ended questions was used, administered before and after the training sessions. The overall results of the indicators showed that the undergraduates demonstrated a 32.6% improvement in focus/concentration, a 32.4% improvement in perceived quality of life post-training. Regarding class attention, there was a 25.7% increase. An improvement of 44% was observed in anxiety levels, along with a 27% increase in class attendance (reduced absenteeism), and a 74% enhancement in academic performance. The students showed significant improvements in all indicators related to focus/concentration, quality of life, anxiety levels, absenteeism, and academic performance after learning and practicing some breathing and mindfulness meditation techniques. These data underscore the importance of integrating mindfulness approaches in the educational context, contributing to the development of undergraduates.

Review on Role of Yoga in Chittodvega w.s.r. to Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Mental health disorders are mentioned as 3rd health burden in India according to WHO survey. Generalized anxiety disorders are a chronic anxiety disorder characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry and anxiety about everyday life events and situations. In Ayurveda many psychological disorders are mentioned in Samhitas. Terms like Asvastha Chitta, Chittavimbhramsa, Chittodvega etc. seems similar to Generalized anxiety disorder, however Chittodvega seems to be nearest correlation for this disease entity. Acharya Charaka has listed Chittodvega as Manas Dosha Vikara. People with symptoms of Generalized anxiety disorder always tend to expect failure and can't stop worrying, Clinical trials have shown that anxiolytic drugs alone have limited long-term efficacy. Moreover, they often have adverse side effects including dependency, drowsiness, impaired cognition and memory and sexual dysfunction. Being an alarming disease GAD needs an effective management. Nowadays Yoga is considered as a popular approach to improve emotional health. Yoga, a form of holistic mind–body medicine, that includes the use of physical postures (Asanas), breathing practices (Pranayamas), meditations, relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes based on ancient yogic philosophy. Pranayama should be practiced to remove the blockages and to lift you out of the Tamasik and Rajasik states. Asanas empathizes physical strength and helps to maintain balance between mind and body. Yoga helps to restraint unnecessary mental fluctuations and thus helps in stabilizing and calming the mind. Thus it might be an effective and safe intervention for individuals with GAD.

WHAT ABOUT THIS?: Quick Somatic Rescue Techniques when Stressed

When threats are perceived, our thoughts and body respond almost immediately with defense reactions that may negatively affect us and others we know. Described are approaches that can interrupt negative stress responses and allow us to become calmer and less reactive by utilizing a set of somatic and breathing practices that assist in raising self-awareness as well as moderating the triggers and interrupting the cascades of stress reactions. Each of the specific practices can be introduced quickly, even in situations in which mental health first aid is indicated. For example, the practices introduce the S.O.S 1™ technique, an adapted Nyingma stress reduction exercise, and several breathing exercises, such as box breathing, sniff and sniff breathing, humming, and toning. The various practices are aimed at reducing or stopping over-reactive thoughts and body responses as well as increasing a sense of safety and control that allows you to think more clearly about difficult situations.

Роль професійного вигорання в системі управління конфліктами персоналу сучасних підприємств

The article is devoted to considering the concepts of “emotional burnout syndrome” and “professional burnout” and determining their commonalities and differences in essence. It characterizations individuals’ reactions to systematic stress, which necessarily occurs during intense work, unstable working conditions, etc. These reactions include exhaustion, dehumanization (depersonalization, feelings of cynicism), and reduced work capacity. The following types of reactions of individuals to stress factors are additionally characterized: emotional imbalance, pessimistic attitude towards life, distancing, and disorganization. The common logic of behavioral reactions to stress and professional and emotional burnout symptoms is determined. The influence of emotional and professional burnout on personality conflict is determined. It is noted that behavioral reactions that are formed under the influence of a state of professional or emotional burnout can form factors of conflict of various types. Understanding the 12 stages (phases) of burnout is crucial for being informed and prepared. These stages, such as ‘Forced bringing to the point of no return’, ‘Overtime work ‘, ‘Closing’ of conflicts and needs’, ‘Suppression’ of conflicts and needs’, ‘Rethinking values ‘, ‘Activation of denial of problems’, ‘Retreat’, ‘Observation of changes in behavior ‘, ‘Loss of personality ‘, ‘Inner emptiness ‘, ‘Depression ‘, and ‘Complete exhaustion ‘, provide a roadmap for recognizing and managing burnout. The need to combine the efforts of the organization’s management and personnel in managing emotional and professional burnout is emphasized. The proposed strategy of personnel development in the field of management of emotional and professional burnout. Proposed methods of psychological self-help for personnel are unchanged regardless of their functional, professional, or role affiliation. Among such methods are effective time management in professional and personal spheres; organization and redistribution of professional workload; quality rest and sleep; proactive, empathetic, and assertive communication; breathing practices; practicing self-training techniques to control the emotional and volitional sphere; development of critical, creative, and positive thinking; self-development and time for hobbies; attention to one’s health. Keywords: emotional burnout, professional burnout, conflicts, stress, personnel, methods of psychological self-help.

Meditation and Holistic Health in Humanistic Buddhism

Humanistic Buddhism emphasizes that Buddhism should be integrated into daily life. Meditation as a practical method can help practitioners cultivate inner peace, wisdom and compassion to better serve others. Through meditation, breathing and mindfulness practices, Zen practice can help people reduce anxiety and stress and improve their ability to manage emotions. Master Hsing Yun emphasized that Zen is the core of humanistic Buddhism. The so-called Humanistic Buddhism refers to the close integration of Buddhist teachings and practices with human daily life, making it an effective way to solve practical problems and improve the quality of life. Meditation is closely related to physical, mental and spiritual health. Through meditation, we can achieve harmony and health of body and mind, improve mental health and spiritual growth. In modern society, we should actively learn and practice meditation as a way of life and spiritual pursuit to achieve a higher level of life value and meaning.

Perception and practice of the eight limbs of yoga in yoga teachers: A cross-sectional descriptive study.

Yoga is an ancient wisdom that originated in India and encompasses eight limbs, including yama, niyama, asanas, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi. Despite its holistic nature, many studies on yoga tend to focus solely on its physical aspects, breathing practices, and meditation, neglecting other essential components. To address this gap, a study was conducted to determine the perception and practice of all eight limbs of yoga among yoga teachers. A self-designed questionnaire containing 28 items was used for assessing the knowledge, perception, and practice of the eight limbs of yoga among yoga teachers. A total of 37 yoga teachers participated in the study. Cross-tabulation was performed to analyze the data. The majority of participants (>80%) in this study on the practice of astanga yoga reported that all limbs of yoga were essential in their practice. However, there were varying degrees of emphasis placed on each limb. Pranayama (91.9%) and asana (89.2%) were given the most emphasis, while niyama (75.7%), yama (73%), pratyahara (70.3%), dhyana (70.3%), and dharana (64.9%) were given slightly less emphasis. Interestingly, those with more experience placed greater emphasis on various aspects of yoga. Practitioners should embrace all eight limbs of yoga when introducing it to new populations to increase access to yoga. This will help promote the benefits of yoga and make it more accessible to those who may benefit from it. Health professionals should have a comprehensive understanding of the holistic practice of yoga, including its ethics, postures, breath, mindfulness, and meditation, to promote its maximum benefits and avoid potentially harmful practices.

Effects of the Brief Simha Kriya Breathing Practice for Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, health care workers (HCWs) experienced increased anxiety, depression, loneliness, and other mental health issues. HCWs need additional resources to cope with the mental health impact of their work. Yoga techniques could be helpful strategies to manage different stressors during times of uncertainty. Methods: This prospective, single-arm, trial examined the effects of a brief pranayama yoga practice on the wellbeing of HCWs during the height of COVID-19. HCWs were recruited through announcements and institutional websites at a large major cancer center in the southern United States. A short, prerecorded, 5-min breathwork video intervention called "Simha Kriya" was provided to participants, and they were encouraged to practice one to two times daily for 4 weeks. Participants completed self-report instruments at baseline and weeks 1 and 4, including: (1) Perceived Stress Scale (PSS); (2) Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS); and (3) a questionnaire assessing the experience of COVID-19 among HCWs that had five subscales. HCWs also conducted a measure of breath holding time. Paired sample t-tests and mixed-effects analysis of variance models examined changes over time. Results: One hundred participants consented to the study, with 88 female, 60 white, 39 worked remotely, and 27 were clinical staff. Sixty-nine participants provided data at week 1 and 56 at week 4. Participants' adherence to the breathing exercises between weeks 1 and 4 was similar, with a mean of six times per week. At week 4, there were significant decreases in the COVID-19 Distress score (p < 0.0001) and COVID-19 Disruption (p = 0.013), yet no changes in the PSS. There were also significant increases in COVID-19 Stress Management (p = 0.0001) and BRCS scores (p = 0.012), but no changes in Perceived Benefits of COVID-19 and no changes in breath holding time. Discussion: Brief yoga-based breathing practices helped reduce pandemic-specific stress, improved resilience, and stress management skills in HCWs. Trial Registration Number: NCT04482647.

Interoceptive awareness mediated the effects of a 15-minute diaphragmatic breathing on empathy for pain: A randomized controlled trial.

Although empathy for pain plays an important role in positive interpersonal relationships and encourages engagement in prosocial behavior, it remains largely unknown whether empathy for pain could be effectively altered by psychophysiological techniques. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a single session of diaphragmatic breathing practice on empathy for pain and examine the potential mechanism involving interoceptive awareness. A total of 66 healthy participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group received a 15-minute diaphragmatic breathing (DB) practice with real-time biofeedback, while the control group was to gaze at a black screen at rest and not engaged in any other activities. Before and after the invention, all participants were instructed to evaluate the intensity and unpleasantness of empathy for pain while watching different pictures with pain or non-pain conditions. The Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) was then administered to measure interoceptive awareness. The results indicated a significant interaction between group and time with regard to empathy for pain and MAIA. The DB group showed a statistically significant decrease in both pain intensity and unpleasantness during the pain picture condition, as well as a noteworthy increase in MAIA scores. The control group did not demonstrate any substantial changes. More importantly, the regulation of attention, a dimension of MAIA, had a significant mediating effect on the impact of diaphragmatic breathing on reported unpleasantness. Diaphragmatic breathing could serve as a simple, convenient, and practical strategy to optimize human empathy for pain that warrants further investigation, which has important implications not only for individuals with impaired empathy for pain but also for the improvement of interoceptive awareness.

Cardiorespiratory Effects of Yogic Versus Slow Breathing in Individuals with a Spinal Cord Injury: An Exploratory Cohort Study.

Background: An intricate physiological and pathophysiological connection exists between the heart and lungs, which is especially important in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). While an exercise intervention may seem the best approach to leverage this relationship, the prior work has shown that, despite numerous health benefits, regular exercise training does not improve cardiorespiratory control in individuals with SCI. Breath training presents an alternative intervention that is uniquely accessible, with yogic breathing directly engaging linked fluctuations in respiration and cardiovascular control. In addition, there is evidence across a range of populations that regular yogic breathing reduces cardiovascular disease risk. It is possible that the chronic decrease in breathing frequency associated with regular yogic breathing, rather than the specific yogic breathing techniques themselves, is the primary contributor to the observed risk reduction. Methods: Therefore, in 12 individuals with traumatic SCI from C4 to T8, the authors compared Unpaced and conventional 0.083 Hz (Slow) paced breathing with various yogic breathing techniques including: (1) inspiratory-expiratory breath holds (i.e., Kumbhaka or "Box Breathing"), (2) extended exhalation (1:2 duty cycle), and (3) expiratory resistance via throat constriction (i.e., Ujjayi). Beat-to-beat heart rate and blood pressure were measured as well as end-tidal CO2 and O2 saturation were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using a one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance with post hoc pairwise t tests corrected for multiple comparisons. Results: As expected, all slow breathing patterns markedly increased respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) compared with Unpaced in all (n = 12) individuals. More importantly, Ujjayi breathing appeared to improve ventilatory efficiency over Unpaced breathing in individuals with SCI by increasing O2 saturation (97.6% vs. 96.1%; p = 0.042) and tended to decrease end-tidal CO2 (32 mmHg vs. 35 mmHg; p = 0.08). While other slow breathing patterns demonstrated similar effects, only Ujjayi improved RSA while increasing heart rate and improving ventilatory efficiency. Conclusions: Hence, slow breathing per se can result in important cardiorespiratory changes, but the yogic breathing practice of Ujjayi, with glottic throat resistance, may hold the greatest promise for improving cardiorespiratory control in individuals with SCI (CTR ID No. NCT05480618).

Breathing exercises influence on psychoemotional state in different age groups

The research aims to investigate the potential of employing breathing techniques to restore the psychological and emotional well-being of individuals who have been subjected to prolonged exposure to stress-inducing factors. The recognition of the public's demand for accessible mental health resources has led to the identification of the necessity to assess the efficacy of these interventions. Simultaneously, the matter of age disparities in the implementation of this approach is exposed. Due to the widespread adoption of breathing practices in Ukraine, it is imperative to provide recommendations that are grounded in empirical evidence. Methodology. The sample consisted of 514 individuals, categorised into four primary cohorts: high schoolers, young, young adults, and late adults. The groups were subdivided into equivalent subgroups based on their involvement in breathing practice. The authors utilised the POM-15 scale and the BBC Modified Scale of Subjective Well-being to evaluate psycho-emotional parameters. The statistical analysis employed multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Novelty. This study validates the beneficial impact of breathwork on mental health. Furthermore, the suitability of employing these methods for various age cohorts is assessed, taking into account the consistent lack of variation in the outcomes across different age groups. The importance of selecting specific breathwork methods tailored to the specific issues of the target audience is emphasised. Conclusion. The notable disparity in well-being levels between individuals who engage in regular breathing exercises and those who do not, suggests that this activity has the potential to enhance one's psycho-emotional state. No discrepancies were detected among the examined age cohorts. Breathing exercises are regarded as a cost-effective and non-intrusive approach to tending to the mental health of individuals across various age groups.

Heart rate and breathing effects on attention and memory (HeartBEAM): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial in older adults

BackgroundIn healthy people, the “fight-or-flight” sympathetic system is counterbalanced by the “rest-and-digest” parasympathetic system. As we grow older, the parasympathetic system declines as the sympathetic system becomes hyperactive. In our prior heart rate variability biofeedback and emotion regulation (HRV-ER) clinical trial, we found that increasing parasympathetic activity through daily practice of slow-paced breathing significantly decreased plasma amyloid-β (Aβ) in healthy younger and older adults. In healthy adults, higher plasma Aβ is associated with greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our primary goal of this trial is to reproduce and extend our initial findings regarding effects of slow-paced breathing on Aβ. Our secondary objectives are to examine the effects of daily slow-paced breathing on brain structure and the rate of learning.MethodsAdults aged 50–70 have been randomized to practice one of two breathing protocols twice daily for 9 weeks: (1) “slow-paced breathing condition” involving daily cognitive training followed by slow-paced breathing designed to maximize heart rate oscillations or (2) “random-paced breathing condition” involving daily cognitive training followed by random-paced breathing to avoid increasing heart rate oscillations. The primary outcomes are plasma Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels and plasma Aβ42/40 ratio. The secondary outcomes are brain perivascular space volume, hippocampal volume, and learning rates measured by cognitive training performance. Other pre-registered outcomes include plasma pTau-181/tTau ratio and urine Aβ42. Recruitment began in January 2023. Interventions are ongoing and will be completed by the end of 2023.DiscussionOur HRV-ER trial was groundbreaking in demonstrating that a behavioral intervention can reduce plasma Aβ levels relative to a randomized control group. We aim to reproduce these findings while testing effects on brain clearance pathways and cognition.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05602220. Registered on January 12, 2023.

Conceptual Study of Heart Disease and its Management: An Ayurvedic Perspective

Heart diseases have a large share amongst non-communicable diseases. India is currently heading towards becoming a heart disease capital of world. This puts a tremendous pressure on available resources of medical and surgical management. Thus, it would be a great asset if these diseases could be managed through traditional system of medicine like Ayurveda. According to latest data of American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease including heart attack and stroke remain the No. 1 killer of men and women causing 36 percent of all the deaths per year. Changes in diet pattern, dietary habits and lifestyle, certain social and environmental changes have led to us in the era of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, cardiac diseases and many more diseases. There are a number of drugs and medicinal preparations described in the texts of Ayurveda like Arjuna, Tagara, Haritaki, Tambula, Brahmi etc, having wonderful effects in CVD. Various techniques of Yoga, Pranayama (breathing practices), spiritual upliftment are having excellent preventive and therapeutic effects on anxiety, hypertension etc. which are main risk factors of heart disorders.

Effect of Yoga-based breathing practices on depression, anxiety, stress, and fear of COVID-19 positive hospitalized patients: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCOVID-19 infection has an impact on the mental state of patients and requires attention to mental health care. ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess the effect of Yoga-based breathing practices on the mental state of patients with COVID-19. Material and methodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted with63 patients (male=46) who were RT-PCR positive for COVID-19 and hospitalized with asymptomatic (RT-PCR positive but no symptoms), mild (febrile, body ache, pharyngitis, nonproductive cough), and moderate (SpO2< 92%) symptoms assigned in the yoga (n=32) and control group (n=31). The study was conducted at Atharva Multispecialty Hospital and Research Center, North India. The yoga group received Yoga-based breathing practices twice a day for ten days in addition to conventional care, and the control group was advised not to do the practice. The Depression Anxiety and Stress scale (DASS-21) and fear of COVID-19 were assessed at baseline and after 10 days. Repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was used to assess between and within subjects' effects. ResultsThe experimental group had better scores for depression, anxiety, stress, total DASS scores, and fear of COVID-19 (p<0.001) when compared with the control group. Within the group, analyses demonstrated improved scores in all domains in the yoga group (p<0.001) by the end of the intervention. In contrast, the control group improved only in stress scores (p=0.002), total DASS scores (p=0.012), and fear of COVID-19 (p=0.039). There are no adverse effects seen with Yoga-based breathing practices in these patients. ConclusionYoga-based breathing practices have been found to have positive impact on mental health among COVID-19-positive patients during hospitalization. Trial registry number ctriCTRI/2022/03/041071 Clinical Trials-Registry in India.

Yoga for Sports Performance

Yoga is an ancient art, harmonizing of development for the body, mind and spirit. Yoga includes its techniques, which are practiced to join body, mind and spirit together. In Sports, generally seen that sports persons get injured frequently due to improper flexibility, coordination as well as they do not get proper relaxation after their work-out. The present study was to observe the effect of selected yoga practices on sports performance. Review was done through electronic database-PubMed, Google scholar and various journals. It has been observed that yoga is a great tool for sports persons. Yoga practicing offers a number of physical, emotional and psychological benefits. An intelligent yoga practice may increase mental concentration and significantly reduce the level of stress and anxiety. Yoga practices are also observed most beneficial for eliminating stiffness, improving coordination and preventing injuries. Even through after the injuries occurring in the body, these can easily be cured by doing yoga practice. The stretching and breathing practices of yoga help the Sports person and athletes to improve their Sports performance and to maintain their body. A practice of different form of yoga significantly increases the physical, mental and emotional energy, which helped in better concentration and endurance. Moreover, Relaxation technique allows body and mind to recover from fatigue and weakness and had a significant impact on mind calmness.

Effect of yoga on cognitive function of hypertensive personnel in India’s Central Industrial Security Force

ABSTRACT Background: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) protects India’s strategic assets, a role burdened with stress that may affect cognitive functions in hypertensive personnel. This study investigates yoga’s potential to enhance cognitive abilities in these individuals. Methods: In our study, 88 male CISF personnel at the Indian Space Research Organisation, Bangalore, aged 25­60 years, were divided into yoga and control groups. The yoga group underwent a 3-month regimen, daily 1-h sessions for 5 days each week. These sessions included a combination of loosening exercises, breathing practices, asanas, pranayama, and relaxation techniques. Cognitive evaluations were performed using Psychological Experimental Building Language software, encompassing the digit span, Stroop task, and Tower of London tests. Results: Postintervention, the yoga group marginally improved in the digit forward task without significant difference (p = 0.12), while in the digit backward task, they showed a slight decline compared to the control group’s pronounced decrease (p = 0.03). In the Stroop task, across all conditions-reaction time for the congruent condition (RTC), neutral condition (RTN), and incongruent condition (RTI)-the yoga group demonstrated either stable or slightly increased reaction times. In contrast, the control group exhibited significant increases in reaction times across these conditions. Significant differences were observed across conditions (RTC: p &lt; 0.001, r = −0.67; RTN: p &lt; 0.001, r = −0.65; RTI: p &lt; 0.001, r = −0.70). Post-intervention, the yoga group demonstrated improved accuracy across all conditions: congruent (96%), incongruent (80%), and neutral (92%). Post-intervention, the yoga group significantly reduced their errors compared to the control group, as indicated by a notable decrease in error rate (p &lt; 0.001, r = -0.68). Postintervention, the yoga group exhibited enhanced planning abilities (p = 0.0038, r = −0.36). Conclusion: Our study highlights the potential of yoga-based interventions in boosting cognitive abilities among hypertensive members of India’s CISF. However, a deeper exploration is essential to comprehensively understand yoga’s cognitive impact.

Effects of residential Yoga therapy on blood pressure and body mass index in women with hypothyroidism and obesity: A retrospective study

Abstract Background: Hypothyroidism is a highly prevalent endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. Patients with hypothyroidism often develop obesity, which further increases the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Yoga has positive effects on hypothyroidism indices. Aim: This retrospective study evaluates the effects of a two-week residential Yoga intervention on blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) among women with hypothyroidism and obesity. Materials and methods: Data of 98 females with a clinical diagnosis of hypothyroidism and obesity, aged between 18 and 60 years, who received two weeks of residential Yoga intervention between 2013 and 2020 at Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, Bengaluru, India, was retrieved retrospectively. The residential Yoga intervention consisted of integrated Yoga sessions, breathing practices, devotional sessions, a simple and wholesome diet, and educational sessions every day. Data on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) were analyzed. Records of patients with cardiac disease, cardiorespiratory compensatory disease, hypertension, or patients on antihypertensive drugs were excluded. Results: There was a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and BMI at two weeks compared to baseline. Conclusion: A two-week residential Yoga intervention has a positive impact on blood pressure and BMI in women with hypothyroidism and obesity. Future randomized controlled trials with larger samples and long-term follow-ups are warranted.